UNB’s McKenna Institute announces investment in digital agriculture led by potato processor McCain Foods

The McKenna Institute at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) has announced a landmark CAD 3.75 million (USD 2.7 million) investment from a partnership led by McCain Foods and other New Brunswick institutions that will revolutionize digital agriculture, progress regenerative farming practices and minimize the impact of climate change on farmland.

Over the next five years, McCain Foods is committing CAD 2.76 million (USD 2 million) to create a project that imitates farming with regenerative agriculture practices, with the goal of increasing the uptake of more sustainable potato farming, globally.

This digital model will act as a simulation for farmers, showcasing the environmental and business impacts of regenerative agriculture. This investment aligns with McCain Foods’ commitment to implement regenerative agriculture across 100 per cent of its global potato acreage by 2030.

Announcement of investment in digital agriculture by the McKenna institute led by potato processor McCain Foods

Hon. Frank McKenna, founder of the McKenna Institute at UNB:

"This investment will go a long way in supporting the future of New Brunswick’s agricultural landscape. In this exciting partnership with McCain Foods, we look forward to enhancing research and innovation in the field of digital agriculture while exploring sustainable practices through digital solutions."

Adding to McCain Foods’ substantial contribution, ResearchNB, the Government of New Brunswick’s Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture & Fisheries, and the McKenna Institute are collectively contributing an additional CAD 990,000 (USD 718. This combined investment marks a pivotal step toward fostering a sustainable, resilient agricultural landscape. 

This investment will enhance agricultural research at UNB by creating a "digital twin" of McCain’s Farm of the Future in Florenceville, NB. This commercial-scale research farm demonstrates sustainable farming practices, producing positive results on crop yield and quality while prioritizing soil health, water use, biodiversity and climate resilience. Work at the Farm of the Future will reduce the carbon emissions associated with farming while bolstering the resiliency and productivity of the farm.

Max Koeune, President & CEO of McCain Foods:

"A key part of our effort to promote smart and sustainable farming is leveraging technology solutions to help us redefine the way we grow a potato. This cutting-edge digital farm model will help potato farmers worldwide adopt practices that help regenerate soils, improve water management and biodiversity, and ensure a resilient farming operation."

A Chair in Digital Agriculture at UNB will be established with $1.5 million of the contribution. The Chair will oversee a range of research initiatives that may include digital agriculture, crop simulation modeling, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), sensor data and Internet of Things (IoT) devices to support their initiatives.

Paul J. Mazerolle, President and Vice-Chancellor of UNB:

"We are pleased to partner with McCain Foods and the Government of New Brunswick on this substantial initiative. This investment will strengthen our research in digital agriculture and support our commitment to sustainability by developing practical solutions for the environment and the agricultural community."

Additionally, the investment will support various academic-led research projects in agricultural science, regenerative agriculture and smart farming practices, utilizing interactive analytics and digital twin technologies.

Margaret Johnson, Minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries:

"New Brunswick agriculture producers need resources to be well-positioned for the future. The Chair in Digital Agriculture will provide the right knowledge and technologies to help New Brunswickers in agriculture increase productivity while minimizing the impact on the environment."

Damon Goodwin, chief executive officer of ResearchNB:

"ResearchNB is pleased to contribute $500,000 in funding to support a new Chair in Digital Agriculture at UNB. Our province has long attracted top researchers in the agriculture and agri-food sector. We are thrilled to be part of a collaboration that will enhance this legacy through investments in digital agriculture."