logo
FCC Capital announces $2 billion investment into ag and food innovation Français

FCC Capital announces $2 billion investment into ag and food innovation Français

Cision Canada30-05-2025

, May 30, 2025 /CNW/ - Farm Credit Canada (FCC) has committed to invest $2 billion by 2030 to advance agtech innovation in Canada's agriculture and food industry. This will direct more investment into innovative devices, instrumentation, research, and methodologies designed to improve efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.
The funds will come from the organization's new investment arm, FCC Capital, a group offering capital solutions that catalyze the broader investing ecosystem and bolster growth. Launched in 2024, FCC Capital delivers an expanded offering of capital solutions to companies across the entire ag and food value chain, including investment funds and direct equity capital dispersed from pre-seed stage to growth-driven late-stage companies. In its inaugural year, it built a foundation by closing nine direct investment deals totaling $170 million, investing in three new funds, and adding a new business accelerator to its portfolio.
"Canada's economic future requires an agriculture and food industry leading the world in innovation and productivity. However, until now, investment dollars have been scarce and have not scaled to meet the increasingly sophisticated needs of the sector. Through this investment, FCC is delivering on its commitment to be a catalyst and support innovation and productivity in one of Canada's most important and investable sectors," says Justine Hendricks, FCC president and CEO.
This announcement comes at a time when various sources are showing that annual venture capital investment into Canada's agtech sector is lagging. In 2023, Canada's venture capital investments in the sector were cited at approximately $270 million, 10 times below the United States when adjusted for population. This low level of investment puts Canada at a strategic disadvantage. At the same time, Japan and the European Union have been demonstrating increased investments in agtech.
The formal announcement was made by Darren Baccus, executive vice-president, agri-food, alliances and FCC Capital, during the Invest Canada 2025 Conference, an event run by the Canada Venture Capital and Private Equity Association. "With this $2 billion allocation, FCC will continue its long history of supporting and partnering with the Canadian ag and food industry to offer greater security and sustainability in a highly competitive global market," said Baccus. "At FCC, we're uniquely positioned to provide catalytic capital and work with stakeholders to source compelling investment opportunities. We are confident that our investment commitment to the industry will 'crowd in' capital to amplify the economic impact."
About FCC
FCC is proud to be 100 per cent invested in Canadian agriculture and food. The organization's employees are committed to the long-standing success of those who produce and process Canadian food. FCC provides flexible financing and capital solutions, while creating value through data, knowledge, relationships and expertise. FCC offers a complement of financial and non-financial products and services designed to support the complex and evolving needs of the industry. As a commercial Crown corporation, FCC is a stable partner that reinvests profits back into the industry and communities it serves. For more information, visit fcc.ca.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Government of Canada creating thousands more job opportunities for youth this summer
Government of Canada creating thousands more job opportunities for youth this summer

Cision Canada

time16 minutes ago

  • Cision Canada

Government of Canada creating thousands more job opportunities for youth this summer

