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Venture capital for food-tech Innovation is shifting flow, report finds. The Canadian Food Innovation Network today released its report covering the nation's food-tech ecosystem. Across the first half of 2026, nearly 50 fundraising events have generated more than $60M in capital for food-tech companies nationwide. British Columbia saw the biggest raise of the second quarter by far. In March, Vancouver-based agtech company Miraterra raised $16 million in an oversubscribed funding round led by At One Ventures with participation from Farm Credit Canada, S2G Investments, the Sitka Foundation, and iSelect. Miraterra is building what it describes as a full-stack measurement platform for soil, combining spectroscopy, genomics, and machine learning to generate more comprehensive environmental data. The startup's proprietary "Digitizer" device integrates Raman spectroscopy and AI to analyze soil and food, aiming to improve how agricultural systems are measured and managed. Miraterra's sizeable round accounted for roughly half of all fundraising secured by Canadian food-techs during the second quarter of 2026. The company's big raise reflects a broader shift in food-tech, suggests CFIN's report. Over the past decade, the sector was dominated by consumer-facing apps, meal kits, and restaurant software; these categories of company are no longer raising capital, at least in Canada. Lately, capital has been flowing into areas like advanced manufacturing, food traceability technologies, and next-gen ingredient innovations, according to the report, with more than 90% of financing earmarked for these categories. In particular, recent developments in food automation could see a first-of-its-kind autonomous factory in Canada. Earlier this month, CFIN awarded more than $700,000 to eight food-tech projects through its Innovation Booster Program, including BC-based FabriSight Solutions.

FCC supports mental health in the ag community. July 16, 2026 Farm Credit Canada (FCC) and the Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing (CCAW) has renewed its partnership to sustain and expand the National Farmer Wellness Network (NFWN) Crisis Line, 1-866-FARMS01 (1-866-327-6701). The renewed investment of $1.8 million over three years ($600,000 annually) will allow the program to continue providing tailored, no-cost mental health and crisis support to Canada's farmers, farm families, and agricultural workers. Since launching in February 2025, the National Farmer Wellness Network Crisis Line has connected agricultural workers across Canada with licensed mental health professionals trained through the Canadian Agricultural Literacy Program (CALP), specialists who understand the unique pressures of farming life. The renewal ensures that this vital service continues uninterrupted. Farming remains one of Canada's most demanding occupations. Financial volatility, geographic isolation, unpredictable weather, and the emotional weight of caring for land and livestock create compounding mental health pressures that general support services are often ill-equipped to address. The NFWN Crisis Line was built specifically to meet farmers where they are, and this renewed commitment ensures it will keep doing so. "The response to the National Farmer Wellness Network Crisis Line since its launch has confirmed what we always knew, there is a deep and urgent need for mental health support that speaks the language of farming," says Dr. Briana Hagen, CEO and lead scientist, Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing FCC's renewed investment means The Grower can continue building on this foundation, reaching more farmers and agricultural workers who need immediate, culturally informed support. This partnership is about more than a phone line; it's about ensuring Canada's agricultural community knows it is seen, valued, and never alone." "Farming and ranching asks a lot of people. Behind every operation are individuals and families managing uncertainty, long hours and immense responsibility. That's why FCC is proud to continue its support to the National Farmer Wellness Network so farmers and farm families have access to trusted mental health support from professionals who understand the unique realities of agriculture, whenever they need it," said Justine Hendricks, president and CEO, FCC.

AFPA wraps up a successful Calgary Stampede 2026. The Alberta Food Processors Association (AFPA) is proud to reflect on an incredible 10 days at the 2026 Calgary Stampede. It was an honour to once again be part of one of Alberta's most celebrated events while showcasing the innovation, quality, and strength of our province's food and beverage manufacturing sector. This year, AFPA The Alberta Food Processors Association (AFPA) is proud to reflect on an incredible 10 days at the 2026 Calgary Stampede. It was an honour to once again be part of one of Alberta's most celebrated events while showcasing the innovation, quality, and strength of our province's food and beverage manufacturing sector. This year, AFPA was excited to host the Made in Alberta booth in the BMO Centre, where eight Alberta food and beverage companies showcased and sold their products while connecting with thousands of consumers from Alberta, across Canada, and around the world. The booth provided an outstanding opportunity to introduce visitors to the incredible products being made right here in Alberta and to encourage support for local businesses. AFPA was also proud to partner with Farm Credit Canada (FCC) and the Calgary International Ag Committee on the Made in Alberta Box as part of the Let's Grow Canada initiative. The boxes featured a selection of Alberta-made products that were sampled by attendees, highlighting the quality and diversity of our food and beverage sector. In addition, Alberta-made products were once again featured in the Made in Alberta International Ag Lounge in the Nutrien Centre, giving national and international guests another opportunity to experience the best of Alberta. Beyond showcasing products, AFPA spent the 10 days actively engaging with government, industry leaders, and partners to ensure Alberta's food and beverage manufacturing sector remained front and centre in conversations about the future of our industry. Our team attended numerous meetings and events with Alberta's Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Tara Sawyer, elected officials, industry leaders, and stakeholders from across the country. AFPA was also proud to attend and participate in the official unveiling of Alberta's new Whisky Label, celebrating another important milestone for Alberta-made products and recognizing the continued growth and success of Alberta's world-class distilling industry. Our team also participated in the Alberta NDP Agriculture Roundtable, attended the Taste of Western Canada event with the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service and government ministers, and took part in many other industry, networking, and policy events throughout Stampede. We would like to thank Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, for taking the time to meet privately with the AFPA team. The meeting provided an important opportunity to discuss the priorities of Alberta's food and beverage processors and reinforce the critical role our sector plays in Canada's economy and food security. Throughout the week, AFPA advocated on behalf of Alberta's food and beverage manufacturers on key issues including trade and tariffs, workforce development, regulatory modernization, investment, funding opportunities, market access, and long-term food security. These direct conversations with government leaders continue to ensure Alberta processors have a strong voice at decision-making tables while advancing practical, achievable solutions that help businesses grow, invest, create jobs, and remain competitive. As Canada's largest manufacturing industry, food and beverage processing is essential to building a strong, resilient economy. Calgary Stampede provided an exceptional opportunity to strengthen relationships, celebrate Alberta-made success stories, and demonstrate how Alberta food and beverage companies can continue to be part of the solution to feeding Canada and the world. Thank you to our members, partners, exhibitors, volunteers, and everyone who visited the Made in Alberta booth or participated in our events throughout the week. Your support helps showcase the incredible companies and products that make Alberta's food and beverage manufacturing sector one of the strongest in the country. We look forward to building on the momentum from Calgary Stampede 2026 as we continue working to grow, protect, and connect Alberta's food and beverage manufacturing industry. Alberta Food Processors Association 5123 Marian Road NE Calgary, AB T2A 2Y1 Food Safety Workplace Safety