September 4, 2020 – Halifax, Nova Scotia – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Agriculture is one of Atlantic Canada’s biggest exports and sources of economic activity; however, today’s farmers face significant challenges getting their products to market. Labour shortages, pesticides and global warming have all changed the way agricultural products are grown, harvested and distributed to consumers. To help facilitate the search for better solutions, the Government of Canada is supporting businesses that are finding creative ways for farmers to more easily grow and harvest their crops.

Federal government supports tool for farmers to become more efficient, help environment and save money

Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for Halifax, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, announced a total Government of Canada investment of $550,000 to Nexus Robotics Inc. of Halifax.

The company has developed an autonomous weeding robot capable of weeding farmers’ fields 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Since the robot can accurately weed all day without harming crops, it eliminates the need to use harmful pesticides or migrant labour to get rid of unwanted plants. This helps to improve efficiency, saves money and decreases the farms environmental footprint.

This investment, provided through ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program, will enable the company to hire expertise and undertake field trials. Nexus Robotics will also conduct additional research and product development, manufacturing design work, and develop a marketing and sales plan to bring its robotic weeding technology to market.

Today’s announcement is further proof of the Government of Canada’s commitment to Canadian businesses – helping them not just survive, but thrive. Initiatives like these will help ensure that small-to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can play a critical role in Canada’s economic recovery.