By Alice McFarlane
Several companies are working together to bring artificial intelligence into the palms of farmers’ hands and further strengthen Canada’s grain quality system.
Protein Industries Canada announced a partnership with Grain Discovery, Inarix and Sevita International to develop a smartphone-based grain quality assurance tool that builds on Canada’s existing grading framework by bringing in digital capacity, supporting informed crop management decisions and expanding access to real-time quality data.
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By leveraging AI, specifically computer vision and machine-learning algorithms, the project partners will provide options to complement grain testing methods with a software-as-a-service platform. Once developed, the platform will allow users to take a photo of a soybean sample using a standard smartphone and receive an AI-generated quality assessment in less than 20 seconds.
By delivering consistent, scalable and real-time results, the tool will help improve information flow throughout the grain value chain from field to export, and support more marketing opportunities for Canadian farmers.
Robert Hunter, CEO of Protein Industries Canada, said the integration of digital innovation and agricultural expertise is reshaping Canada’s agri-food sector.
“This project demonstrates how advanced, accessible AI tools can help optimize decision making at the farm level,” Hunter said.
“By enhancing consistency and traceability, this technology supports the delivery of high-quality, food-grade crops. It’s a strong example of how collaborative innovation strengthens Canada’s position as a global agri-food leader.”
The AI app will analyze high-resolution images to provide consistent, high-quality assessments of soybeans. Key features of the platform include real-time, standardized assessments of soybean variety, enhanced traceability and transparency for grain buyers and processors, and increased accessibility with tools designed for smartphone use across rural regions.
Grain Discovery will lead the commercialization and market deployment that will include the AI technological brick developed and provided by Inarix, while Sevita International will contribute historical data and serve as the primary pilot site for real-world testing and validation.
Grain Discovery CEO Rory O’Sullivan said they are helping clients get fast, reliable insights into grain quality.
“It’s another step forward in making the supply chain more transparent and efficient,” he said.
“I only wish I had something like this 20 years ago when I was out sampling grain.”
A total of $1.3 million has been invested into the project, with Protein Industries Canada committing $700,000 and the partners together committing the remainder.
