As the fall season settles in and fields across British Columbia transition after another dry summer, one thing is clear: reacting year by year isn’t enough anymore. Drought cycles, wildfire risks, and unpredictable weather patterns are reshaping how we farm—and making it harder to rely on “how we’ve always done things.”
If we want farming to remain viable—not just for this season, but for the long run—we need to build resilience into our everyday decisions.
At Agrotek, we believe that starts from the ground up.
Redefining resilience for the long run
Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back after stress. It’s about creating systems that don’t break down in the first place.
It’s in how we:
That shift—from reaction to preparation—means rethinking how we treat soil and how we support plants before trouble arrives.
What we’re seeing across the field
Across B.C. and beyond, producers are taking different approaches to prepare their land for the next growing season:
One solution that continues to gain attention in these conversations is fulvic acid—and now, marine-based biostimulants like SquidJuice.
Natural allies for soil recovery and plant strength
Our own Fulvic acid remains one of the most efficient natural tools to support crops through stress. It helps plants absorb nutrients more effectively, stimulates root development, and supports soil microbial life.
SquidJuice, Green Flow’s marine-based biostimulant, builds on that foundation. Derived from sustainably sourced squid hydrolysate, it’s rich in amino acids, peptides, and organic nitrogen—giving plants a boost in vigor, root development, and microbial activity.
Together, they complement each other beautifully:
Here in B.C., producers using both have reported stronger early root growth, improved soil texture, and noticeably less stress during dry weeks — early signs of how biological inputs can reshape soil performance.
And the results go beyond our region. Across Western Canada and down through California, growers are seeing the same pattern: small biological adjustments are delivering measurable gains. Field studies have shown that fulvic acid applications can increase crop yields by up to 35 % in tomatoes and boost biomass by more than 25 % in cereals under nutrient or drought stress. Meanwhile, marine-based hydrolysates like SquidJuice—rich in amino acids and organic nitrogen—have been shown to improve leaf development and soil microbial activity by 15–20 %, enhancing plant resilience during dry cycles.
Together, these tools are helping farmers hold water longer, strengthen root systems, and keep productivity steady even when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Let’s build something that lasts
There’s no single path to resilience, but the direction is clear: we need to build smarter systems that hold up when the weather doesn’t. That make the most of what nature gives us. That help crops recover faster and perform better, season after season.
Products rooted in nature—like humic and fulvic acids and SquidJuice—can be part of that journey. Not as quick fixes, but as tools to strengthen the foundation for long-term sustainability.
If you’re thinking about how to set your soil up for success this fall, we’re here to talk.
Because the future of farming in B.C.—and across North America—depends on how we prepare today.
When farmers come together, the entire field grows stronger. Last week, Agrotek Industries and Alba Organics brought this spirit of collaboration to life in Kelowna, hosting an intimate, hands-on workshop focused on soil health and sustainable fertilization practices.
The event gathered 20 farmers and growers eager to explore new ways to enhance soil performance, boost crop yields, and reduce dependency on synthetic inputs.
Led by Robby Gass, soil consultant and founder of Alba Organics, and Jonathan Mathias, CEO of Agrotek Industries, the session combined practical experience with innovative insights into soil biology, biostimulants, and humic acid applications. Participants engaged in meaningful discussions about improving nutrient efficiency, supporting long-term soil resilience, and adapting sustainable approaches to different crop types — from berries and leafy greens to vineyards.
The positive feedback was immediate. Many attendees expressed interest in hosting exclusive follow-up workshops for farmers in Kamloops and vineyard producers in the Okanagan, underscoring the growing demand for localized, knowledge-driven learning opportunities.
We are proud to work alongside farmers to deliver practical, science-backed solutions that help increase organic production, improve soil performance, and reduce environmental impacts. By sharing knowledge and building partnerships across the agriculture community, Agrotek continues to support growers in achieving stronger, more sustainable results — today and for the next generation.
Stay tuned for details on upcoming sessions and resources for growers across Western Canada
Healthy soil is the foundation of every successful farm. This fall, Agrotek Industries is partnering with Alba Organics to host a free farmer-focused workshop in Kelowna that will share practical tools and proven strategies to build living soils, improve crop resilience, and boost yields.
When: Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: East Kelowna Hall – 2704 E Kelowna Rd, Kelowna, BC
The workshop will be led by soil specialist Robby Gass (Alba Organics) and Jonathan Mathias (Agrotek Industries). Together, they’ll walk farmers through the building blocks of living soil, composting methods, and natural biostimulants like Squid Juice, HA6 Humates, and Biota Nutri. The day will also include a farmer-led discussion on composting, drone and tractor applications, and time to connect with peers.
