Adopting artificial intelligence across the agri-food sector requires a coordinated integration, otherwise Canada risks falling behind in both productivity and market competitiveness.
This conclusion from Dr. Rozita Dara, professor and Research Impact Leadership Chair, co-director of AI4Food, is outlined in a new report, “AI 4 Food: Artificial Intelligence for a Thriving Agri-Food Ecosystem in Canada.”
The report is the culmination of a three-part national dialogue series that brought together academics, government, industry and producers. At issue was Canada’s positioning for AI implementation in agriculture and food systems, food safety and data sovereignty.
The use of AI and other data-driven technologies in all sectors is rapidly growing. “Food systems cannot be an exception,” Dara says.
AI systems complex, require thoughtful adoption
Canada has strong foundations in AI research, agricultural science, regulatory infrastructure and public trust in its food system, the report says.
Yet, AI technology innovation and adoption across the agri-food sector remains uneven and fragmented. Some AI applications are emerging across production, processing and food safety; however, their impact remains constrained by limited interoperability, unclear data governance and ongoing privacy and cybersecurity concerns, the report says.
“The complex nature of AI systems can make it difficult to understand how decisions are made,” Dara says. “This can lead to concerns about transparency and accountability, especially if mistakes occur or harmful results are obtained.”
The Canadian agri-food system is an inherently complex ecosystem of diverse data sources, evolving technologies, and multifaceted processes. It includes a large network of small-scale growers, Indigenous communities, multinational processors, retailers and exporters across all commodity types. Managing this sector requires navigating a fragmented landscape of stakeholders that spans federal, provincial and municipal governments, as well as private, non-profit and regulatory entities.
Without a coordinated approach to integrating AI at the agri-food system level, duplication, inefficiencies and siloed efforts can, and have already begun.
Recommendations from the dialogues include developing AI and data strategies, strengthening governance, policy and trust frameworks, advancing workforce skills and aligning public and private investment. The report provides a practical and actionable roadmap for this to occur.
‘Crucial time’ to be thinking about AI
It is a crucial time to get people thinking about AI in primary agriculture, food production, food safety and responsible use, Dara says. As Canada awaits a new federal AI strategy, integration is happening at a rapid pace.
At the farm level, AI is increasingly used to monitor crop health and predict disease outbreaks before they compromise yields.
Similarly, further down the supply chain, AI-driven technologies are becoming more common as tools for monitoring, predicting and preventing food safety issues. Some predictive models and smart sensors are able to forecast issues, allowing for preventative measures that save time and resources and elude spoilage and contamination.
Data from farms, supply chains and consumers is being collected in large swaths and there are questions to be answered about who will have access to it, who controls it and how it is used.
“It is important to raise awareness to ensure these systems are used responsibly, ethically and transparently,” Dara says, which also includes avoiding displacing people from their jobs and lessening the environmental impact of energy-intensive AI systems.
Public understanding can help build trust, encourage responsible development and equip consumers, producers and policymakers to make informed decisions, she says.
“AI is no longer just an emerging tool for the future of farming and food. It is the new baseline for survival in the global food economy,” Dara says.
Despite these high stakes, she sees a clear path forward for Canada. “Overall, we are cautiously optimistic. There is a strong collaborative mindset in Canadian agri-food, a recognition that a rising tide lifts all boats, which is a distinct Canadian advantage.”
Dara is available for interviews.
Contact:
Dr. Rozita Dara
drozita@uoguelph.ca