Agricultural Education » Agri Food Challenge

Agri Food Challenge

Student Agri-Food Innovation ChallengeImage of a light bulb with a plant inside. Words: Student Agri-Food Innovation Challenge. Horizon logo.

Summary
Students will identify a real-world challenge in agriculture or food systems and design an innovative solution that improves sustainability, efficiency, food security, or community well-being. This can be a group or individual project.
 
A total of $5,000 in prizes to be awarded.
1st Place: Students $1500 • School $500
2nd Place: Students $1250 • School $400
3rd Place: Students $1000 • School $350
 
Introduction
Agriculture and food impact every part of our lives. From what we eat each day to how our communities grow, work, and care for the land. As the world faces challenges like climate change, food security, and sustainability, the need for new ideas and fresh perspectives has never been greater.

The Agri-Food Innovation Challenge invites students in Grades 10–12 to explore real-world issues in agriculture and food systems and develop creative, practical solutions. Through research, collaboration, and problem-solving, students will design innovative ideas that could improve how food is grown, produced, distributed, or accessed in our communities and beyond.

This challenge encourages students to think like innovators, entrepreneurs, scientists, and community leaders while discovering the many exciting careers and opportunities within the agri-food sector. No farming background is required, just curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to think big.
 
Objectives
  • Develop innovative problem-solving skills by having students identify real agri-food challenges and design practical, creative solutions.
  • Increase awareness of agriculture and food systems by connecting learning to sustainability, food security, and community needs.
  • Build future-ready skills and career awareness through research, collaboration, and communication within the agri-food sector.
 
Process
Start Date: March 20, 2026
Research Area: Choose an are of the industry that you are interested in
Data Collection Methods: Internet, books, focus groups, interviews, observations, industry mentors, etc.
Identify a Problem: Find a real-world challenge in agriculture or food systems
Develop a Solution: Create an innovative idea, product, or program.
Present: Pitch your solution to a panel using a presentation, poster, or prototype.
Deadline: May 15, 2026
 
Scoring rubric and full information below.
 
Questions? Please contact Sandra Hessdorfer, Agriculture Education Officer or Jeremy Rolheiser, Superintendent of Learning.