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.
Federal and Provincial Alignment on Greenhouse Investment
Growing Greenhouses Program Aligns with Buy Local Strategy In Alberta
The Growing Greenhouses program complements Alberta’s Buy Local initiative launched earlier this year, which encourages consumers to choose locally produced food. By expanding year-round greenhouse production, the program is expected to increase the availability of Alberta-grown produce in retail and foodservice channels across the province.
Heath MacDonald, Canada’s federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, said the investment supports growers while strengthening national food systems. “This program strengthens local communities, drives innovation, and creates new opportunities for agricultural entrepreneurs,” he said.
Integration with Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
The program also aligns with the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), a five-year federal–provincial framework totaling approximately US$2.56 billion (converted from CAD 3.5 billion). This includes around US$730 million in federal programs and US$1.83 billion in cost-shared provincial and territorial funding designed to enhance competitiveness, innovation, and resilience across Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sectors.
Industry Sees Opportunity for Growth and Food Security
Alberta Greenhouse Sector Positioned for Expansion
Alberta’s greenhouse sector currently ranks fourth in Canada, with 195 greenhouses producing approximately US$105.9 million in annual output. About 60% of these facilities already operate year-round, and greenhouse food production in the province is growing at an annual rate of 6.2%.
Despite this growth, Alberta continues to import roughly US$254.8 million in fresh produce annually. The Growing Greenhouses program aims to address this gap by investing in renewable and efficient energy systems, advanced lighting, automation, robotics, and energy-saving construction methods.
Michiel Verheul, president of the Alberta Greenhouse Growers Association, said the program responds directly to industry needs. “By investing in expansion and innovation, we can grow more fresh produce year-round, reduce reliance on imports, and strengthen food security for Albertans,” Verheul said.
Supporting Innovation in Controlled Environment Agriculture
The Growing Greenhouses program is expected to play a role in job creation, technology adoption, and long-term sustainability within Alberta’s controlled environment agriculture sector. By focusing on energy efficiency and advanced production systems, policymakers and industry leaders see the initiative as a step toward a more resilient, locally anchored food supply capable of meeting year-round consumer demand.
