Water Innovation Forum: A Competitive and Innovative Agriculture Sector

The main objective of this Forum is to bring together representatives of industry, academia and government to discuss specific challenges and opportunities facing the agriculture industry in terms of water use, with a view to accelerating the pace of innovation and facilitating the adoption of new technologies. This will mean increasing the competitiveness and profitability of the agricultural sector by investing in secure water supplies and infrastructure and adopting efficient water use practices while balancing the needs of both industry and the environment. 

The Forum discussion is framed in four parts.

Part 1 - An examination of water and agriculture in terms of policy issues and responses
Objective – To identify the key water issues for both the industry and governments.  To provide insight into government perspectives and policies around water now and in the future.

Part  2 - The economics of water and agriculture
Objective –To discuss how the world water situation will impact Ontario agriculture.   What will the economics of water be in the future?  How is agriculture responding and how will industry need to respond and adapt in the future.

Part 3 - Technologies and technological changes shaping the industry’s use of water
Objective – To examine the new technologies that will allow agriculture to adapt to a different relationship with water in the future.  What are the main opportunities for technological change?  How do we help bring innovative technologies to the industry? What is needed in policy and industry strategy for Canada to take a leadership role in developing and commercializing new water related technologies?

Part  4 - The Implementation Gap
Objective – To identify further areas for collaboration and improve implementation strategies to increase competitiveness and innovation in the agriculture sector. What can we do together to address water-use challenges and take advantage of opportunities?

Outcome - The creation of a coordinated and collaborative Science and Innovation Report that outlines activities for industry, government and academia that will address challenges and opportunities identified during the Forum. The report will be distributed to key stakeholders in the agriculture sector.