Calgary (Rural Roots Canada) – The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) is investing up to $2.75 million over five years to help launch AgSphere, a national hub designed to advance agricultural innovation by connecting food, farming, and technology into a single collaborative ecosystem.
“AgSphere is about helping create a collaborative, connected and united agriculture ecosystem where innovation, ideas and new technologies can thrive,” said Brad Parry, President & CEO of Calgary Economic Development and the OCIF. “This investment strengthens our agriculture sector, drives economic growth and is another step forward in positioning Calgary as the innovation capital of Canada.”
Temporarily housed at Stampede Park, AgSphere will serve as a central hub for innovation and education. It will feature an event space, a national producer network, and a career platform to connect producers, startups, investors, and partners across Canada. Founding partners include AdFarm, the Calgary Stampede, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology, and the OCIF.
“Calgary and Alberta have deep roots in agriculture, and that legacy continues to drive innovation today,” said Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas. “As we experience a growing population, AgSphere will help innovators and entrepreneurs continue tackling global food and energy challenges with creative ‘made-in-Calgary’ solutions.”
AgSphere comes at a time when global demand for food and fuel is skyrocketing, and while Canada’s agriculture industry faces a growing labour shortage. The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council estimates the sector will be short more than 100,000 workers by 2030, a 15% increase since 2023. Its goal is to strengthen Canada’s competitiveness in global agri-food markets by fast-tracking the adoption of new technologies and attracting investment and talent.
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“On a global level, Canadian farms are already the very best at efficiency, leveraging technology, sustainability, and Canada’s brand is highly trusted for delivering quality and safety,” said Chris Paterson, Executive Director of AgSphere. “However, in a very competitive world, Canada needs to continue to build on that advantage and also become the global leader of ag and food innovation. That is the focus of AgSphere.”
Joel Cowley, CEO of the Calgary Stampede, said hosting AgSphere at Stampede Park reflects the organization’s century-long connection to agriculture and innovation. “The hub strengthens this impact by supporting training, education and pathways into Canada’s growing agribusiness sector, and highlights Canadian agriculture’s role on the world stage.”
AdFarm president Ben Graham said the timing couldn’t be better. “AgSphere is coming at a critical time, as farmers are looking for ways to enhance their operations,” said Graham. “We need initiatives like AgSphere so that this ecosystem can rise to the challenge of meeting farmers’ needs well into the future.”
Over the next five years, OCIF’s investment is expected to support 75 companies and train 450 individuals, including students and reskilled professionals. Todd Ormann, Vice President of External Relationships & Research at Olds College, said the initiative aligns closely with the college’s mandate.
“AgSphere is a natural fit for Olds College, building on our shared commitment to support best practices and innovation in the agriculture industry. Collaboration is our way forward to drive meaningful impact and future success,” said Ormann.
According to Statistics Canada, Alberta’s agribusiness sector contributed $13.5 billion to DP in 2024, employing more than 76,000 people. A recent Farm Credit Canada report suggests every dollar invested in agricultural knowledge yields an estimated $10 to $20 returns, underscoring the high-impact potential of OCIF’s support.
Photo Credit: Calgary Economic Development