With over 30 years of experience in regenerative farming, Robby brings a wealth of hands-on knowledge to help farmers get the most out of their soils. Jonathan, as CEO of Agrotek, will share insights from two decades of bringing OMRI-certified biostimulants to Canadian farmers and supporting sustainable agriculture through research and partnerships.
And yes — lunch is on us.
Spots are limited. Register here to secure your place at the workshop.
Over the past few months, 38 students from SFU’s Beedie School of Business took part in a real-world challenge to help Agrotek bring its newest innovation — LDS Black Magic — to market.
In collaboration with Professor Matt Martell, students worked in six teams to develop comprehensive marketing strategies for the product, focusing on both retail and industrial audiences. The project offered students an opportunity to apply their business knowledge to a real, BC-made agri-tech solution.
“This partnership with SFU has been a fantastic opportunity to hear directly from the next generation of business leaders,” said Jonathan Mathias, CEO of Agrotek. “Their creativity, strategic thinking, and understanding of sustainability have truly impressed us.”
Building on the strength of these presentations, Agrotek decided to move forward with three of the six strategies and offered positions to five students to support a pilot project set to launch this fall.
Meet the students now bringing their talents to Agrotek:
Together, they will work on projects ranging from e-commerce expansion and product kits to exploring new international markets, while gaining hands-on experience at the forefront of agricultural innovation.
Agrotek appreciates the partnership with Professor Martell and the Beedie School of Business and looks forward to working with these students as they help shape the next phase of Agrotek.
If you’ve farmed in Western Canada, you know the challenge well. In many parts of the region, sandy soils make it difficult for nutrients to stay where crops need them most, leaving farmers searching for better solutions. That’s where liquid fertilizers can make all the difference. They move through the soil more efficiently, reduce waste, and give plants exactly what they need to grow stronger, healthier, and deliver better yields.
That’s why Agrotek is proud to announce a new partnership with Biota Nutri, a Netherlands-based company redefining crop nutrition with sustainable, plant-based, fully liquid fertilizers. Starting this fall, Agrotek will distribute Biota Nutri’s products across British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, giving growers access to innovative solutions designed to improve crop quality while protecting the soil.
“We’re proud to embark on this partnership and support Canadian farmers with the right tools,” said Mark Valentine, CEO of Biota Nutri, North America. “Having a partner like Agrotek—bringing a unique blend of expertise, deep market connections, and a shared commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship—gives us confidence this will be a truly successful collaboration.”
Biota Nutri’s fully liquid, plant-based fertilizers are scalable, vegan-certified, and free from sodium and chlorides, qualities that make them especially effective in supporting Canadian soils and crops.
“Canadian growers are facing increasing challenges, from soil salinity to shifting regulations,” said Jonathan Mathias, CEO of Agrotek. “Partnering with Biota Nutri means we can deliver proven, sustainable fertilizers that not only meet today’s needs but also anticipate tomorrow’s demands. Together, we’re making it easier for farmers to grow healthier crops, improve their margins, and transition toward more sustainable practices.”
Biota Nutri’s products bring meaningful advantages rooted in circular agriculture. Their fertilizers are 100% organic and vegan, made from plant-based residual streams, which means no mining or animal by-products. They’re also low in sodium and chloride, ensuring irrigation systems aren’t damaged and soils don’t suffer from salt buildup, ultimately helping crops take up nutrients more effectively and maintain soil health.
Beyond nutrient products, Biota Nutri integrates technology into crop care, featuring bioreactive systems, nitrate production capabilities, and a “grower calculator” that helps professionals decide what to plant, when, and how to maximize outcomes. Whether in greenhouses, vertical farms, cannabis production, or field crops, the solutions are designed to improve taste, yield, and shelf life while reducing environmental impact.
A partnership rooted in shared vision
This collaboration began with an introduction at GreenTech Amsterdam two years ago. In conversations about the challenges facing global agriculture, Jonathan and Mark saw a unique opportunity that underscored the importance of international collaboration in solving shared problems. Taking a holistic view of the market has always been at the core of Agrotek’s approach, and bringing creative, sustainable solutions like Biota Nutri’s to Canada feels like the perfect fit for what growers need right now.
For Agrotek, this partnership is more than expanding product lines, it reflects our commitment to connecting Canadian farmers with global, science-driven solutions that elevate both productivity and environmental responsibility.
