Canada launches $750M program to boost controlled environment agriculture
The federal government is investing $750 million to help producers adopt year-round farming technologies and strengthen domestic food production.
Govgrant newsroomOctober 31, 2026 · 2 min read- Total funding
- $750 million over the life of the program
- Who can apply
- Canadian producers, for-profit and non-profit organizations, Indigenous individuals and communities, and other levels of government
- Funding per project
- Between $100,000 and $10 million
- Two funding streams
- Technology Adoption ($650M) and Expanding Local Food Production in Rural and Northern Communities ($100M)
- Application deadline
- December 23, 2026 for Project Summary Form
- Delivered by
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
What was announced
The Government of Canada has launched the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Growth Pathway Program as part of its broader National Food Security Strategy. The program allocates $750 million to support Canadian producers in adopting technologies that enable year-round fruit and vegetable production. This investment addresses a core challenge: Canada's short growing season limits domestic production and creates reliance on imported produce.
Two funding streams available
Applicants can access funding through either of two distinct streams, each serving different objectives within the controlled environment agriculture sector.
- CEA Technology Adoption Stream ($650 million): supports producers in adopting, expanding, and modernizing controlled environment infrastructure and technologies, including automation, robotics, lighting, and digital growing tools.
- Expanding Local Food Production in Rural and Northern Communities Stream ($100 million): supports community-driven CEA solutions in rural and northern areas to increase local food production, improve fresh food access, and strengthen food security.
Who can apply
The program is open to a broad range of applicants across Canada. Eligible organizations include Canadian producers, for-profit and non-profit organizations, Indigenous individuals and communities (including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities), government bodies, and not-for-profit associations.
How to apply and key dates
Prospective applicants must submit a Project Summary Form by December 23, 2026, at noon EDT. Applications that align with program objectives will be invited to submit a full application in a subsequent stage. Funding under the Technology Adoption Stream may be provided as either non-repayable or repayable contributions, depending on project characteristics and expected benefits. Projects under the Rural and Northern Communities Stream will receive non-repayable contributions.
What this means for your business
This program represents a significant opportunity for food producers looking to modernize operations and increase year-round output. The funding supports capital investments in infrastructure and technology that can improve productivity and reduce costs over time. For rural and northern communities in particular, the dedicated stream offers tailored support for food security initiatives. Businesses should review program eligibility and begin preparing project proposals well ahead of the December deadline.
Frequently asked questions
What types of technology does the CEA Technology Adoption Stream support?
The stream supports adoption, expansion, and modernization of controlled environment infrastructure and technologies, including automation, robotics, lighting, and digital growing tools.
Are non-repayable contributions available for all projects?
It depends on the stream. Projects under the Expanding Local Food Production in Rural and Northern Communities Stream receive non-repayable contributions. Under the Technology Adoption Stream, funding may be either non-repayable or repayable, based on the nature of the project and expected benefits.
What is the range of funding available per project?
Approved CEA Growth Pathway Program projects may receive between $100,000 and $10 million in funding from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
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