Ontario Agri-Food Technologies president Dr. Tyler Whale shared his passion, experience and insight into the agri-food industry as guest speaker at the Alma Optimists Feb. 21 meeting. Whale’s presentation focused on the role of agricultural technology in global wellness.
A former Mapleton resident, Whale was raised on a seventh generation dairy farm and went on to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry at McMaster University followed by a PhD in microbiology/immunology and an MBA, both at the University of Saskatchewan.
His work experience includes comparative medicine research and development at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, biotechnology business analysis in San Diego, business development manager at Saskatoon Colostrum Company and Technology Transfer Manager and industry liaison officer at the University of Guelph’s Catalyst Centre.
At the University of Guelph, Whale initiated research and development projects between industry and faculty following research priorities set by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Whale helped launch a household waste recycling company in Saskatoon and a green roofing company based on technology from the University of Guelph.
Ontario Agri-Food Technologies, established in 1997, is a non-profit organization comprised of members from grower associations, universities, colleges, industry and government. Located in Guelph, the organization focuses on ensuring Ontario producers have access to the latest technology to compete on a global basis and to develop market opportunities.
“What do we need to do in Canada to make the world better?” Whale asked. “We need to pass the technology that we have developed on to other countries. We live in a volatile world that can change at any time, from the effects of an earthquake, volcanic eruption or ice age. Sustainability should be our focus.”
Whale continued, “New opportunities are available to expand markets, improve efficiency, use carbohydrates instead of carbon and get off the oil. Researchers are now able to make a veggie burger that actually tastes like beef.”
Whale noted current issues in agriculture include population increases, urban development, food waste, public trust, decreasing numbers of farmers, climate change, oil and consumer demand affordable healthy food.
Scientists are working on ways to obtain higher percentages of oils from leaves. As consumers reject apples and potatoes that brown easily, researchers have eliminated the discolouration by removing the gene responsible for browning.
Norwegian scientists at Intravision are experimenting with different colours of lighting and their effects on flowering times, nutrition and plant health.
“Twenty-five years ago no one thought of eating sushi. Today a California company is producing Exobars made from cricket flour that is high in protein content,” Whale said.
Vertical farming gets the urbanite involved in farming. In Toronto, 20,000 hectares of roof tops are available for food production. Beef farmers are expanding into northern Ontario. Crops like quinoa are gaining in popularity.
In the poultry industry, experimental lighting in barns has shown production increases and decreases in feed consumption. Egg sexing technology allows the determination of the sex of chick inside the egg on day one. Drugs are being developed to be used in humans afflicted with depression, concussions, addiction and more.
“The public vilifies large companies like Monsanto and the so-called ‘factory farms.’ Are cage-free chickens really better? At what cost?
“People want to feel good so the agriculture industry has to gain the trust of the public,” Whale commented.
“Be prepared. Things are changing fast. Focus on sustainability. Look beyond your backyard.
“Support science and technology. Invest in a continual business improvement plan and, most of all, be proud to be a farmer.”
