A New Zealand-based agriscience consultancy has chosen Edmonton as the home for its Canadian operations.
AbacusBio found Edmonton attractive because of the talent emerging from its post-secondary institutions, the province's economic focus on agri-food, and AbacusBio Canada leader John Crowley's connections in the region.
"It's also to capitalize on some of the R&D that's coming out of Edmonton and Alberta," Crowley told Taproot at a June 29 announcement at Edmonton Global. "We are an international organization. We do consult other countries, so it's good to capitalize on what's coming out of the local economy here, and the local R&D, and take that internationally."
AbacusBio bridges science and business, largely with regard to livestock and crops. The company offers value-chain consulting and genetic improvement programs, as well as other consulting services related to agribusiness.
"AbacusBio is a highly respected agriscience and technology firm with over 20 years of experience," said Stanford Blade, an Edmonton Global board member and the dean of the Faculty of Agricultural, Life, and Environmental Sciences at the University of Alberta. "They deliver world-class innovative solutions across agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and agriculture, utilizing expertise in genetics, analytics, and strategic planning. And they partner with universities around the world to drive innovation in this sector."
Agriculture is seen as key to economic development for both Edmonton Global and Invest Alberta, both of which had representatives at the announcement.
"Agriculture is probably that next big challenge for Canada. We are net producers of food for the world, but we're not net producers of value-added food for the world. It is probably the greatest potential in terms of any sector in this country," said Edmonton Global CEO Malcolm Bruce. "Companies like AbacusBio recognize the opportunities that bring sort of the next level of agriculture."
Spruce Grove-Stony Plain MLA Searle Turton, who serves in Premier Danielle Smith's cabinet, agreed.
"We are thrilled you've chosen our province as your home base," he said. "We see your company playing a key role in amplifying Alberta's worldwide reputation for high-quality agricultural and forest products."
Crowley, an animal geneticist who spent time as a research associate at the U of A, is AbacusBio Canada's sole team member so far. The company, which is still building its client base and looking for office space, plans to hire four people by the fall. Crowley cited ongoing relationships with the U of A, Alberta Innovates, and Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) as paths to potential future partners.
Photo: John Crowley addressed a news conference launching AbacusBio Canada in Edmonton on June 29, 2023, while AbacusBio managing director Peter Amer looked on.(Colin Gallant)