Looking ahead, Agrotek and Biota Nutri are exploring joint on-farm trials, Canadian-market product customizations, and local manufacturing partnerships, all aimed at increasing access, boosting soil health, and helping growers succeed in the long run.
Agrotek recently wrapped up another successful trip to GreenTech Amsterdam, one of the world’s premier events for horticulture innovation and sustainable agriculture. This marked our third consecutive year attending the conference — and each visit brings new insights, connections, and inspiration for the future.
This year, we were proud to represent British Columbia as part of the official delegation coordinated by Trade and Investment BC. Over the course of two days, we engaged in meaningful conversations with industry representatives from London, Sri Lanka, and the Netherlands, exchanging ideas on agritech innovation and discussing opportunities to collaborate on climate-smart solutions.
One of the highlights of the event was meeting with the Honourable Diana Gibson, BC’s Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. We had the opportunity to share Agrotek’s story — from our roots as an Indigenous-owned company to our commitment to transforming agriculture through sustainable inputs like humic-based biostimulants. It was a valuable moment to reflect on how BC’s agritech sector continues to grow and gain recognition on the global stage.
Attending GreenTech also allowed us to explore emerging trends, technologies, and partnerships that could help shape the future of agriculture — from vertical farming to sustainable soil health solutions. It was clear that innovation is not only thriving but being driven by shared values around climate action, food security, and Indigenous leadership.
As we return to Canada, we’re feeling energized by the connections we made and the interest in what Agrotek is building. We believe the future of farming lies in collaboration — and this experience reinforced the value of cross-border partnerships in creating meaningful change.
A big thank you to Trade and Investment BC for making our participation possible, and to everyone who stopped by to learn more about Agrotek.
See you next year, Amsterdam.
Another dry season is already upon us in British Columbia.
The headlines have started again—drought warnings, early wildfires, water restrictions. For many farmers, it feels like we’re back where we started. But this isn’t the same drought story as last year. It’s evolving. And so must we.
At Agrotek, we’ve been asking a question that isn’t making the news:
What happens beneath the surface when the rains don’t come?
The soil story we’re not talking about
When we think about drought, we tend to think about the sky. But resilient farming starts in the soil.
Healthy soil isn’t just about nutrients. It’s a sponge. It’s a living system. It holds water longer. It protects roots from heat. It creates the conditions for crops to survive longer when external inputs run dry.
When soil is depleted or compacted, it loses its ability to support crops under stress. That’s not theory—it’s what we hear from producers every time the summer gets hot too early. And it’s what we’re seeing in our own trials and research.
What the research tells us
One study that caught our attention this year comes from Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Their team is exploring farming strategies for dry conditions—particularly ones that don’t depend on high-tech irrigation or expensive interventions. They’re looking at soil texture, organic matter, and how to “do more with less” in terms of water.
That’s not just academic work. It’s practical, real-world knowledge—and it aligns with what many of us already feel in our bones: if we don’t start from the ground up, we’ll always be in reaction mode.
How we think about drought resilience at Agrotek
This is where humic substances come in—not as a magic fix, but as one piece of the resilience puzzle.
We work with humic acid because it helps soils retain moisture, improve soil structure, and boost microbial activity. That means better water infiltration during rain, and slower evaporation during dry spells. It means roots can access nutrients more efficiently. It means the soil life works harder, so we don’t have to keep chasing it with inputs.
And most importantly—it means a buffer when weather becomes unpredictable.
We know humic substances won’t change the weather. But in seasons like this, every small gain matters. Every ounce of retained water. Every plant that holds on a little longer. Every root system that goes a little deeper.
Where do we go from here?
This drought season, we’re challenging ourselves—and our peers—to reframe how we think about soil.
So we ask:
We don’t pretend to have all the answers. But we’re committed to sharing what we know, learning from what we don’t, and being part of a conversation that goes deeper than the weather forecast.
On May 23, we joined industry leaders, researchers, and students at the Global Institute for Agritech’s spring event, hosted at Simon Fraser University. With over 100 attendees, the gathering brought together a diverse mix of voices to explore the future of agricultural technology in a rapidly changing world.
Our CEO Jonathan Mathias was invited to participate in a panel discussion that focused on the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture in British Columbia and beyond. As the owner of an Indigenous-led company rooted in sustainability and land stewardship, Jonathan contributed a perspective that is often missing from mainstream innovation conversations.
“Agriculture didn’t start with colonization,” Jonathan shared. “Indigenous peoples have been practicing food sovereignty, seed saving, and climate adaptation on this land for thousands of years. That traditional knowledge remains deeply relevant—and should inform how we approach agritech today.”
