Abbotsford Tech District (ATD) is launching a business pitch program modelled after the popular CBC TV show Dragons’ Den.
Farmers Den will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 26 during the Pacific Ag Show at Tradex and will be followed at 4:30 p.m. by a reception with the announcement of the winners.
Eight selected agri-businesses and students will have the opportunity to present their business ideas to a panel of industry experts and investors.
There will be two categories.
One is for “agripreneurs” – entrepreneurs with established agricultural or agritech companies. The winner receives $50,000.
The other category is for “seedlings” – students or recent graduates with emerging agricultural companies or ideas for an agri-business. The winner receives $10,000.
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The event is organized by Gavin Dew, chief strategy officer with the ATD. MC will be Alex Mitchell, CEO of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce.
Judges will be:
• Dr. Lenore Newman, director of the Food and Agriculture Institute at University of the Fraser Valley;
• Don Campbell, president of Cutting Edge Research Inc.:
• Meghan Larson, senior relationship manager with Farm Credit Canada; and
• Steve Saccomano, business development manager with RBC Agriculture.
“The coming food crisis will make the current housing crisis look minor,” Campbell said. “The future of our food security depends on innovators and entrepreneurs who have the courage to think differently and the commitment to execute.”
Newman said that academic research “doesn’t mean much if it just stays in a lab or on a shelf.”
“We need to bring solutions to market if we want to address food security,” she said.
The Pacific Ag Show runs from Jan. 25 to 27, showcasing the latest and most innovative equipment and technology for the agriculture industry.
Those who wish to attend Farmers Den can register online at eventbrite.com. General admission to the Pacific Ag Show is $15.