Photo: Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Growth Pathway Program under the National Food Security Strategy / Screenshot from Facebook
By Anna Smith
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Medicine Hat News
The Government of Canada says it is supporting consistent access to fresh, affordable and high-quality food through the new $750-million Controlled Environment Agriculture Growth Pathway Program.
The program aims to support innovation in domestic fruit and vegetable production, reduce reliance on imported produce through the adoption of controlled environment agricultural technologies. There are two streams to the program, with one aiding producers in adopting, expanding or modernizing CEA infrastructure and technologies, and the other focused on strengthening food security in rural and northern communities.
“Controlled environment agriculture is transforming how food is grown in Canada. 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 federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald.
“Our government will continue investing in innovative solutions that strengthen our domestic food system and ensure Canadians have access to fresh, high-quality, domestic food for generations to come.”
Approved CEA Growth Pathway Program projects may receive between $100,000 and $10 million in funding from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. This program is part of the recently announced $3.2-billion National Food Security Strategy, launched by Prime Minister Mark Carney on June 11.
Eligible organizations are encouraged to submit a Project Summary Form, open until Dec. 23. Applicants whose proposals align with the objectives of the program will be invited to submit a full application.