Feds announce cybersecurity funding for Canadian agriculture sector

The Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Bill Blair, announced this week more than $500,000 over four years to the Community Safety Knowledge Alliance for their Cyber Security Capacity in Canadian Agriculture project. The funding will be made available under the Cyber Security Cooperation Program.

According to a ministry announcement, the cybersecurity project is designed to contribute to enhancing agricultural critical infrastructure protection by assessing the cybersecurity capacity of the agriculture sector in Canada and engaging with farm operators to promote awareness and develop resources.

“Canadian agriculture is a critical and increasingly interconnected service, and it is a key part of our economy, trade, and food supply. This funding to the Community Safety Knowledge Alliance for their Cyber Security Capacity in Canadian Agriculture project will help foster collaboration and protect cyber systems from compromise,” said Minister Blair in a statement.

“The rapidly evolving cyber threat environment within which Canada’s agricultural sector operates is outpacing the abilities of many farm and other agricultural operations to adapt and respond. This initiative will help better understand and support the sector in closing critical gaps. This will go a long way in protecting this vital segment of our economy – and the livelihoods and well-being of so many families,” added Cal Corley, CEO, Community Safety Knowledge Alliance.

The Community Safety Knowledge Alliance — a non-profit corporation that works with academia, government, research and technology organizations, industry and community agencies — facilitates research and new knowledge development on community safety. The Cyber Security Cooperation Program was launched in August 2019 under the National Cyber Security Strategy, and has $10.3 million in available funding over five years with $4.2 million available from 2021-2024.