If passed, Budget 2026 funds the cost-shared Co-operative Seed Processors program to help co-operative and municipal plants to update and build facilities and infrastructure, improve technology, upgrade equipment and optimize operations to ensure they remain sustainable.
Local seed co-operatives ensure weeds are not spread through seed, seeds and grains are cleaned to meet regulatory and customer standards and help maintain consumer and market confidence in Alberta’s crop products.
“Farmer-owned local seed co-operatives play an integral role in ensuring seeds and crops are pest- and disease-free, they strengthen local communities and help ensure we are successful in global markets. Now more than ever, seed co-operatives need support to modernize aging facilities so they can remain economically viable and serve our growing agriculture industry.”
The program is funded 75 per cent by the seed co-operatives and 25 per cent by the government, and will help facilities continue providing vital services, like cleaning, grading and conditioning seed and grain products. The result is a total $27-million investment over three years.
Most seed co-operatives were built between the 1960s and 1990s.Upgrading technology and equipment will ensure co-operatives remain viable and competitive.
As a result of this investment, seed co-operatives will be able to continue serving producers, providing good jobs in rural communities and strengthening local economies.
Individual seed plants that are members of the Alberta Seed Processors Association will be able to apply through the association. The association will then work alongside Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation to ensure eligible applicants receive funding.
“We applaud Minister Sigurdson and his team for recognizing the vital role these co-operatives play. This investment isn't just about machinery; it’s about the revitalization of a farmer-owned network that has underpinned Alberta’s agricultural success for more than 70 years. This funding ensures our members can continue to provide world-class seed and grain processing services while remaining competitive in a modern market.”
“We are thrilled and deeply encouraged that Minister Sigurdson recognizes the immense inflationary pressures put on co-ops when undertaking any capital improvement project, especially a large-scale endeavour like ours. Through years of hard work and disciplined financial planning, we broke ground on a new $6.5-million state-of-the-art facility slated to open in the fourth quarter of 2026. Although our project is already underway, this provincial funding is a critical lifeline; it ensures we can complete the build exactly as envisioned without being forced to trim key aspects of the project due to constant cost-control pressures.”
Budget 2026 is focused on what matters, makes disciplined choices, and takes decisive action.
Quick facts
- Alberta is home to 66 seed facilities in 61 municipalities in Alberta.
- These facilities cleaned 42.2 million bushels of seed and grain in 2024, which represents about 16 million tonnes of crop production.
- Beginning in 2026, the government will invest $3 million per year through the 2028-29 fiscal year.