Ontario Soil Network - FIRE Program

Farmer Innovation and Research Ecosystem (FIRE) 

The FIRE Program accelerates sustainable agtech adoption by integrating farmers' expertise early in the innovation process. Through grassroots collaboration, FIRE ensures that new technologies address real on-farm needs and are primed for rapid adoption.

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Graphic depicting the FIRE framework by IFAO with a circular flow of five steps: Gap Assessment (explore solutions), Call for Proposals (invite partners), Pilot Projects (try new solutions), Partnered R&D (explore potential solutions), and Ag Conference (connect and share ideas). Each step includes corresponding icons and descriptive text, emphasizing collaboration and innovation in agricultural research and development.

Key Activities:

  • Gap Assessment: Identifying pain points in sustainable farming.
  • Pilot Projects: Testing solutions on real farms.
  • Partnered R&D: Collaborating with researchers and industry.

Empowering farmers to co-create sustainable agtech solutions for Ontario farms.

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2024 Challenge: Next-Gen Nitrogen

Optimizing Nitrogen for Sustainable Farming

Challenge Focus:
Seeking solutions to enhance nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), reduce losses, and boost profitability for Ontario farms. Solutions should leverage organic nitrogen sources, improve soil health, and fit seamlessly into current farm operations.

  • Application Opens: Nov 18, 2024
  • Webinar: Dec 5, 2024 (9-10 am PST)
  • Deadline: Jan 17, 2025
  • Winners Announced: March 2025

Benefits for Winners:

  • Pilot projects on two diverse Ontario farms.
  • Industry recognition and mentorship from OSN.

Eligibility:

  • TRL: 5-8
  • Scalable for Ontario farms (~1,000 acres)
  • Proven pathway to profitability and soil health improvement.

Partner With Us

The FIRE Program is part of OSN’s mission to drive agri-tech innovation. Interested in collaboration? 

For questions, email: lorraine@ontariosoil.net