Project Title:

Comox Valley Agri-food Innovation Strategy

Project Organization:

Comox Valley Economic Development Society

Project Investment:

  • Island Coastal Economic Trust: $30,000
  • Comox Valley Economic Development Strategy: $30,000
  • Total Budget: $60,000

Technology is impacting how almost every industry operates. However Canadian food producers have fallen behind global competitors when it comes to adoption (and adaption) to new and emerging technologies. As the region steadily specializes in agri-food and cuisine, the Comox Valley is playing a leadership role in supporting agri-food growth and innovation.
This project, a comprehensive Agriculture Sector, Agri-food and Seafood Innovation Strategy, will be a key component of the five-year Comox Valley Regional Economic Development Plan. The strategy will deliver research, analysis and recommendations surrounding potential areas of growth in the agri-food sector, as well as opportunities for innovation and emerging ag-tech, regulatory, trade and supply-chain management. Specific deliverables include policy and programming recommendations, strategies for domestic and international market development, and analysis of opportunities and challenges around agri-food innovation.
The completed strategy will serve as a long term Agri-Innovation Map for future development of the region’s agri-food sector. Anticipated outcomes include new initiatives to address local gaps in growth, investment, employment and succession planning. The strategy is expected to create new efficiencies at various points in the agri-food chain, and encourage younger farmers and more diverse groups to engage in the sector. Project completion is expected in March 2019.