Marc Fawcett-Atkinson, Local Journalism Initiative Agritech proponents say it is the future, but critics are unconvinced. Image Credit: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS/Lianolans Wimons April 05, 2021 - 6:00 AM Robots, blockchain, and high-tech plankton might soon be producing food for British Columbians. The B.C. government last week announced $7.5 million in funding to support 21 agritech companies in the province. Agritech — a suite of technologies that includes robotics, artificial intelligence, and vertical farms — is a fast-growing sector, with analysts expecting it to reach about US$18 billion globally by 2022. The province’s so-called “concierge” program will help connect these businesses to investment capital, navigate government funding programs, and find land — including protected agricultural land.