Ecoation Innovative Solutions Inc. will receive up to $3.9 million through the AgriInnovate Program to develop a first-of-a-kind technology that reduces pesticide use and the loss of crops.

The company’s business model was to own maintain, transport and operate the robots in exchange for contract payments.

$1.8 million will be invested to support Vineland’s on-the-vine breeding program for greenhouse tomatoes.

While Canadian famers have traditionally relied heavily on federal government programs and subsidies to fund new technology, another avenue has emerged to support them: private equity investors and venture capitalists. 

Through the agreement, Bejo will access CRISPR-Cas9 intellectual property for genome editing for agricultural use, allowing research work and programs as well as potential future commercial applications.