The federal government announced on Oct. 30 new funding toward infrastructure that would extend Canada’s growing season.
The $750-million Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Growth Pathway Program launched by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is part of the federal government’s $3.2-billion National Food Security Strategy, which was announced in June.
The new funding would allow Canadian producers to grow food outside of the typical growing season and improve food security.
The funds will be split into two streams:
CEA Technology Adoption Stream, which provides $650 million to producers adopting, expanding and modernizing CEA infrastructure and technologies, including automation, robotics, lighting and digital growing tools.
Expanding Food Production in Rural and Northern Communities Stream, which uses $100 million to support community-based CEA solutions like increasing local and regional food production, improving access to fresh food and strengthening food security in remote communities.
The CEA Growth Pathway Program looks to support increased domestic fruit and vegetable production, reduce reliance on imported produce and contribute to a more resilient and locally responsive food system. Approved CEA Growth Pathway Program projects may receive between $100,000 and $10 million in funding from AAFC.
The National Food Security Strategy, including the $1-billion Food-Link Fund, is meant to reduce the cost of growing food, streamline supply chains and remove unnecessary costs.
“By investing in year-round production of fresh fruits and vegetables closer to home, these technologies will strengthen food security, create jobs, and support economic growth in communities across the country,” said Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald in a news release.
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Who can apply?
The CEA Growth Pathway Program is open to Canadian producers, for-profit and non-profit organizations and Indigenous individuals and communities, including First Nation, Inuit or Métis communities and governments, and other levels of government.
Eligible organizations are encouraged to submit a project summary form until Dec. 23. Applicants whose proposals align with the objectives of the program will be invited to submit a full application.
