The federal government launched a $750-million Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Growth Pathway Program on Thursday to increase year-round domestic production of fruits and vegetables, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada said in a news release dated Oct. 30.
Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald announced the program in Ottawa. The department said Canada's short growing season limits the country's ability to grow enough fruits and vegetables to meet demand throughout the year. The program is part of the $3.2-billion National Food Security Strategy and aims to reduce reliance on imported produce.
Funding is divided into two streams. The CEA Technology Adoption Stream, worth $650 million, will support producers in adopting, expanding and modernizing CEA infrastructure and technologies, including automation, robotics, lighting and digital growing tools. The Expanding Local Food Production in Rural and Northern Communities Stream, worth $100 million, will support community-driven projects that increase local and regional food production and improve access to fresh food.
Approved projects may receive between $100,000 and $10 million from the department. Technology Adoption Stream funding may be non-repayable or repayable, depending on the project and its expected benefits. Projects in the rural and northern stream will receive non-repayable contributions.
"Controlled environment agriculture is transforming how food is grown in Canada," MacDonald said in the release. He said the technologies will strengthen food security, create jobs and support economic growth in communities across the country.
The program is open to Canadian producers, for-profit and non-profit organizations, and Indigenous individuals and communities, including First Nation, Inuit or Métis communities or governments. Not-for-profit associations and other levels of government are also eligible.
Eligible organizations can submit a Project Summary Form from noon EDT on Oct. 30 until Dec. 23. Applicants whose proposals align with the program's objectives will be invited to submit a full application.
Prime Minister Mark Carney launched the National Food Security Strategy on June 11. It is backed by $3.2 billion in investments over 10 years, including the CEA program. The government lists other measures under the strategy: Farm Credit Canada's $1-billion Agri-Food Project Finance Fund, the recently announced $1-billion Food-Link Fund, and tax measures allowing immediate expensing for eligible greenhouse buildings.
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