Dec 7, 2023McCain forms new digital technology subsidiary
McCain Foods has launched a new digital technology subsidiary, Presia Ag, aimed at helping growers better evaluate and predict crop yields.
Presia Ag, wholly owned by McCain, is an evolution of McCain’s 2022 acquisition of Resson’s predictive crop portfolio, according to a news release. Presia specializes in satellite-based, data-driven intelligence to help predict yields, optimize harvest timing and enhance on-farm sustainability practices, according to the release.
“Launching Presia advances McCain’s innovative agriculture agenda, providing an opportunity to build off the expertise we have developed in potatoes to offer leading capabilities to other food businesses and farmers,” Peter Dawe, chief growth and strategy officer at McCain Foods, said in the release. “It is driving data intelligence that is helping us change the way we grow a potato.”
Based in Ontario and eastern Canada, the Presia team features data scientists and software developers with nearly a decade of experience working with crop-monitoring technologies on potatoes, according to the release. Currently focused on potatoes, the technology could be expanded to other crops.
“Presia supports our farmer and crop-sourcing partners in building resiliency within their operations and strengthening decision-making capabilities through the use of satellite imaging and machine learning,” Tyler Hennick, Presia managing director, said. “We are proud to offer existing and new customers more frequent and accurate readings on their in-season crop performance within and across entire fields and regions.”
