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A push for innovation in Alberta’s agriculture industry is getting a boost.
The federal government is investing more than $1.8 million to help small- and medium-sized businesses enhance agricultural capacity, improve market access, and create new opportunities for Albertan businesses.
Announced by Terry Duguid, the minister responsible for PrairiesCan, the funding will support four not-for-profit organizations working on projects that range from advancing cellular agriculture to improving sugar beet storage solutions.
Investments in innovation and market expansion
The funding, provided through PrairiesCan’s Regional Innovation Ecosystem and Community Economic Development and Diversification programs, will support initiatives across the province, including:
New Harvest Canada (Edmonton): $1 million to develop cellular agriculture practices, enabling food production from cells. This investment is expected to bolster Alberta’s role in biomanufacturing and integrate local crop producers into the cellular agriculture supply chain.
Mackenzie Applied Research Association (Fort Vermilion): $262,024 to explore climate-resilient farming practices and provide workshops for producers on regenerative and precision agriculture technologies.
Alberta Sugar Beet Growers (Taber): $223,647 to advance sugar beet storage solutions and expand market access. Combined with previous funding, the total federal investment in this initiative now exceeds $466,000.
Economic Development Lethbridge: $405,285 to support the implementation of an investment strategy for Canada’s Western Gateway and assist businesses in navigating new market opportunities. This project will involve collaboration with municipalities and industry partners along the CANAMEX trade corridor.
According to PrairiesCan, these investments are expected to support approximately 50 jobs and benefit 350 small- and medium-sized businesses across Alberta’s agriculture and agri-food sector.
Government sees agriculture as key economic driver
Duguid highlighted the importance of Alberta’s agriculture industry, stating, “Alberta’s value-added agriculture and agri-food sector is a key economic engine, fueling growth and prosperity in communities large and small across the province.”
He added: “Our government is proud to help small- and medium-sized businesses build capacity, advance innovative technologies, and seize new opportunities in global markets.”
George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview, emphasized the long-term vision behind the funding.
“Investing in Alberta’s agriculture and agri-food businesses is an investment in the livelihoods of Albertans,” he said in a statement.
“I am proud our government is making key investments to enhance agricultural technologies, research and production that will lay the groundwork for a sustainable and prosperous value-added agriculture sector for years to come.”
Aligning with Canada’s green economy goals
The funding aligns with the Government of Canada’s Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy, which emphasizes regional collaboration, economic reconciliation with Indigenous communities, and sustainable development. By focusing on local strengths and priorities, the initiative aims to support long-term economic growth while advancing climate-friendly agricultural practices.
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