What this program stream offers

The Controlled Environment Agriculture Technology Adoption Stream will invest $650 million over seven years under Canada’s National Food Security Strategy.

The program is also accepting applications under the Expanding Local Food Production in Rural and Northern Communities Stream.

Stream objectives

The Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Technology Adoption Stream supports producers in adopting, expanding, and modernizing CEA infrastructure and technologies, including automation, robotics, lighting, and digital growing tools.

The stream aims to:

• increase Canada’s year-round production and availability of fruits and vegetables
• diversify CEA production by supporting emerging or novel crops with commercial potentialFootnote ¹
• encourage the adoption of technologies and practices that improve productivity, resource efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness
• strengthen food security, food system resilience, and local and regional food production

Funding

If you receive funding, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) may contribute from $100,000 up to $10 million toward eligible project costs.

Funding may be provided through either non-repayable or repayable contributions, depending on the nature of your project and the expected benefits it generates.

• Projects that generate benefits beyond private gain and advance the objectives of the National Food Security Strategy will generally be considered for non-repayable contributions.
• Projects that primarily generate direct commercial benefits for the recipient may be considered for repayable contributions.

We'll determine the most appropriate funding arrangement for your project based on its expected benefits and level of risk. Priority will be given to projects eligible for non-repayable funding.

Cost-sharing

Contributions toward eligible costs will normally be shared between AAFC and you as follows:

• AAFC — a maximum of 50%
• You — a minimum of 50%

You may receive an additional 10% on the cost-share ratio (AAFC a maximum of 60%; you a minimum of 40%) if your project meets either of the following criteria:

• supports the production of emerging or novel CEA crops with the potential to reduce reliance on imports
• is led by, or majority-owned (more than 50%) by, one or more of the following underrepresented and marginalized groups:
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Youth, aged 35 and under
  • Women
  • Members of visible minorities/racialized communities
  • Persons with disabilities

You may receive an additional 20% on the cost-share ratio (AAFC a maximum of 70%; you a minimum of 30%) if your project meets both of the following criteria:

• supports the production of emerging or novel CEA crops with import-replacement potential
• is led by or majority owned by one or more of the underrepresented groups listed above

You must confirm your eligibility to be considered for the favourable cost-share.

Your portion of the cost-share must be cash contributionsFootnote ². In-kind contributions may only be considered for Indigenous applicantsFootnote ³.