AgriTech Program

by | Jul 20, 2024 | Case Studies

The CHALLENGE 

The agricultural sector in Canada faces a significant skills gap, particularly in innovative areas like AgriTech. Canada imports a large portion of its fresh vegetables despite having the potential to grow much more domestically. This situation highlights the need to bridge the gap between agricultural production and domestic consumption.

Boreal Farms, a Canadian AgriTech enterprise, tackles this challenge head-on. They empower smallholder farmers by providing them with indoor farming systems and knowledge on regenerative farming practices, fostering a network of collaborative and sustainable agricultural production. Additionally, Boreal Farms actively engages with communities by offering workshops, events, and consultations. They’ve reached over 3,500 students and industry professionals, promoting awareness and understanding of AgriTech solutions.

However, despite Boreal Farms’ dedication, the challenge of bridging the skills gap and fostering widespread adoption of AgriTech practices persists.

The SOLUTION

STEM Minds has partnered with Boreal Farms, a Canadian AgriTech enterprise to bridge the skills gap and foster interest in AgriTech through a variety of programs:

  • SHSM Programs: Schools can integrate AgriTech learning opportunities into Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs, providing students with focused career preparation.
  • Indoor Farm Solutions in Classrooms: STEM Minds has partnered with Kidder to offer pre-fabricated, automated indoor garden kits developed by Boreal Farms. These kits come with teacher resources and lesson plans, allowing students to learn about hydroponics and sustainable food production in a hands-on way.
  • Free Community Nights: Boreal Farms hosts free community nights to raise public awareness about AgriTech and its role in local food security.
  • Hands-On Summer Camp: Students can participate in a summer camp offered at Boreal Farms, gaining practical experience with AgriTech and sustainable farming practices.
  • Employment and Networking: The program connects participants with potential employers and networking opportunities within the AgriTech sector.

The OUTCOME

The STEM Minds and Boreal Farms partnership offers a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges in the agricultural sector.

  • Increased Access to AgriTech Education: Schools and students gain access to engaging and informative AgriTech learning opportunities.
  • Practical Learning Experiences: Students can participate in hands-on activities like operating indoor farms and attending summer camps, fostering a deeper understanding of AgriTech concepts.
  • Community Engagement: Free community nights raise public awareness about sustainable food production methods and the importance of AgriTech.
  • Workforce Development: The program equips participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in AgriTech, promoting a more skilled and future-proof workforce.
  • Holistic Support: The program goes beyond technical skills, providing access to resources that promote overall well-being and career preparedness.

Other Case Studies

[dsm_blog_carousel include_categories=”1257″ use_pagi=”off” navi_position=”35%” left_navi_position=”-7%” right_navi_position=”-7%” navi_size=”35″ use_pagi_tablet=”off” use_pagi_phone=”off” use_pagi_last_edited=”on|phone” navi_position_tablet=”40%” navi_position_phone=”40%” navi_position_last_edited=”on|desktop” left_navi_position_tablet=”-7%” left_navi_position_phone=”-15%” left_navi_position_last_edited=”on|tablet” right_navi_position_tablet=”-7%” right_navi_position_phone=”-15%” right_navi_position_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][/dsm_blog_carousel]