Key Takeaways
- Government Support for Agriculture: The Government of Canada, through PrairiesCan, is investing over $1.8 million in four projects to enhance Alberta Agriculture’s value-added sector.
- Innovative Agricultural Practices: Funding supports cellular agriculture, climate-resilient farming, sugar beet storage solutions, and investment in regional trade corridors.
- Economic Impact: The investments are expected to support approximately 50 jobs and benefit 350 small- and medium-sized businesses in Alberta Agriculture.
- Alignment with Sustainability Goals: The initiative aligns with Canada’s Green Prairie Economy framework, emphasizing local strengths and net-zero economic development.
- Strategic Collaboration: Partnerships with government, industry, and research organizations aim to drive economic growth and improve agricultural sustainability.
Alberta Agriculture Sector Receives $1.8 Million Investment from PrairiesCan
The Government of Canada is strengthening Alberta Agriculture’s industry by supporting value-added initiatives aimed at enhancing innovation, sustainability, and market expansion. The Honourable Terry Duguid, Minister for PrairiesCan, has announced a federal investment of over $1.8 million to advance projects that create new opportunities for small- and medium-sized businesses in the sector.
Supporting Innovation and Growth in Alberta Agriculture
Four not-for-profit organizations across Alberta are receiving funding to help develop innovative agricultural technologies, expand market opportunities, and improve sustainability:
New Harvest Canada – Advancing Cellular Agriculture ($1M)
- Location: Edmonton, Alberta
- Purpose: Support the development of a more resilient food production system through cellular agriculture.
- Impact: Strengthens Alberta Agriculture’s ability to meet global demand for alternative food sources and promotes value-added biomanufacturing.
Mackenzie Applied Research Association – Climate-Resilient Farming ($262,024)
- Location: Fort Vermilion, Alberta
- Purpose: Expand research and learning opportunities in regenerative and precision agriculture.
- Impact: Helps farmers adopt climate-resilient practices, de-risk new agricultural technologies, and improve sustainability through educational workshops.
Alberta Sugar Beet Growers – Scaling Sugar Beet Storage Solutions ($223,647)
- Location: Taber, Alberta
- Purpose: Enhance sugar beet storage technology and unlock new markets for Alberta-grown sugar beets.
- Impact: Builds on previous PrairiesCan funding, increasing total support to more than $466,000 to expand commercialization efforts.
Economic Development Lethbridge – Enhancing Regional Trade ($405,285)
- Location: Lethbridge, Alberta
- Purpose: Develop an investment strategy for Canada’s Western Gateway and improve market access for businesses in southern Alberta.
- Impact: Collaborates with municipalities along the CANAMEX trade corridor to create a sustainable agricultural supply chain.
Economic and Sustainability Impact
These investments aim to:
- Support approximately 50 jobs in Alberta Agriculture’s agri-food sector.
- Directly benefit 350 small- and medium-sized businesses.
- Enhance Alberta’s role as a leader in sustainable agricultural innovation and production.
- Align with Canada’s Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy, promoting regional strengths and sustainable economic development.
Government Perspectives on Agricultural Investment
Minister Terry Duguid emphasized the importance of value-added agriculture in Alberta’s economy: “Alberta’s value-added agriculture and agri-food sector is a key economic engine, fueling growth and prosperity in communities large and small across the province. Our government is proud to help small- and medium-sized businesses build capacity, advance innovative technologies, and seize new opportunities in global markets.”
George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview, highlighted the role of innovation in strengthening Alberta’s agricultural sector: “Investing in Alberta’s agriculture and agri-food businesses is an investment in the livelihoods of Albertans. I am proud our government is making key investments to enhance agricultural technologies, research, and production that will lay the groundwork for a sustainable and prosperous value-added agriculture sector for years to come.”
