Canada invests $15 million in genomics and AI to strengthen plant-based export potential

Canada is directing C$15 million (US$11 million) toward genomics and artificial intelligence projects intended to improve crop development and processing efficiency across its plant-based agriculture sector. The move is part of a national strategy to expand the country’s footprint in global ingredient markets by enhancing the resilience and competitiveness of its food supply chain.

The funding, administered by Protein Industries Canada, will target development of higher-performing pulse and cereal crop varieties and deploy AI tools for optimizing supply chains, quality control, and product formulation. Canadian officials say the dual-technology approach aims to align crop breeding with global processing requirements, helping companies scale for export.

Of the total, C$7 million is allocated to genomics research focused on commercializing new crop varieties suited to industrial processing needs. The additional C$8 million will fund artificial intelligence applications such as predictive breeding, farm-level data analysis, traceability systems, and food safety automation.

“These initiatives aim to improve productivity across the agricultural value chain—from seed development to ingredient manufacturing,” said Robert Hunter, CEO of Protein Industries Canada, one of five federally supported Global Innovation Clusters. “Investments in AI and genomics are expected to strengthen the technical capabilities of Canadian agrifood companies and support their growth in international markets.”

Canada is a major exporter of pulse crops—including lentils, peas, and chickpeas—particularly to markets in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. By improving genetics and processing capabilities, the government aims to position domestic producers as more competitive suppliers of plant-based proteins and specialty ingredients, a segment expected to grow in global value over the next decade.

Officials noted that improved crop traits and digitized supply chains could help Canadian firms meet stricter import standards and traceability demands in key markets, including the European Union and the United States. Enhanced food safety protocols and AI-enabled quality assurance are also expected to support regulatory compliance and customer transparency.

Companies applying for funding must form consortiums and submit proposals through a two-stage review process. Both genomics and AI streams are open for continual intake, with preliminary consultations required prior to formal submission.

The investment forms part of Canada’s broader strategy to capitalize on a projected C$25 billion opportunity in the plant-based ingredient and food processing sectors. Protein Industries Canada has led multiple initiatives aimed at scaling domestic processing capacity and integrating innovation across the supply chain.