Key Takeaways
- Zone Agtech announces a three-year strategic partnership with Farm Credit Canada (FCC).
- The collaboration will support Quebec producers through two flagship programs.
- The AgXis Acceleration Program will boost adoption of agtech and plant bioproduct solutions.
- The Go Global: Quebec Scale-Up Program will expand international opportunities for Quebec-based companies.
- SVG Ventures | THRIVE will open a satellite office within Zone Agtech to strengthen global connectivity.
Zone Agtech and FCC Join Forces
Zone Agtech has entered into a major three-year partnership with Farm Credit Canada (FCC) aimed at accelerating the adoption and reach of innovative agricultural technologies. The initiative is designed to enhance collaboration across the Canadian ag and food ecosystem, particularly addressing the real challenges faced by producers in Quebec and beyond.
The partnership focuses on deploying two key programs: the AgXis Acceleration Program and the Go Global: Quebec Scale-Up Program, both of which aim to create meaningful solutions for agricultural innovation and business growth.
AgXis Acceleration Program: Serving Quebec Producers
The AgXis Acceleration Program will help Quebec-based producers and agri-food companies access technologies that respond to their most pressing needs. Each year, the program will support a group of companies to:
- Adapt and mature their technologies through collaboration with local producers.
- Strengthen the Quebec ecosystem by supporting the emergence of new companies.
- Attract national and international companies to establish operations in Quebec.
- Facilitate market entry via demonstrations, strategic coaching, and networking.
By bringing together local, national, and international stakeholders, Zone Agtech intends to build a stronger and more competitive agricultural innovation ecosystem.
Go Global: Quebec Scale-Up Program
The second initiative, the Go Global: Quebec Scale-Up Program, is designed to help high-growth Quebec agri-food tech companies expand internationally. Co-developed with SVG Ventures | THRIVE, the program includes a 12-week virtual phase with tailored mentoring and investor meetings, followed by a one-week international immersion.
The 2025 cohort will attend the THRIVE Global Impact Summit in Santa Clara, California, providing Quebec companies direct access to international partners, investors, and industry leaders. In addition, SVG Ventures | THRIVE will establish a satellite office within Zone Agtech, enhancing its global network.
Leadership Perspectives
Marilou Cyr, Executive Director of Zone Agtech, emphasized the broader impact of the collaboration: “This partnership with FCC marks a decisive milestone: it recognizes the importance of our mission not only in Quebec, but now across Canada. It represents a major step forward in establishing Zone Agtech as a recognized ecosystem and innovation cluster of international calibre.”
Graeme Millen, Vice-President of Strategic Finance and Business Development at FCC, underlined the importance of innovation: “FCC’s partnership with Zone Agtech will help bring technologies and innovations to agricultural producers, while amplifying their impact within Quebec, Canada and beyond.”
John Cassidy, Managing Director – Canada at SVG Ventures | THRIVE, highlighted the global opportunities: “By establishing a THRIVE satellite within Zone Agtech, we are giving Quebec companies a direct bridge to international markets, investors, and industry leaders. This collaboration positions Quebec agrifood tech on the world stage.”
Outlook For Zone Agtech
The partnership between Zone Agtech and FCC is set to drive both local adoption and international expansion of agtech and plant bioproduct solutions. By combining innovation, targeted programming, and global connectivity, the initiative aims to strengthen Quebec’s position as a hub for agricultural technology while creating opportunities that extend well beyond provincial borders.
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