B.C. Agritech Momentum

Key Points

What drives global interest in B.C. agritech? A powerful mix of innovation and real world results.

British Columbia (B.C.) companies like Windset Farms show how technology and agriculture can scale together.

• Windset Farms uses advanced greenhouse systems in B.C. and the U.S. to supply premium produce year round.
• New B.C. agritech projects include smart farming systems, drought resilient training and robotic weeding programs that strengthen food security and workforce skills.
• B.C. offers strong advantages for investors, including a tech rich ecosystem, government support and partnerships that accelerate commercialization in sustainable agriculture.

Windset Farms is a leading example of British Columbia’s agritech excellence. Headquartered in the fertile Fraser Valley on Canada’s West Coast, the company operates advanced greenhouses in Delta, B.C. as well as Santa Maria, California and an extensive partner grower network in Canada and Mexico. Windset Farms supplies customers with nutrient rich produce year round. Recently installed LED light technology now allows Windset to grow produce year round at it’s Delta facility, providing fresh produce every day of the year for the surrounding communities. Each year, the company packs and ships large volumes of premium tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and specialty produce across North America and to global markets.

Trade and Invest BC has supported Windset Farms for many years. The company has joined B.C. delegations at major international trade shows, including Foodex Japan, HOFEX, Greentech Amsterdam and Asia Fruit Logistica. These events help showcase B.C.’s agritech capabilities and connect local innovators with buyers and investors worldwide.

Smart Farming Innovation in the Fraser Valley

Windset Farms is now advancing a new smart farming project in Delta. The initiative is supported by the B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation, known as BCCAI. The project uses sensors, data analytics and machine learning to automate decision making in greenhouse environments. The goal is to improve crop management and strengthen food security for British Columbians.

The system monitors plant stress and supports efficient greenhouse operations. It aims to optimize climate control, nutrient uptake and early disease detection in hydroponic tomatoes. These improvements help reduce resource use and support consistent production of high quality produce.

Windset Farms is working with Simon Fraser University (SFU), Koidra, Vivent Biosignals and Wageningen University and Research (WUR)in the Netherlands. The collaboration builds on a 2023 agreement between SFU and WUR to advance research on sustainable agriculture and climate resilience.

Training Programs Strengthen the Agritech Workforce

Two new training programs are expanding the talent pipeline for B.C.’s agritech sector. Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is developing a program focused on dry farming. This method uses agro ecological practices to grow crops with little or no additional water. The training will help farmers adopt drought resilient production systems. It is supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food’s Regional Extension Program, KPU’s Institute for Sustainable Food Systems, local farmers and industry groups.

The University of the Fraser Valley is launching a program that demonstrates robotic weeding technology. Weeds reduce productivity by competing for moisture, nutrients and sunlight. Robotic systems help reduce labour needs and minimize herbicide use. The program trains farmers and students on how to use these technologies and highlights career opportunities in agricultural robotics.

Together, the three new projects represent an investment of approximately $658,000. They will provide advanced training for more than 350 people in areas such as horticulture, regenerative agriculture, data management and agri business management.

Why B.C. Agritech Offers Strong Opportunities for Investors and Buyers

B.C. offers a competitive environment for agritech investment. Key advantages include:

• A strong technology sector with expertise in AI, data science and automation
• A diverse agricultural base that supports real world testing and commercialization
• Government programs that reduce risk and accelerate innovation
• Access to major North American and Asia Pacific markets
• A collaborative ecosystem that links universities, industry and government

Companies like Windset Farms demonstrate how these strengths translate into global competitiveness. Their smart farming project shows how B.C. innovation can improve productivity, reduce resource use and support stable food supplies.

B.C. Agritech: A Sector Built for Global Growth

British Columbia is emerging as a global hub for agritech. The province combines strong technology expertise with a long history of diverse agricultural production. This creates ideal conditions for innovation in controlled environment agriculture, robotics, data driven crop management and climate resilient farming.

The provincial government’s Look West strategy supports this growth. The goal is to connect innovators with industry partners and accelerate commercialization. It also focuses on building a skilled workforce to support long term sector expansion.

BCCAI, which received $6.5 million from the Government of B.C., plays a central role in this ecosystem. Since 2022, it has supported dozens of projects, created jobs and helped bring new products and services to market. Its mandate is to help small and medium sized companies adopt technology, reduce risk and scale solutions that address food security and climate challenges.

A Growing Sector Ready for Global Partnerships

British Columbia is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable agriculture and advanced food production. With strong government support, world class research partners and a growing network of agritech companies, the province offers significant opportunities for international investors and buyers.

Windset Farms and many other B.C. innovators are ready to collaborate, scale and deliver solutions that support global food security and climate resilience.

Contact Trade and Invest BC to learn more about the advantages and business opportunities in B.C.’s agritech sector.