Small food processors could get help with new digital technologies.   Ottawa—The federal budget offers little of significance for advancing research and development in the farm and food sectors, says the Agri-Food Innovation Council. “While the budget has a few interesting measures, it is a step back compared to previous budgets” when the government made significant commitments to support agri-food research and innovation, AIC said in a statement. “Although the budget provides measures to support technological innovation in agriculture and support to farmers, there is relatively little new funding geared toward agrifood research,” it said. The key measure this year is the incremental investment of $7.2 billion over seven years in the Sector Innovation Fund. “That's a welcome news as it has previously funded agri-food projects. We also note that $400 million was given to Genome Canada for a Pan-Canadian Genomics Canada. That is also significant and will also have an impact. Thanks to Genome Canada's leadership, a number of significant agrifood projects became successful. This additional investment could certainly pave the way for an increased impact.” One lesson the budget provides is that “when it comes to agri-food research and innovation, we need to look away from Agriculture Canada – mainly to Industry, Science and Economic Development,” AIC said. While that department's current focus is on vaccine production, “food production is essential and the whole food system continues to require attention. “While agrifood was promoted in the past few years and rightfully so as an engine of economic development – that no longer seems to be the case,” it said. “This highlights the case for the need to have a coordinated effort in policy development as it relates to agrifood.” Food processors should benefit from a program to help small ad medium-sized businesses adopt new digital technologies. Some businesses will require more comprehensive support to adopt new technology through an “off-main street” category which will include small manufacturing and food processing operations. “Support for these businesses will emphasize advisory expertise for technology planning and financing options needed to put these technologies to use.” The budget provides an $90.2 million, 11-year program to maintain Canada's capacity to collect and use important data from earth observation satellites. The program will enable the replacement and expansion critical but aging ground-based infrastructure to receive satellite data. The Canadian Space Agency will receive $9.9 million over two years to plan for the next generation of Earth observation satellites. “Earth observation satellites support critical services including but not limited to supporting innovation across sectors, including energy and agriculture.” Alex Binkley is a freelance journalist and writes for domestic and international publications about agriculture, food and transportation issues. He's also the author of two science fiction novels with more in the works.