THUNDER BAY, ON, June 6, 2025 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is creating up to 6,000 more Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) opportunities to help build a strong Canadian economy and secure good jobs for youth. CSJ provides a first job experience for Canadian youth that can help shape their future education, training, and career choices. While CSJ was on track to create 70,000 jobs for youth this summer, Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, today announced up to 6,000 more Canada Summer Jobs opportunities. This will unlock new opportunities for Canadian youth and help our country build the strongest economy in the G7. The Minister made the announcement during a visit to Wataynikaneyap Power's head office on Fort William First Nation in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Wataynikaneyap Power is leading the Wataynikaneyap Transmission Project, which is a partnership of 24 First Nations working together to connect 17 remote communities currently powered by diesel. The organization has already hired an electrical engineering technologist thanks to funding from the Canada Summer Jobs program. The 2025 Canada Summer Jobs hiring period is well underway in communities across Canada. From now until July 21, 2025, young job seekers between the ages of 15 and 30 can find local job opportunities on the Job Bank website and mobile app. Youth can apply for summer jobs in fields that interest them, such as the recreation sector, the food industry and marketing and tourism. Jobs are also available in a variety of high-demand and growing fields, including housing construction and environmental protection. Quotes We've added up to 6,000 more summer jobs this year – bringing the total to 76,000 across the country. The Canada Summer Jobs program helps young people get meaningful, paid work experience that builds skills, confidence, and connections. It also gives small businesses and not-for-profit organizations the staff they need to grow and serve their communities through the busy summer months. This is a smart investment in our economy and in the next generation of leaders – because when young people get a strong start, all of Canada benefits." – The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario "The Government is taking action to support more young people through the Canada Summer Jobs program. A good summer job not only provides valuable work experience, but also helps to build confidence and self-esteem. I invite all young Canadians between the ages of 15 and 30 to go to Job Bank and look for Canada Summer Jobs opportunities in their community." – The Honourable Anna Gainey, Secretary of State for Children and Youth "Wataynikaneyap Power is majority-owned by 24 First Nations, with a goal of 100% ownership in 25 years; a goal which is supported by the partner, Fortis Inc. Capacity-building, including employment and workforce development, is part of this vision. There is a huge need to recruit and retain professionals and create a stronger workforce in many sectors. A strong commitment will be needed to achieve this. We appreciate the Canada Summer Jobs program funding that has assisted Wataynikaneyap Power in hiring five students since 2022. Our Peoples' vision is to create hope and opportunities for our youth while following Wataynikaneyap Power's Guiding Principles." – Margaret Kenequanash, CEO, Wataynikaneyap Power Quick facts Since 2019, Canada Summer Jobs has supported employers by funding more than 460,000 job opportunities for youth, and in 2024, the program surpassed its 70,000 jobs target, with 71,200 jobs supported. Canada Summer Jobs is delivered through the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) and is part of a wide variety of programs offered by the Government of Canada to help youth gain the skills, education and work experience they need to successfully transition into the workforce. In Budget 2024, the Government committed to help youth in Canada through a $351.2 million investment to support 90,000 youth work experiences and employment support opportunities in 2025-26. These investments included: $200.5 million in 2025–26 for Canada Summer Jobs, to provide well-paying summer job opportunities, including in sectors facing critical labour shortages, such as housing construction; and $150.7 million in 2025–26 for the YESS Program, to provide job placements and employment supports to youth in a variety of sectors, such as STEM, housing and digital technology. Today's announcement of additional job opportunities is the result of an additional $25 million reallocation of funding from within ESDC in response to youth employment needs. An independent audit of Canada Summer Jobs by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada found that youth who participate in the program benefit from better long-term earnings than non-participants. In a survey of Canada Summer Jobs youth participants for 2024, 92% of respondents reported having gained confidence in multiple skills needed for future employment. Additionally, 85% of respondents indicated that they were optimistic about their future employment prospects. Backgrounder: Canada Summer Jobs 2025 Associated links Canada Summer Jobs Job Bank (Young Canadians) Follow us on X (Twitter) SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

Exceptional Father's Day gifts at every budget
Exceptional Father's Day gifts at every budget

