New collaboration aims to revolutionize on-farm decision-making with real-time, expert-backed AI tool

REGINA – TECHNOLOGY NEWS: In a groundbreaking move to modernize Canadian agriculture, Farm Credit Canada (FCC) has announced a new strategic partnership with Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) to expand the capabilities of Root, its free generative AI-powered farm assistant.

Launched earlier this year, Root has already become a transformative tool for Canadian producers, offering on-demand, expert-guided support directly through mobile devices. This new alliance aims to supercharge the tool’s impact by integrating RDAR’s research network and field-tested data into Root’s AI engine — giving farmers faster, smarter, and more reliable access to answers when they need them most.

“Root is more than a technology solution — it’s part of a broader effort to bring back something Canadian agriculture has lost: accessible, trusted and timely insight,” said Justine Hendricks, President and CEO of FCC.
“By partnering with RDAR, we’re rebuilding that connection in real time, at the pace of modern farming.”

Bridging the Extension Service Gap with AI

As traditional agricultural extension services have declined across the country, many producers are left navigating complex decisions alone or relying on fragmented information. Root fills that gap, using artificial intelligence to deliver practical, field-ready guidance based on decades of agronomic knowledge, scientific research, and proven on-farm practices.

Unlike other tools, Root requires no personal data input, ensuring producer privacy while offering features like:

• Voice-to-text and image recognition

• Support in English and French

• A simple mobile interface usable directly from the field

• No sign-up or registration required

To date, Root has supported more than 2,900 conversations, with 91% of users reporting positive outcomes. It has also analyzed nearly 400 images, helping farmers identify parts, solve equipment issues, and refine management practices.

RDAR Partnership to Strengthen AI Capabilities

Under the newly signed memorandum of understanding, RDAR will work directly with FCC to:

• Connect Root to RDAR’s data repositories

• Embed producer-led research insights into the platform

• Test new functionalities based on real-world feedback from Canadian producers

“We are excited to formally collaborate with FCC on Root and embed RDAR’s results-driven content into a tool that’s already proving its value in the field,” said Dr. Mark Redmond, CEO of RDAR.
“Together, we’re aiming to bring producers timely, actionable insights that support innovation and increase on-farm productivity.”

RDAR brings a network of more than 500 research projects and a wealth of producer-led knowledge to the table, making it a natural partner in FCC’s effort to push AI farming tools forward.

What’s Next for Root?

With growing adoption, FCC plans to expand Root’s functionality to serve not just producers, but also agribusiness operators and food processors. Future iterations could offer personalized insights, integrating local environmental data, crop models, and financial tools — all through the same mobile platform.

As AI continues to evolve, the long-term vision for Root is clear: a virtual farm advisor in your pocket, ready 24/7 to guide producers through operational decisions and challenges.

➡ Start using Root today at: FCC Root – Your Virtual Farm Assistant

About FCC

Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is the country’s leading agriculture and food-focused financial institution, providing flexible financing and advisory services to over 100,000 producers, processors, and agri-food businesses. As a commercial Crown corporation, FCC reinvests its profits back into Canada’s food systems and rural communities.

📍 Learn more at fcc.ca