Enabling responsible AI-driven agri-food innovation in Ontario: Challenges and opportunities

Lead Applicant: Ataharul Chowdhury

Research Priority: Competitive Production Systems

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2024/2025

Research Centre: NA

Research Summary: The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance competitiveness and create new market opportunities in Ontario’s agri-food sector. However, AI should cater to responsible innovation that minimizes the challenges of job displacement, increased inequality, ethical concerns, and indifference to adoption. The adoption of AI varies across different sectors and value chains, and skills needed to thrive in the age of AI will vary depending on the specific AI technologies. Therefore, we should envision a future that complements and enhances existing knowledge, skills, and institutional support mechanisms. This research will use a mixed-methods approach to investigate the key factors influencing AI adoption in Ontario’s horticultural and livestock sectors, the associated challenges and opportunities, and the essential skills and knowledge for agri-food workers to thrive. The overall goal is to understand how AI can be used to improve the competitiveness and growth of Ontario’s agri-food sector within a responsible innovation framework.