Intake Opens for the Federal Controlled Environment Agriculture Growth Pathway Program – Deadline December 23, 2026

Published on by Fadi Al-Daoud

The Government of Canada launched the $750 million Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Growth Pathway Program. It is investing in technologies and locally driven solutions to increase year-round fruit and vegetable production across Canada. Apply from October, 30, 2026 to December, 23, 2026, 12 pm (noon) Eastern Time. The intake period may close sooner if available funding has been fully committed or if otherwise announced.

Approved projects may receive between $100,000 and $10 million in funding. Applications opened on October 30, 2026, and eligible organizations can submit Project Summary Forms until December 23, 2026.

Who Can Apply?

The program is open to a broad range of applicants, including:

  • Associations and other levels of government
  • Agricultural producers
  • For-profit and non-profit organizations
  • First Nation, Inuit, and Métis communities and organizations
  • Indigenous governments

Funding Streams

The program offers funding through two streams:

Stream 1 – Controlled Environment Agriculture Technology Adoption

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 potential
  • 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

Cost Share

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

Stream 2 – Expanding Local Food Production in Rural and Northern Communities

The Expanding Local Food Production in Rural and Northern Communities Stream supports Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) and other local food production initiatives that respond to the unique challenges facing CEA production in rural and northern communities. This stream aims to support local solutions that will increase local and regional food production, improve access to fresh food, and strengthen food security in rural and northern communities.

The stream aims to:

  • improve access to locally produced foods
  • strengthen food security and community food resilience
  • reduce reliance on long, vulnerable, and high-cost food supply chains
  • support locally tailored food production solutions that address geographic, climatic, infrastructure, transportation, and growing season challenges

Cost Share

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

  • AAFC — a maximum of 75%
  • You — a minimum of 25%

Your portion of the cost-share must be cash contributions. In-kind contributions may only be considered for Indigenous applicants.

Contact

For more information please email aafc.cea-aec.aac@agr.gc.ca or call toll-free 1-877-246-4682.