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Agricultural innovation challenge seeks to spur sustainable solutions

Dal teams up with McGill, Lethbridge College for new initiative

- September 19, 2019

(Provided image)
(Provided image)

Agriculture remains one of the most significant industries of the economy today. It is agriculture that will help feed the world, have a significant impact on climate change, and ensure clean water and a sustainable environment for the future.

The key to this success is innovation. To develop a culture of innovation among students, a pilot agriculture event will be held at Lethbridge College September 19th – 23 with five students participating each from McGill University, Lethbridge College and Dal’s Faculty of Agriculture.

Sponsored by Farm Credit Canada, this two-year pilot program aims to develop a national agricultural innovation design challenge by cultivating producer dialogue, engaging in collaborative team innovation and experiencing inspirational agricultural innovation.

ā€œModern 21st century Agriculture is a crucial global industry utilising cutting edge technologies and strategies to solve some of the most important challenges facing our planet,ā€ said Dean David Gray. ā€œIt is essential that we give our students the opportunity to learn to think creatively and to innovate. These transferable skills will equip our graduates to help make a difference.ā€

Building a network


McDalBridge unites post-secondary agricultural institutions across the county where students can practice transferable problem-solving skills. Students will experience innovation as it exists in Alberta around agriculture and food and will focus on the power of building a network with people across the nation.

ā€œThe five student participants who are traveling to this fantastic opportunity have been actively involved in Cultiv8 programming,ā€ explained Cultiv8 Manager Jason Grant. ā€œThis will add to their capabilities in creative thinking, human-centred approaches to problem-solving, collaboration and being agile. These are super in-demand skills for the 21st century workforce and I want to make sure these types of students can experience opportunities for further growth.ā€

The event will culminate in a weekend-long design challenge around a theme in agriculture.

ā€œOur goal is to annually unite select Ag students from all post-secondary institutions in the nation toward building a more sustainable future,ā€ added Jason.Ā  ā€œWe are faced with big problems and we aren’t going to solve them in isolation. This kind of event fires-up students through inspiration, connection and exploration.ā€Ā  Ā 

For more information contact Jason.grant@dal.ca and follow along on Twitter and Facebook:
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