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Part of Programs

Growing Greenhouses Program

This program supports new or improvements of existing greenhouses and vertical farms which produce food at a commercial scale.

Important dates

Accepting applications until funding has been allocated.

Overview

The Growing Greenhouses Program supports the year-round availability of locally grown food by accelerating growth in Alberta’s controlled environment agriculture (CEA) sector. The program supports the construction of new greenhouses and vertical farms and projects that increase the productivity of existing operations and vertical farms.

Program details

  • Funding

    There is limited funding in the program. Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and evaluated according to the eligibility criteria, assessment criteria and funding constraints.

    Submission of a completed application does not guarantee that the applicant will receive payment under this program.

    Maximums

    The overall program funding maximum per applicant is $4 million over the duration of the program term (2025-2028) and $2 million per fiscal year.

    Cost share

    Eligible expenses will be cost shared at 50% grant and 50% applicant.

    The grant will be paid on a reimbursement basis, based on eligible expenses claimed by the approved applicant, and approved by the Minister.

  • Eligibility

    Eligible applicants

    To be eligible, an applicant must:

    • own and operate a greenhouse or vertical farm in Alberta as of the application date, or intend to own and operate a greenhouse or vertical farm in Alberta that will be constructed as part of the proposed project
    • be an individual resident of Alberta, or an Alberta-registered corporation, partnership or co-operative.

    Projects must result in a greenhouse or vertical farm that operates year-round to produce food, with at least 50% of the growing area dedicated to food production.

    Eligible projects for a new greenhouse or vertical farm must:

    • have a total project investment of no less than $2 million

    Eligible projects for an existing greenhouse or vertical farm must:

    • increase the annual production of food by the greenhouse or vertical farm, within the project area, by at least 10% compared to previous years’ production

    For information on additional requirements, see the Growing Greenhouses Program Terms and Conditions.

    Indigenous applicants

    Alberta’s government is committed to supporting the success of Indigenous businesses in the agriculture and food sector. We understand that Indigenous businesses may have distinct characteristics reflective of regulatory, operational, cultural, and other factors affecting their business history and operation. We aim for flexibility in our programs. If you are interested in applying for the program but have questions about the application process or eligibility requirements, contact program staff at [email protected].

    Eligible activities

    Funding supports purchase, installation and commissioning of high-efficiency technologies at greenhouses or vertical farms, and training operators of such technologies within these categories:

    • Renewable & Efficient Energy
    • Advanced Lighting Systems
    • Energy-Saving Construction
    • Automation & Robotics
    • Engineering & Installation
    • Training Support

    For more information, see the Growing Greenhouses Program Funding List.

  • How to apply

    Step 1. Check your eligibility

    Determine whether you are eligible by reviewing the Program Terms and Conditions.

    Confirm that your proposed activities are ‘eligible activities’ listed in the Funding List.

    If you have questions on eligibility or program criteria, e-mail [email protected] and a grant specialist will assist you.

    Step 2. Complete application form

    Download and complete all sections of the Application Form.

    Read ‘Part F: Certification’ carefully before signing.

    • Print and sign the signature page by hand
    • Only original signatures will be accepted (electronic or digital signatures are not acceptable).

    Step 3. Submit application

    Submit the completed application form and all supporting documents.

    Email 

    Send the original, digital fillable PDF and a scanned copy of the signature page to: [email protected].

    Mail 

    Growing Greenhouses Program, Sustainable CAP
    Trade, Investment and Food Safety Division
    Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation
    Suite 301, 7000 113 Street NW
    Edmonton, Alberta  T6H 5T6

  • What happens next

    Once you have submitted your application and documentation, you may be contacted for additional information.

    Processing times

    Processing times may vary according to the completeness of submitted applications and the number of applications under review. Applicants will be notified of the outcome once the assessment process is complete.

Resources

Contact

Connect with the Growing Greenhouses Program team:

Email: [email protected]
General inquiries Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 403-742-7901
Toll free: 310-3276 (FARM) (in Alberta)

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