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RealAg on the Weekend with host Shaun Hane. Tune in on Saturday afternoons from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m on 980 CJME and 650 CKOM.
Farm Credit Canada (FCC) has announced a major investment initiative, committing $2 billion over five years to support innovation in Canada’s food and agriculture sectors. This move aims to fill key gaps in the investment landscape, particularly for entrepreneurs navigating the tough transition from startup to scale—often referred to as the “valley of death.”
Darren Baccus, executive vice president of agri-food alliances at FCC, explains that this initiative is about more than just capital injection. “We see a robust set of investors and entrepreneurs who might not see food and ag as their primary place,” he says.
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“We’re creating an opportunity to crowd in capital and expertise — especially from generalist investors with a track record in getting companies through that valley of death.”
Importantly, FCC’s approach is tailored to the sector’s unique demands. While some funds will be allocated directly, Baccus noted that part of the $2 billion will be channelled through third-party funders, blending traditional funds with innovative structures that better match agriculture’s seasonal cash flow and risk cycles.
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Success will be measured beyond just dollar amounts, he says. FCC is focused on ensuring these innovations reach the farmgate, driving productivity and efficiencies across Canadian agriculture. “Our privilege of serving one industry means we can test these ideas directly on the ground with primary producers,” Baccus says.
Ultimately, FCC hopes this effort contributes to Canada being recognized globally not just for hockey and oil—but as the breadbasket of the world.
