Ukko Agro to launch first Anthracnose and Ascochyta blight predictive AI technology models for lentils
Toronto, ON, November 28, 2024
Today marks a significant milestone in Canada’s agriculture sector as a consortium of leading partners announces a groundbreaking solution aimed at revolutionizing lentil crop management. Supported by Protein Industries Canada, Hawk’s Agro, and Three Farmers, Ukko Agro will introduce in spring 2025 the first phase of their innovative in-field platform powered by artificial intelligence technology, designed to predict anthracnose and Ascochyta blight — two major diseases affecting lentil crops.
The project will leverage Ukko Agro’s ForeSite platform to commercialize the phase one AI technology, which will be available to Western Canadian retailers, agronomists, and farmers in 2025. Developed in Western Canada, and enabling Western Canadian stakeholders to make informed decisions based on data-driven insights, the technology is poised to elevate the sustainability and productivity of the sector, ultimately contributing to a more robust ingredient supply chain.
Powered by machine learning, ForeSite™ is a leading Field Adaptive and Integrated Modeling (F.A.I.M.) system designed for agriculture. ForeSite provides retailers, agronomists and farmers with field-specific staging and disease information well in advance, up to 14 days. This information assists farmers in determining the optimal timing and locations for applying high-value fungicides. By utilizing advanced digital data gathering, proprietary algorithms, and modeling, the platform aims to reduce risk and help farmers maximize their returns on input investments.
Representatives from Ukko Agro, Hawk’s Agro, and Three Farmers expressed their excitement about the project, underscoring the transformative potential of predictive modeling in enhancing agronomic decisions, improving efficiency, and driving sustainable practices in crop cultivation. The collaborative effort reflects a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and growth within Canada’s agriculture industry.
Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) supported the project through in-kind contributions, including agronomic support and enabling Ukko Agro to leverage an established network of agricultural research organizations in Saskatchewan.
Avi Bhargava, Co-founder and CEO of Ukko Agro commented: “We are proud to announce that our team is driving innovation forward by addressing the unique needs of successful lentil crop production in Western Canada. By deeply understanding local agricultural needs and collaborating with industry leaders, we are developing innovative, simple, and user-friendly solutions backed by comprehensive data sets that reflect the heart of the region’s lentil-growing areas. This homegrown technology not only simplifies the process for growers but also solidifies Canada’s leadership in the global lentil market.”
“A robust and strengthened food chain starts with a robust and strengthened crop supply. The ability to detect and account for crop diseases earlier gives our ingredient processors access to a more consistent supply of feedstock, helping them develop the protein-rich, highly functional ingredients that food manufacturers across the country are looking for,” Protein Industries Canada Senior Director of Programs Lisa Campbell said.
“We are incredibly excited to have this model commercially available for 2025. Being involved in the ground truthing and data collection phase of the project has shown us what the tool can do, and we are excited to be able to use it on a larger scale. These models allow us to work with our growers to make more informed decisions to drive production and profitability on the farm,” Hawks Agro Director of Agronomy Dallas Funke said.
With a total investment of $2.6 million, Protein Industries Canada’s support of $1.2 million underscores the government’s commitment to advancing artificial intelligence initiatives across various sectors. The organization’s artificial intelligence stream, funded as part of the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy, aims to drive the adoption of AI technologies, optimizing processes, and enhancing the functionality, taste, and nutritional profiles of Canada’s plant-based food, feed, and ingredients.
The consortium of partners will continue developing the solution in 2025 for full phase two release in 2026.
About Ukko Agro
Ukko Agro is an applied science and software company specializing in weather driven predictive analytics. Powered by machine learning, Ukko Agro’s proprietary platform, ForeSite™, is a leading Field Adaptive and Integrated Modelling (F.A.I.M.) system designed for agriculture.
About Protein Industries Canada:
Protein Industries Canada is one of Canada’s five Global Innovation Clusters. Protein Industries Canada and our members are working to embrace the $25 billion opportunity presented by Canada’s ingredient manufacturing, food processing and bio-product sector. Since its inception, Protein Industries Canada has invested in 72 projects and along with partners has inserted close to $600 million into Canada’s ingredient manufacturing and food processing ecosystem.
About Hawk’s Agro
Committed to building strong relationships and providing exceptional service, Hawk’s Agro, a JGL Company, offers a range of products, services, and expertise to support growers across Southern Saskatchewan.
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