Vancouver Sun

time16 minutes ago

  • Vancouver Sun

Exceptional Father's Day gifts at every budget

Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Father's Day in Canada falls on June 15 this year — still plenty of time to find the perfect gift for the father figure in our lives. Whether that person is your birth father, adoptive dad, uncle, grandfather, important friend, husband, partner or dog dad, we're here to help you find the ideal gift. You can also check out Amazon's Canada Showcase for some great Canadian-made gift ideas. Each of the products on this list has been tested by the Shopping Essentials team and we're happy to verify that they are top quality, excellent at what they do and priced appropriately. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Why buy: This proudly Canadian company is Fairtrade certified, meaning producers are paid a fair wage and the company is committed to sustainably. The brand processes coffee at its Ottawa roastery. You can order Bridgehead Coffee on Amazon, making things convenient and speedy. We recommend the Centro House blend , a full medium roast that delivers a flavourful, smooth and consistent profile, great for all coffee lovers. You can also find more of our picks in our guide to the best Canadian coffee brands. Price: $20 Where to buy: Amazon | Bridgehead Coffee Why buy: If you really want to impress your coffee-loving giftee, go for this subscription service which offers a new coffee each month with a plan that is completely personalized to their preferences. You'll need to answer a few questions on behalf of your giftee, such as coffee type (ground, whole or pods), grind type (which machine they use to make coffee), roast preference (light, medium or dark), number of bags per shipment and how often you'd like for them to receive it. Price: $9-28 per shipment Where to buy: Atlas Coffee Club Why buy: Flexitol offers some of the best dry-skin lotions we've tested. Going into the summer months it's important to hydrate our skin, especially after time spent in the sun. This lotion is like magic. If your giftee has dry feet or heels, opt for the Heel Magic . Price: $19 Where to buy: Amazon | Shoppers Drug Mart Why buy: These are not your average socks. These lightly cushioned hiking, trekking, biking, and all-around adventure socks are made with more than 50 per cent merino wool, meaning they are soft, sustainable, moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating. They have a performance-oriented fit with a 'Virtually Seamless Toe' for added comfort and Smartwool's much-loved 'Indestructawool tech' for enhanced durability. \ Price: $33 Where to buy: Amazon | Smartwool | MEC Why buy: These reusable food-grade silicone pouches may be designed to replace plastic sandwich bags, but they are perfect for travel. They are lightweight, fit toiletries perfectly and won't take up space in a bag or suitcase. Your giftee can use them for snacks too, of course. They're BPA, BPS, lead, latex and phthalates free and offer a leak-free pinch loc seal system. Best part? They're dishwasher, microwave and oven safe up to 425 F. Price: $82 Where to buy: Stasher | Amazon Why buy: Ensure your special guy smells amazing at all times. This extra-strength natural deodorant is formulated for 24-hour protection and comes in a variety of swoon-worthy scents. Our favourites are the Santal & Vetiver and the Eucalyptus & Cedarwood. A combination of hyaluronic acid and seaweed extracts act to moisturize while neutralizing odours. Aluminum, alcohol, parabens and phthalates free. Price: $27 Where to buy: Salt & Stone | Sephora Why buy: This t-shirt is made from 55 per cent hemp and 45 per cent recycled polyester, making it just about as sustainable as they come. We love Canadian clothing brand Tentree not only because the clothing quality is great, but because of its commitment to plant ten trees (see what they did there?) for every item purchased. All products are made with an Earth-first approach — think Fairtrade, sustainably sourced materials and safe working conditions. Price: $55 Where to buy: Tentree Why buy: The perfect lightweight blanket to keep in the car for all impromptu adventures, be it the beach, the river, a picnic or camping. Made from salvaged sleeping bag fabric, the nylon ripstop is durable and easy to care for. Worry less about spills and getting dirty — just throw the blanket into the washing machine for a deep clean. The blanket is covered in DWR (durable water repellent) treatment to shed light rain easily and includes 100 per cent recycled insulation to keep you warm during cool summer nights. Stuff it into the included pouch for easy carrying. Price: $80 Where to buy: MEC Why buy: This bundle includes three pairs of boxer briefs and two pairs of crew socks — but these aren't your typical basics. The undies are crafted from 100 per cent modal, making them three times softer and more breathable than your average cotton knickers. Give your man chafe-free comfort during exercise and say sayonara to pilling. The crew socks are a combo of cotton, nylon and spandex, helping them stay put. Both are editor-tested and approved. Price: $91 Where to buy: Manmade Why buy: The Norvan run collection is built for performance — expect comfort and breathability, plus the high quality we've come to expect from Arc'teryx. Great for running, training or any type of movement. The tank is made from soft, high-performance fabric on the front with ultralight mesh on the back, making for ideal airflow as your giftee moves. Special seams and finishes minimize chafe and the tank is patterned to remove restriction. Price: $110 Where to buy: Arc'teryx | MEC Why buy: These lightweight joggers have four-way stretch and are sweat-wicking and quick-drying. They're a good-for-everything kind of pant, made with zips at the cuffs and tapered fit. A stand-out feature is the reflective trim for added visibility on late night or early morning runs. Price: $128 Where to buy: lululemon Why buy: If you haven't heard of On Running yet — get ready. Creeping up in popularity to compete with trendy Hoka , On is becoming known for high-performance gear inspired by athletes and backed by Swiss engineering. And boy, can the Swiss engineer. The Cloudsurfer Trail shoes are fast and lightweight trail runners the brand offers. Price: $200 Where to buy: On Running Why buy: This versatile 27L pack is great for a day trip around the city or out in the wilds of Canada and beyond. Its minimalist design makes it an easy choice for most dads and it comes with multiple pockets so your giftee can organize all of their belongings into neat little pouches. It comes with an internal sleeve for either a laptop or a hydration reservoir. Comes complete with a padded back and adjustable side pockets for water bottles, cameras or cell phones. Price: $280 Where to buy: Yeti Why buy: This solar-powered watch is well worth the splurge for the one you love. The Solios watch that started it all, the Solar Classic combines green technology with elegance and durability for a minimal piece that he'll keep forever. The solar cell allows the watch to recharge by itself and comes equipped with a six-month energy reserve so dad can forget about watch batteries. The face is protected by hardened mineral glass and a sapphire crystal coasting to limit wear and tear. The brand is committed to sustainability, restoring one acre of rainforest for every watch sold. Price: $340 Where to buy: Solios Why buy: If you're close to your giftee, this gift is for you both. The Weber Traveler packs outstanding cooking performance you'd expect from the Weber brand, in an easy-to-transport package. Bring this grill along to the beach, the park or your friend's backyard. It folds down for minimal storage and fits neatly into the trunk of a small car. Plus, it's on wheels, so no huffing and puffing when carrying it from the car to the final destination. If you really want to splurge, check out our comprehensive list of the best grills . Price: $499 Where to buy: Weber | Home Depot | Canadian Tire Shopping Essentials , a category written by research-obsessed shopping fanatics, is now on . Explore in-depth product reviews, expert recommendations and exciting collaborations — plus get behind-the-scenes info on your favourite brands and trending products — learn more here or sign up for our newsletter . ltaveroff@

