New Growing Greenhouses Program Aims to Expand Canada’s CEA Sector
December 16, 2025 
Greens growing in a Greenhouse. | Signify
A new three-year, $10 million Growing Greenhouses program aims to stimulate industry growth and provide fresh fruit and vegetables to Albertans throughout the year. Funded by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the program supports and accelerates the Canadian CEA sector with new construction or expansion improvements to greenhouses and vertical farms. Additionally, it aligns with Alberta’s Buy Local initiative launched this year to help consumers purchase more local produce all year-round.
Words from the Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation
“Everything our ministry does is about ensuring Albertans have secure access to safe, high-quality food. We are continually working to build resilience and sustainability into our food production systems, increase opportunities for producers and processors, create jobs and feed Albertans. This new program will fund technologies that increase food production and improve energy efficiency,” says RJ Sigurdson, Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation.
Words from the Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
“Through this investment, we’re supporting Alberta’s growers and ensuring Canadians have access to fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables on grocery shelves year-round. This program strengthens local communities, drives innovation, and creates new opportunities for agricultural entrepreneurs, reinforcing Canada’s food system and economy,” says Heath MacDonald, Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
Words from the Alberta Greenhouse Growers Association
“This program is a game-changer for Alberta’s greenhouse sector. By investing in expansion and innovation, we can grow more fresh produce year-round, reduce reliance on imports, and strengthen food security for Albertans. Our growers are ready to meet the demand with sustainable, locally grown vegetables and fruits, and this support ensures we can do so while creating new jobs and opportunities in communities across the province. We are very grateful to the Governments of Canada and Alberta for this investment in our sector and for working collaboratively with us,” says Michiel Verheul, President of the Alberta Greenhouse Growers Association.
What is the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP)?
Sustainable CAP is a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation and resiliency in Canada’s agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and $2.5 billion that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
For additional information on Growing Greenhouses program, including statistics about Sustainable CAP and Alberta’s greenhouse sector, please read the original release on the Government of Canada website.