The McKenna Institute at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) is a recipient of a $500,000 investment from Farm Credit Canada (FCC) to support the advancement of digital agriculture at UNB.
Photo caption from left: David Brennan, Manager of Business Development, FCC; Josee Dunphy, Assistant Deputy Minister, GNB DAAF; Sanjeev Seahra, Dean of Science, UNB; Melissa O'Rourke, Associate Executive Director, McKenna Institute; Chris Dickie, Director of Strategic Priorities, Research NB; Michelle D'Souza, Research and Innovation Manager, McCain Foods; Mike Reithmeier, Strategic Program Director, McKenna Institute.
This significant investment will support the establishment of a new Chair in Digital Agriculture, an academic leadership role dedicated to advancing research and innovation in smart farming technologies. The Chair will be uniquely positioned to lead pioneering, interdisciplinary research that supports farmers and agri-businesses locally, nationally and globally. By focusing on technological innovation, economic development, environmental stewardship and talent development, this initiative will help position New Brunswick as a hub for sustainable, data-driven agriculture.
"This investment from FCC is a powerful vote of confidence in the future of New Brunswick's agricultural sector," said Hon. Frank McKenna, founder of the McKenna Institute at UNB. "With FCC's support, we're accelerating research and innovation in digital agriculture and advancing sustainable, tech-driven solutions for farmers across the province."
FCC's support builds on an earlier $1.5 million investment in support of the Chair in Digital Agriculture from McCain Foods, ResearchNB, the Government of New Brunswick's Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture & Fisheries, and the McKenna Institute, announced in 2024. Together, these contributions reflect a shared commitment to the future of agriculture and the role of digital transformation in driving the sector forward.
"Collaborations of this kind allow FCC to continue to deliver on its commitment to support the next generation of farmers and to continue to get high-quality food onto the tables of Canadians and consumers around the world," says Todd Klink, executive vice-president, marketing and public affairs at FCC. "Innovation investments like this will allow the agriculture and food sector to thrive."
"We are deeply grateful to FCC for this investment," said Dr. Paul Mazerolle, president and vice chancellor at UNB. "Innovation and digital solutions to farming is an essential ingredient to addressing global food security. This investment will elevate the leading position New Brunswick is taking in sustainable agriculture."
Research under the Chair's leadership could focus on emerging areas such as crop simulation modeling, Internet-of-Things (IoT) integration and precision agriculture. In addition to conducting high-impact research, the Chair will also play a key role in training the next generation of agricultural innovators, equipping students and professionals with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital agri-food economy.
About FCC
FCC is proud to be 100 per cent invested in Canadian agriculture and food. The organization's employees are committed to the long-standing success of those who produce and process Canadian food. FCC provides flexible financing and capital solutions, while creating value through data, knowledge, relationships and expertise. FCC offers a complement of financial and non-financial products and services designed to support the complex and evolving needs of the industry. As a commercial Crown corporation, FCC is a stable partner that reinvests profits back into the industry and communities it serves. Learn more.
About The McKenna Institute
The McKenna Institute fuels economic growth and social progress by advancing the use of digital technologies in New Brunswick. The Institute collaborates to accelerate our talent pipeline, nurture ideas and enable all New Brunswick communities to thrive in a digital world.
