The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund will invest up to $2.75 million over five years to establish AgSphere, a hub designed to advance agrifood innovation and address workforce gaps in Canada’s agriculture sector.
The initiative aims to connect producers, startups, investors and partners to increase technology adoption and attract investment to the industry. AgSphere will be temporarily housed at Stampede Park.
Workforce training focus
The investment will support 75 companies and train 450 individuals over five years, including students and professionals seeking to reskill, according to the fund.
The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council estimates that by 2030, Canada’s agriculture sector will face a workforce shortage of more than 100,000 workers — a 15 per cent increase from 2023.
“AgSphere is about helping create a collaborative, connected and united agriculture ecosystem where innovation, ideas and new technologies can thrive,” said Brad Parry, president and CEO of Calgary Economic Development and CEO of Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund.
Hub structure and partnerships
The hub will include an innovation and education centre, event space, a Canada-wide producer network and a career platform. Founding partners include AdFarm, the Calgary Stampede, Olds College and OCIF.
The initiative links Western Canada’s agricultural expertise with Calgary’s strengths in technology, energy and access to capital and talent, according to the fund.
“AgSphere is coming at a critical time, as farmers are looking for ways to enhance their operations,” said Ben Graham, president of AdFarm. “From right here in Western Canada, we are perfectly positioned to create a Canadian impact and attract international talent, companies and capital to drive the sector forward.”
Economic impact
Calgary’s Innovation Strategy aims to add 187,000 jobs and contribute over $28 billion to Calgary’s economy by 2034, according to the city.
In 2024, the agribusiness sector contributed $13.5 billion to Alberta’s GDP and employed more than 76,000 people, according to Statistics Canada.
According to Farm Credit Canada’s Innovation Investment Report, every dollar invested in agriculture knowledge generation yields an estimated $10 to $20 return.
Since its creation in 2018, OCIF has generated over $1.1 billion in economic activity while supporting over 1,000 companies and creating nearly 3,700 jobs.
