At Canada’s Dalhousie University, sustainability permeates every facet of campus life—from pedagogy and learning to infrastructure development and pioneering research. A cornerstone of these efforts is the university’s enduring partnership with McCain Foods, which has been instrumental in advancing sustainable agriculture initiatives.
In 2018, a transformative investment from Potatoes New Brunswick and McCain Foods enabled Dalhousie to appoint Dr. Ahmad Al-Mallahi, a distinguished expert in agricultural engineering and sensing technologies, as the McCain Research Chair. Dr. Al-Mallahi’s research focuses on developing precision machinery and equipment to optimize farm output while promoting sustainable food production.
“Over the past five years, we’ve initiated three projects that have culminated in prototypes deployed in the field and demonstrated to key stakeholders,” notes Dr. Al-Mallahi.
“Consistently showcasing our developments has effectively illustrated the practical applicability of our research. Each project is designed to be user-friendly, offering plug-and-play solutions or clear instructions for end-users, eliminating the need for developer intervention.”
The success of these initiatives has led McCain Foods and Potatoes New Brunswick to extend their support for an additional five years, underscoring their commitment to sustainable agriculture.
Partnering for Transformational Change
As Dalhousie embarks on its most ambitious fundraising campaign to date, it seeks to unite stakeholders who believe in the power of high-impact research to enhance food security. Aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture, this partnership addresses issues with far-reaching community impacts.
“The development and implementation of new technological solutions designed to support regenerative agriculture in potato cropping systems offer a promising way forward,” explains Matt Hemphill, executive director of Potatoes New Brunswick.
“These solutions can encompass a wide range of innovations, including precision agriculture tools, data analytics, and agri-tech applications tailored to the specific needs of potato farmers. By combining the principles of regenerative agriculture with cutting-edge technology, we can optimize resource utilization, reduce waste, and foster the health of our soils, all of which are essential for the long-term success of potato farming in our province.”
Regenerative agriculture aims to create farming systems that are not only productive and profitable but also environmentally sustainable and resilient to challenges such as climate change and soil degradation. Potatoes stand as Canada’s premier vegetable crop, with $1.5 billion in nationwide potato receipts in 2021. This agricultural significance is particularly pronounced in provinces like New Brunswick, home to McCain Foods—the world’s largest potato processor.
Sustainable Agriculture as a Pillar of Food Security
McCain Foods has long championed sustainable agriculture, ensuring that every potato used in their products originates from farms practicing regenerative agriculture. Three years ago, they launched the Farms of the Future initiative, aiming to revolutionize farming by integrating advanced research with regenerative practices. The McCain Research Chair epitomizes a shared vision of advancing sustainable potato farming.
“We are both pleased and impressed by the work of Dr. Al-Mallahi and his team,” says Dr. Yves Leclerc, McCain Foods’ global director of agriculture sustainability.
“Potatoes are our passion, and regenerative agriculture stands as a primary focus for both me and McCain Foods, in light of the numerous challenges confronting the agricultural industry. It is only by working together to build an industry-aligned solution that we can truly transform our agricultural production system.”
Cultivating Future-Ready Leaders
Dr. Al-Mallahi and his team have also excelled in nurturing the next generation of regenerative agricultural leaders. They have assembled a cohort comprising four PhD students, four master’s students, one postdoctoral fellow, and 13 undergraduate interns. Their research endeavors have yielded twelve research articles, including one honored with the prestigious 2023 IC-IMPACTS HQP Research Paper Award in the theme of food security.
Additionally, they have initiated three patent applications, progressing toward commercialization. Their work has garnered international recognition, notably through an article in The Conversation Canada, which has sparked interest in their innovative nutrient-sensing technology.
The McCain Research Chair exemplifies how Dalhousie is proactively addressing contemporary challenges rather than merely accommodating them. The collaboration between Dalhousie, McCain Foods, and Potatoes New Brunswick highlights the pivotal role philanthropy plays in devising solutions and advancing outcomes in sustainable agriculture.
Source: Dalhousie University. Original story here and here
Author of the original article: Christena Copeland
First published: This story was originally published on Giving Power.
Cover image: Credit Dalhousie University