British Columbia farmers are turning to automation and robotics to address labour shortages, improve efficiency, and strengthen local food security through a new round of provincial funding.
The B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program supports projects that modernize labour-intensive processes and help farms grow, harvest, pack, and store food more effectively. The initiative funds the adoption of technologies designed to increase production, efficiency, and competitiveness across the province’s agriculture sector.
Applications for the current intake are open from February 24 until April 6, 2026.
Farmers can use funding to purchase equipment and robotics capable of operating independently and adapting to their environment. Eligible technologies include autonomous robotic arms for packing, stacking, and wrapping; precision machines for planting seeds and plant material; and automated harvesters designed to gather crops more efficiently.
“This program is helping farmers in British Columbia adopt new technologies that directly address the unique challenges they are facing,” said Heath MacDonald, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “By providing access to innovative and practical solutions, our governments are ensuring that farmers have the tools they need to stay efficient and competitive.”
Lana Popham, B.C. Minister of Agriculture and Food, said farmers and producers throughout the province are embracing cutting-edge technology to grow food more sustainably.
“This program helps these innovators adopt agritech so they can work more efficiently, stay competitive and strengthen local food systems and economies,” she said.
The program has already supported farms implementing labour-saving technologies.
In Chilliwack, Northland Farms invested in an automated radish harvester that removes radishes from the soil, cuts the tops, and places them into bins, reducing manual labour and supporting business expansion.
“At Northland Farms, we believe the future of food is local, fresh all year round,” said Jordan Voorhorst, farm manager. “By moving beyond costly and repetitive hand harvesting, the state-of-the-art technology supported by this program is ushering in a new era of agricultural innovation for our farm and the sector.”
In Summerland, Laughing Coyote Orchards Ltd. received support to purchase an autonomous vehicle equipped with a mower. The Burro manages orchard mowing throughout the growing season and transports materials, reducing manual labour demands.
“We’re thrilled to add a Burro Grande to the orchard this season. It was made possible by the program’s funding,” said Joel Carter, owner and operator of Laughing Coyote Orchards Ltd. “We are hoping to save significant fuel and labour during the apple and cherry seasons, while getting comfortable with the latest autonomous tech.”
The program is delivered through the Integrated Marketplace initiative by Innovate BC and funded through the $3.5-billion Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal, provincial, and territorial investment aimed at strengthening competitiveness, innovation, and resilience in Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector.
“Farmers across the province are navigating rising costs, labour pressures, and the need to do more with less,” said Peter Cowan, President and CEO of Innovate BC. “The B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program helps them address those challenges by lowering barriers to adopting new technologies that can improve productivity and efficiency in their operations.”
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