Canada Announces $750 Million Program to Boost Year-Round Domestic Food Production
The Government of Canada has launched a $750 million Controlled Environment Agriculture Growth Pathway Program to increase domestic fruit and vegetable production, reduce reliance on imports, and strengthen food security in rural and northern communities.
On October 30, 2026, the Government of Canada announced the launch of the $750-million Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Growth Pathway Program. The initiative is designed to increase domestic year-round production of fruits and vegetables, reduce reliance on imported produce, and improve access to fresh, affordable, and high-quality food across the country.
The CEA Growth Pathway Program operates under the broader $3.2-billion National Food Security Strategy, which Prime Minister Mark Carney launched on June 11, 2026. Beyond expanding food production, the program aims to create jobs, support economic growth, and build a more resilient and locally responsive food system.
Funding is divided into two distinct streams. The $650-million CEA Technology Adoption Stream supports producers in adopting and modernizing infrastructure and technologies. The remaining $100 million is allocated to the Expanding Local Food Production in Rural and Northern Communities Stream, which focuses on community-driven solutions to strengthen food security in those regions.
Approved projects may receive funding between $100,000 and $10 million from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Under the Technology Adoption Stream, contributions can be either non-repayable or repayable, while the Rural and Northern Communities Stream provides only non-repayable contributions.
Eligible organizations are encouraged to submit a Project Summary Form beginning at noon EDT on October 30, 2026, with the submission window closing on December 23, 2026.