Throughout the discussion, Jonathan emphasized the need for inclusive, collaborative innovation—one that honours both ancestral wisdom and modern science. From climate-smart production methods to the importance of supporting Indigenous youth and community-led food systems, the panel highlighted the value of integrating diverse knowledge systems to build resilience in agriculture.
The event also served as a valuable opportunity for connection. Following the panel, we engaged with researchers, entrepreneurs, and students who reached out to continue the conversation—proof that the appetite for more inclusive, community-centered agritech is strong and growing.
We thank Dr. Woo Soo Kim and the Global Institute for Agritech for creating this platform for open dialogue and shared learning. At Agrotek, we’re proud to contribute to these important conversations and to continue advocating for innovation that is grounded, respectful, and future-focused.
We’re excited to announce a new partnership that brings an innovative and proudly Canadian product to our customers in Western Canada and the Prairies: Squid Juice by Green Flow, an Ontario-based company specializing in sustainable, bioactive fertilizers.
Squid Juice is a premium, all-purpose liquid fertilizer that’s as powerful as it is planet-friendly. Sourced from calamari processing and formulated using a unique natural fermentation process, this product is designed to enhance soil health, boost plant growth, and improve crop resilience—whether you’re an organic grower or use traditional farming methods.
Why Squid Juice?
At the core of Squid Juice’s performance is β-chitin, a rare, highly bioavailable form of chitin found in squid. Unlike the more common α-chitin (which is difficult for plants to absorb), β-chitin is water-soluble and extraordinarily bioactive. It helps stimulate plant growth, improve soil structure, and even defend against pests and fungal infections.
What’s inside?
Key Benefits for Farmers:
And yes—it’s screened for use in drip irrigation, making it a convenient addition to your current system.
A natural fit for Agrotek
At Agrotek, we’re always looking for sustainable, high-performing solutions that support healthy soils and better yields. Our partnership with Green Flow reflects our commitment to bringing cutting-edge biostimulants and organic solutions to growers across Canada.
Stay tuned—we’ll be sharing more insights, grower tips, and success stories as Squid Juice makes its way into the field.
Want to learn more or place an order? Contact us today!
This month, we had the opportunity to attend three key industry events: the Reservation Economic Summit (RES) 2025, Indoor Ag-Con 2025, and the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit 2025. Each provided valuable insights into economic development, sustainable agriculture, and the latest advancements in technology shaping the future of farming.
RES 2025: Strengthening partnerships for sustainable land management
Held from March 10 to 13 in Las Vegas, RES 2025 brought together Indigenous leaders, government officials, and business representatives to discuss strategies for economic growth in Indigenous communities.
A central theme throughout the summit was the importance of collaboration in energy and resource management to ensure long-term sustainability. Discussions emphasized how shared efforts across industries can help maintain productive land for future generations. The event also featured a diverse marketplace, highlighting Indigenous artisans and entrepreneurs contributing to local economies.
Indoor Ag-Con 2025: Innovation in controlled environment agriculture
From March 11 to 12, we attended Indoor Ag-Con 2025, North America’s leading event for indoor and vertical farming. The conference provided an in-depth look at emerging technologies in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), greenhouse operations, and hydroponics.
It was an opportunity to connect with industry leaders, learn about new advancements in precision agriculture, and explore strategies to enhance efficiency and sustainability in food production. Discussions also included funding opportunities available to companies expanding into new markets, highlighting the role of investment in scaling agricultural innovation.
World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit: The future of agritech
The World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit, held in San Francisco on March 11-12, brought together agribusinesses, technology providers, and investors to explore innovations transforming the industry.
Key themes included the integration of AI and robotics in agriculture, the development of biological solutions, and strategies for building climate-resilient food systems. The summit reinforced the need for strategic partnerships to accelerate the adoption of new technologies and drive sustainable agricultural practices globally.
Beyond the conferences: A reminder of why sustainability matters
While in the region, we took the opportunity to explore Death Valley, the Grand Canyon, and Hoover Dam by helicopter. Seeing these vast landscapes from above served as a powerful reminder of why sustainability is so critical. Protecting our land and resources is not just about business—it’s about ensuring that future generations can continue to grow and thrive in a changing world.
These conferences provided critical insights into the evolving landscape of agriculture and innovation. The conversations and connections made will play a key role in shaping Agrotek’s strategies moving forward.
We look forward to implementing the knowledge gained and continuing to engage with industry leaders at future events.
Interested in learning more about how Agrotek can revolutionize your
farming practices? Get in
touch with us today!
