Key Takeaways
- Alberta has launched a new three-year Growing Greenhouses program valued at approximately US$7.3 million to support greenhouse and vertical farm expansion.
- The initiative targets year-round production of fruits and vegetables, reducing reliance on seasonal imports.
- Funding will support energy efficiency, automation, advanced lighting, and greenhouse construction or expansion.
- The program aligns with Alberta’s Buy Local initiative and broader federal–provincial agricultural investment frameworks.
- Industry stakeholders say the program will strengthen food security, create jobs, and drive innovation across the province.
Growing Greenhouses Program Targets Year-Round Food Production In Alberta
The Government of Alberta, in partnership with the federal government, has launched the Growing Greenhouses program, a three-year initiative valued at US$7.3 million (converted from CAD 10 million). The program is designed to stimulate growth in Alberta’s controlled environment agriculture sector while increasing access to locally grown fruits and vegetables throughout the year.
The initiative supports commercial-scale greenhouse and vertical farming projects, including new construction and expansion of existing facilities. It aims to reduce Alberta’s dependence on imported produce during the fall and winter months, when supply constraints often drive up prices.
RJ Sigurdson, Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, said the program reflects a broader effort to improve resilience and sustainability in the province’s food system. “This new program will fund technologies that increase food production and improve energy efficiency,” Sigurdson said, adding that the focus remains on secure access to safe, high-quality food for Albertans.
