The press release issued on Friday, April 5th, 2024, by Élisabeth Brière, MP for Sherbrooke and Parliamentary Secretary, on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Lawrence MacAuley, marked a significant step forward in the search for innovative solutions to the persistent labour challenges, such as shortage of skilled workers and high turnover rates, in the agriculture and agri-food sector.
The announcement underlined the government’s commitment to supporting local businesses and innovative initiatives to modernize and strengthen in Canada’s agri-food industry. This commitment is not only about addressing the labour challenges and promoting innovation but also about fostering economic growth and development in our local communities. It highlighted the crucial importance of public-private partnerships in promoting innovation and sustainable economic development, which will create jobs, attract investments, and stimulate economic activity in the agriculture and agri-food sector.
The selection of five projects, including Exonetik Inc., to receive substantial funding of up to $1 million each under Phase 2 of the Challenge component of the Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) program, is a testament to the government’s recognition of the pivotal role of technological solutions. These solutions, such as Exonetik’s teleoperable haptic robot arms, are instrumental in ensuring the competitiveness and sustainability of the agricultural sector. They not only address the labour challenges but also enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve the quality of agricultural products, instilling hope for a brighter future.
For us at Savoura, this initiative carries profound significance. Innovation and continuous improvement are the pillars of our mission, and the advancement of Exonetik’s haptic and telemanipulable robotic arm represents a significant leap in this direction. This transformative technology paves the way for a synergistic partnership between machines and humans, amplifying the efficiency and productivity of our operations. It also ignites a sense of hope about our capacity to surmount workforce challenges with the aid of technology.
We take immense pride in our role in supporting this visionary initiative, a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation and our shared vision of a brighter, more sustainable future for our company, partners, and community.
For more information, please consult the official press release on the Government of Canada website: