New Agricultural Robotics Centre
New Agricultural Robotics Centre to Be Established at The Grove at Western Fair.
Innovative Partnership Aims to Drive Agricultural Robotics, Automation and Commercialization.
London, Ontario – October 16, 2024 – The Grove at Western Fair is set to become home to the Agricultural Robotics Research and Training Centre, (ARTC), a groundbreaking initiative designed to advance agricultural robotics and automation through a unique partnership. The new ARTC will be the physical ecosystem hub of cutting-edge agricultural robotics innovation, research, training, and commercialization, designed to foster collaboration and support the innovation ecosystem of companies, agri-food industry and government stakeholders. The ARTC, through the AgRobotics Working Group, is funded in part by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), a five-year, $2.5 billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products centre.
The ARTC will serve as the headquarters for the AgRobotics Working Group (www.AgRoboticsWG.com), with Haggerty AgRobotics Company Inc. spearheading the operations centre and research infrastructure. It will feature a state-of-the-art farm research sandbox, where innovators can test, prototype, and develop the next generation of agri-tech solutions in real-world farming conditions. The facility will be used as a training ground for technicians, students, and entrepreneurs, as well as provide remote support and monitoring capabilities for start-up robotic companies, to support their adoption at farms and agri-businesses in the area.
"We are excited to support the development of the ARTC at The Grove," said Reg Ash, CEO of the Western Fair Association. "Our vision is to create a collaborative environment where farmers, researchers, ag-tech entrepreneurs and stakeholders can come together to drive the future of agriculture and food robotics and automation. This partnership exemplifies the power of a progressive agricultural society working hand-in-hand with private entities to coordinate resources to advance modern farming."
“The ARTC will not only support agricultural innovators and businesses from across Canada but will also engage leaders in the agri-food automation sector from around the world. By facilitating collaboration among industry experts, entrepreneurs, and academic institutions, the ARTC aims to accelerate the development and practical adoption of innovative, efficient, and scalable robotics solutions for the agricultural sector,” says Chuck Baresich, President of Haggerty AgRobotics Company Inc. Haggerty has been working with robotics suppliers from across Canada and the world, testing the robots in real farm conditions on the 2,000-acre innovation farm near Bothwell, Ontario and with cooperating farmers across Canada.
RHA Ventures Inc. will lead the commercialization efforts through the ARTC's dedicated commercialization hub, providing strategic guidance and support for startups and emerging technologies that have the potential to transform agriculture. “We have invested in a number of exciting robotics and ag-tech companies including Haggerty AgRobotics, Harvest Corp, SkyDeploy, Real Life Robotics and Intelliculture,” says Joe Dales, Founding Partner of RHA Ventures. By helping innovative companies raise investment and gain market access, RHA Ventures will ensure that the ARTC becomes a catalyst for job creation and economic activity.
The Agrobotics Working Group is already headquartered at The Grove at Western Fair District and the ARTC at The Grove will provide facilities to continue its ongoing programs and workshops. The new facilities will add a robotics laboratory and workshop, business centre, and training facilities. Western Fair Association, as Manager for the AgRobotics Working Group, will also provide oversight for the ARTC and its operations.
The new initiative will also provide opportunities for hands-on education and workforce development, ensuring the next generation of Canadian farmers, agri-tech professionals and students are well-equipped to embrace and lead the shift toward automation and robotics in agriculture.
For more information about the Agricultural Robotics Research and Training Centre or to learn about membership opportunities, please visit www.AgRoboticsWG.com
Media Contact:
Chuck Baresich
President, Haggerty AgRobotics Company Inc.
chuckb@haggertyagrobotics.com
519 350-1580
About the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a five‐year (2023-2028), $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and $2.5 billion in cost-shared programs and activities by federal, provincial and territorial governments.
About The Grove at Western Fair
The Grove at Western Fair is a vibrant innovation facility for agri-food businesses and innovators, providing a collaborative workspace for companies of all sizes to grow and thrive in the growing agri-food sector. The Western Fair Association is a community-based agriculture society that manages a wide range of operations including agri-food trade shows like the Farm Show and National Poultry Show.
About the AgRobotics Working Group
The AgRobotics Working Group is a growing membership-driven association dedicated to advancing the agricultural robotics and automation ecosystem through research, collaboration, knowledge sharing, practical infield testing and commercialization. It is a founding partner in the new ARTC, driving commercialization and adoption of innovative agricultural technologies.
About Haggerty AgRobotics
Haggerty AgRobotics specializes in developing and deploying robotic solutions tailored for the agricultural sector. With a focus on improving productivity and sustainability, they are responsible for the operational management of the farm research sandbox at the ARTC.
About RHA Ventures Inc.
RHA Ventures is a dynamic investment firm focused on commercialization and growth in the agri-tech and innovation sectors. Based in offices at The Grove at Western Fair, RHA has a portfolio of over 30 companies and supports them with more than 12 senior team members who assist in commercialization efforts to grow the businesses.
