SFU sets Global Institute for Agritech in motion

In early November, SFU established its latest research institute, the Global Institute for Agritech (GIA), to seek innovative solutions for agricultural development and food security amid the climate crisis. The GIA aims to conduct cutting-edge research on innovative agritech solutions to foster a more resilient agricultural future. The GIA’s research includes the integration of technology like artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor plant health and enhance water usage. Specifically, the institute’s research aims to pioneer technologies that pave the way for more resilient and sustainable agricultural practices. Jim Mattsson, GIA associate director and SFU biological sciences professor, said the institute “provides research and expertise ranging from energy savings to robotics to precision breeding of local crops.” The GIA has 13 SFU researchers from across seven faculties and advisory council members from partnered universities and government on its team. This includes members from the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and First Nations relations advisor, Agrotek. The institute will also partner with Aga Khan University in Tanzania, Wageningen University & Research in The Netherlands, and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities, which is a global network of leading universities that brings together thought leaders, researchers, and policy-makers to create solutions to the challenges of the 21st century.