Canada and the US share the same economic goals: Ambassador Pete Hoekstra
Canada and the US share the same economic goals: Ambassador Pete Hoekstra

National Observer

time23 minutes ago

  • National Observer

Canada and the US share the same economic goals: Ambassador Pete Hoekstra

U.S. President Donald Trump's goal of enhancing American power aligns with Prime Minister Mark Carney's aim of making Canada's economy the fastest-growing in the G7, Trump's envoy to Canada said Friday. "It's going to continue to be a very strong and friendly relationship," Ambassador Pete Hoekstra told The Canadian Press in an interview Friday, adding the two leaders are in frequent contact. "You've got two leaders that are invigorating and transforming their economies, to benefit the people of the U.S. and the people of Canada." Hoekstra insisted there is no "discrepancy" between his calls for win-win economic arrangements between Canada and the U.S. and Trump's repeated claim that America doesn't need Canadian imports and doesn't want Canadian-made cars. "There is absolutely no discrepancy between me and the president. The president clearly is the decision-maker," he said. Though he said the U.S. intends to continue imposing tariffs on imports from multiple countries, including Canada, he argued there's room to resolve irritants in the economic relationship. "The president is ... saying tariffs are part of our new framework. That's not a Canadian problem. That's a global issue," he said. Canada and the US share the same economic goals, says US Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra "The great thing is you've got the top leaders involved in the discussions, which means that both countries view this as being important, serious, and they want this to get resolved." He said the fact that Trump and Carney have been engaging in private talks that haven't been leaked to the media indicate a mutual focus on making progress. He also insisted the talks aren't happening in secret, although neither side has released readouts reporting on the content of the meetings. "I don't think the president or the prime minister are going to put out a statement every time that, 'Oh, I texted the president last night, and he responded,' or you know, 'We had a five-minute call,'" he said. "Everybody knows that right now, tariffs, economic growth and these types of things are the top of the agenda. That for the prime minister being the No. 1 growing economy in the G7 is one of his goals and objectives, and knowing that our President Donald Trump is doing everything that he can he can to ignite the U.S. economy. "Why is anybody surprised that there may be different levels of communications going on to make that happen?" Hoekstra admitted he isn't informed every time Carney and Trump talk. "I'd be interested in knowing exactly how often it's happening. I don't need to know," he said. "There (are) multiple channels between key decision-makers that are open and are being used, but I don't need to know the quantity or the frequency. I just need to know that they exist, because that tells me that we can be making progress." Hoekstra did not offer a timeline for trade talks as discussions continue between Ottawa and Washington on tariffs and a possible early start to a review of the North American trade deal this fall. The ambassador said Trump, Carney, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and various Canadian ministers are negotiating with advice from businesspeople on both sides of the border. "They all understand that great negotiations, great discussions, end with a win-win," he said. Hoekstra said America wants strong borders, an end to fentanyl deaths and sustainable spending, and said Canada can partner with the U.S. on shared security and prosperity. "Our objective is to stay the most powerful country in the world," he said. The ambassador said he's had a warm reception in Canada, despite the tensions in the relationship that he had been reading about in the six months leading up to the start of his posting in April. "I knew that there was a tension, a different tone and tenor than what we normally expected from our northern neighbours," he said. "But you know, we're going get past this."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store