Ottawa (Rural Roots Canada) – The federal government is investing $750 million in year-round domestic fruit and vegetable production in an effort to improve food security and reduce reliance on imports.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald announced the Controlled Environment Agriculture Growth Pathway Program last month in Ottawa.

The funding is part of Canada’s $3.2-billion National Food Security Strategy, launched by Prime Minister Mark Carney in June.

The program includes $650 million to help producers adopt, expand and modernize controlled environment agriculture infrastructure and technologies, including automation, robotics, lighting and digital growing tools.

Another $100 million will support community-driven food production initiatives in rural and northern communities.

“Controlled environment agriculture is transforming how food is grown in Canada,” said MacDonald in a statement. “These technologies will strengthen food security, create jobs, and support economic growth in communities across the country.”

Approved projects can receive between $100,000 and $10 million in funding.

The program is open to Canadian producers, businesses, non-profit organizations, Indigenous communities and governments.

Eligible applicants can submit project summary forms until December 23.