Farmer Innovation & Research Ecosystem (FIRE)

A partnered approach to innovation.

Innovation Starts in the Field 

FIRE (Farmer Innovation & Research Ecosystem) is a farmer-first research and innovation platform that empowers producers to lead change on their own terms. Whether testing a new idea, joining a pilot, or collaborating on research, FIRE supports the people who know the land best.

This isn’t top-down science—it’s co-developed, peer-informed, and rooted in real-world conditions. Through innovation challenges, applied trials, and strategic partnerships, FIRE builds a living ecosystem where research meets action.

You’ll find us working alongside farmers, researchers, and SMEs to build the knowledge we need for tomorrow—together.

Current Opportunities Include:

  • Joining or hosting on-farm trials
  • Participating in innovation challenges
  • Co-designing research with academic or tech partners

For Farmers: Run trials, test tools, bring your ideas to life

For Collaborators: Co-develop research, access farmer networks, pilot technologies

Want to innovate with us? Propose a FIRE Innovation Challenge 

Solving Big Problems Together 

FIRE supports innovation challenges that match farmer-identified needs with actionable solutions. These challenges connect producers, tech developers, and researchers to co-create new tools, refine technologies, and test ideas under real conditions.

Through projects like agriNEXT, FIRE provides a collaborative pathway for Canadian agtech ventures to scale through real-world validation—not just theory.

Rather than being exclusive to any one organization, our challenges reflect the diverse partnerships that power this work—including small agtech start-ups, applied researchers, and industry collaborators.

Featured Projects: 

Geco: Strategic Weed Management

Watch the Video → 

Read about the Challenge → 

“Winning the Sustainable Agtech for Profitability: IFAO Challenge is a thrilling achievement for Geco. With support from IFAO and Foresight, we’re advancing predictive weed control for lasting environmental and economic benefit.” 

— Greg, Geco Technologies 

Picketa Lens: Next-Gen Nitrogen Management

View the Challenge → 

“The FIRE program brings solutions that improve both the economic and environmental sustainability of farms. Through our partnership with Picketa, we’re helping farmers make better nitrogen decisions with real-time data.” 

— Ontario Soil Network 

Bridging the Gap Between Farmers and Researchers 

Research happens everywhere: in the field, in the lab, and through lived experience. FIRE helps build bridges across these worlds by supporting farmer-led research and developing structures that connect academic institutions, SMEs, and producers.

Partnerships with organizations like the University of Guelph help ground academic research in field-tested needs—ensuring outcomes are relevant, applied, and scalable.

We’re building a system where learning how to learn is part of the process itself.

OSN Farmer Researcher Event with University of Guelph

Research That’s Ready to Use 

FIRE makes it easier for farmers to engage in on-farm research by offering ready-to-run trials that align with high-impact priorities. Built in collaboration with partners like EFAO and Farmers for Climate Solutions, these trials are practical, accessible, and flexible to your needs.

Our current research focuses on:

  • Nutrient management

  • Cover crops and soil health

  • Climate resilience and practice change

Each project is:
✅ Farmer-informed
✅ Plug-and-play ready
✅ Supported by experienced collaborators