In Coleville, Saskatchewan, Dean Roberts observed a large grey drone flying over his expansive 4,000-hectare farm, showcasing the DJI T100, the largest spray drone available in Canada. The drone, equipped with a 100-litre tank for pesticides, received approval from the federal government in June. During a demonstration filled with water, Roberts highlighted the potential benefits of using such technology on his farm, particularly for applying fungicides to combat leaf diseases in wet conditions.
Roberts emphasized the continuous technological advancements in farming, like drones, which have become essential for boosting crop output in the Prairie region. However, Canada lags in adopting agricultural technologies like drone spraying compared to countries such as the U.S., China, Brazil, Japan, and Australia.
Regulatory barriers have hindered the swift adoption of agricultural technology in Canada, according to Roberts. Issues such as red tape, infrastructure deficiencies, and labor shortages impede Canada’s ability to compete globally in the agri-food sector, leading to slower growth rates in exports compared to other nations.
The RBC analysis from February 2025 revealed that Canada had slipped in global food exports ranking, signaling a need for strategic improvements. Evan Fraser from the University of Guelph’s Arrell Food Institute highlighted the need for Canada to enhance its regulatory framework to facilitate faster adoption of new technologies in agriculture.
Roberts also mentioned challenges in transportation infrastructure for exporting crops, citing delays in railway services that impact timely grain shipments. Evan Shout, from Maverick Ag, echoed these concerns on infrastructure challenges and labor shortages faced by farmers, emphasizing the need for better coordination with federal decision-makers.
While Canada aims to boost its agri-food exports, Professor Jennifer Clapp from the University of Waterloo emphasized the importance of balancing export goals with sustainable agricultural practices. She suggested that Canada could position itself as a leader in eco-friendly agriculture to support global food security.
Fraser highlighted the potential for Canada to increase its agricultural output due to climate change impacts on global agriculture. He stressed the importance of preparing Canada as a prominent food producer, considering the changing agricultural landscape.
In conclusion, while Canada faces challenges in agricultural technology adoption, infrastructure, and labor availability, there is a collective call for strategic improvements to enhance the country’s position in global food trade and sustainability efforts.