Grant: Technology Access Centre

Building on thirty years of applied research in agriculture, coupled with a strategy to improve the competitive advantage of Small Medium Enterprises in southern Alberta, Lethbridge College proposes to establish the Integrated Agriculture Technology Centre (IATC). Agriculture is one of the largest sectors in the Lethbridge region, with more than 900 farms and more than 120 established agri-food processing businesses. Numerous challenges threaten the long-term growth and sustainability of this sector, including consumer and regulatory pressure to minimize environmental impact and water usage. Thus, there is a growing need for innovative technologies to help the agricultural industry stay competitive and environmentally sound amidst shrinking profit margins. The IATC will connect agricultural businesses with innovative technologies and capabilities that are essential for the health of the regional economy. Based on Lethbridge Colleges core areas of expertise in Aquaculture, Crop Production, and Wet Processing, the proposed centre will enable and accelerate Ag-tech, greenhouse, aquaculture, food processors, and largescale crop producers through access to expert consultants, customised services, specialised equipment and facilities, and unique technologies. The three valuable service streams of Applied Research and Development; Technical and Consulting; and Training and Education will meet the needs of local industry. The IATC also brings together proven multi-disciplinary research experience, skilled students, state-of-the-art facilities, and an extensive innovation ecosystem to benefit Canadas integrated agriculture industry.