Alberta continues to invest in local food security and year-round production with the launch of the Alberta Growing Greenhouses Program. This new funding initiative is designed to accelerate growth in the province’s controlled environment agriculture (CEA) sector by supporting both new construction and productivity improvements in existing operations.
For commercial greenhouse and vertical farm operators, this Alberta Growing Greenhouses Program represents a significant opportunity to reduce capital costs while investing in long-term efficiency and production capacity.
What is the Alberta Growing Greenhouses Program?
The Alberta Growing Greenhouses Program supports projects that strengthen Alberta’s ability to produce food year-round in controlled environments.
Specifically, the program supports:
- New commercial greenhouse construction
- Projects that increase the productivity of existing greenhouse or vertical farm operations
The objective is to modernize infrastructure, improve efficiency, and expand commercial-scale food production across the province.
Who is the Alberta Growing Greenhouses Program designed for?
The program is intended for commercial greenhouse and vertical farm operators in Alberta who produce food at scale and operate (or plan to operate) year-round.
- Eligible applicants include:
- Existing greenhouse or vertical farm owners planning upgrades or expansions
- New projects where the applicant intends to own and operate the facility in Alberta
To qualify, projects must focus on food production and meet program requirements related to scale, investment level, and productivity outcomes.
What types of projects are supported?
The program is structured to support both growth and optimization.
- New greenhouse or vertical farm projects
- Funding may be used to support the construction of new facilities designed for year-round food production, including modern greenhouse structures and vertical farming systems.
- Productivity improvements to existing operations
Projects that increase the productivity of an existing greenhouse or vertical farm are also eligible. This includes investments that expand capacity, improve efficiency, or increase output within the project area.
Eligible investment areas
While eligibility details are defined by the program’s funding list, supported investments typically relate to high-efficiency and performance-driven infrastructure, such as:
Energy-efficient systems
Advanced lighting solutions
Automation and production technologies
Structural or building-envelope improvements
Engineering, installation, and operator training
These investments are intended to improve operational performance while supporting long-term sustainability and competitiveness.
Funding structure (high level)
The Alberta Growing Greenhouses Program operates as a cost-share grant, with funding provided on a reimbursement basis for eligible expenses. Funding is limited, and applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis until program funds are fully allocated.
Because of this structure, early planning and well-defined project scopes are critical.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted directly to the Government of Alberta using the official application form and supporting documentation.
Before applying, operators should:
Confirm eligibility and project alignment with program objectives
Clearly define project scope, budget, and expected productivity outcomes
Ensure timelines and documentation requirements are understood
Full program details, terms and conditions, and application materials are available on the Government of Alberta website.
How we support grant-ready greenhouse projects
For greenhouse and CEA projects, funding programs are most effective when the facility design, technology choices, and production goals are aligned from the start.
We support commercial growers and project developers by helping them:
Plan greenhouse structures optimized for year-round production
Align building and system choices with productivity and efficiency goals
Develop realistic, grant-ready project scopes for new builds or upgrades
If you are considering a new greenhouse, vertical farm, or productivity upgrade, this program may be an important part of your investment strategy.