Key Takeaways
- Protein Industries Canada partners with Grain Discovery, Inarix, and Sevita International on AI-based grain quality tool
- The platform will allow real-time soybean quality assessments using standard smartphones
- Aims to complement existing grain grading systems and enhance traceability across the supply chain
- Project features AI-enabled image analysis for consistency, speed, and accessibility
- Sevita will provide testing data; Grain Discovery to lead commercialization
Protein Industries Canada Supports Digital Advancement in Grain Quality
Protein Industries Canada has announced a new collaboration with Grain Discovery, Inarix, and Sevita International to develop a smartphone-based grain quality tool powered by artificial intelligence. The project is intended to enhance Canada’s grain grading framework by introducing a real-time, AI-supported platform that offers greater accessibility, consistency, and efficiency for grain assessment.
Once completed, the platform will allow users to photograph a soybean sample using a standard smartphone and receive a quality evaluation in under 20 seconds. The tool is expected to improve information flow across the value chain, supporting marketing opportunities and operational decisions from farm to export.
AI and Smartphone Technology to Expand On-Farm Access to Grain Quality Data
The application will use computer vision and machine learning algorithms to assess high-resolution images of soybean samples. The goal is to provide standardized, scalable assessments that can complement traditional grain testing methods. According to the partners, the platform is also designed for broad rural use, requiring only a smartphone for operation.
“The integration of digital innovation and agricultural expertise is reshaping Canada’s agrifood sector,” said Robert Hunter, CEO of Protein Industries Canada. “By enhancing consistency and traceability, this technology supports delivery of high-quality, food grade crops.”
Protein Industries Canada Partnership Roles and Project Implementation
Grain Discovery will lead commercialization and market deployment of the platform, while Inarix will provide the core AI technology. Sevita International will contribute its historical grain quality data and serve as the pilot site for validation.
“We’re helping our clients get fast, reliable insights into grain quality. It’s another step forward in making the supply chain more transparent and efficient,” said Rory O’Sullivan, CEO of Grain Discovery.
“Inarix is proud to bring our AI expertise in grain quality assessment to a new, high value-added sector,” added Audric Chauveau, Head of Product at Inarix.
Sandy Hart, General Manager of Sevita International, stated, “By embracing new technologies to enhance the purity and quality of the harvest entering our facilities, we can further Canada’s position as a global leader.”
Public Sector Perspective on Innovation and Competitiveness
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, commented on the broader implications: “With support from Protein Industries Canada, one of Canada’s Global Innovation Clusters, this project has the potential to mark a significant milestone in our journey towards a more efficient and sustainable agricultural future.”
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