Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Technology Adoption Stream

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has opened the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Technology Adoption Stream, the larger of the two streams under the $750 million CEA Growth Pathway Program. It helps producers adopt, expand and modernize CEA infrastructure and technology, from automation and robotics to lighting and digital growing tools.

What is available

• $650 million committed to this stream through to March 31, 2033
• $100,000 to $10 million in federal contribution per project
• Costs are eligible as of June 11, 2026, though costs incurred before an agreement is signed may not be reimbursed

Stream aims

• 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 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

Eligible activities

• Building, expanding or modernizing CEA facilities
• Upgrading facilities to improve productivity, efficiency or sanitation
• Purchasing and installing equipment and technologies, such as automation, robotics, monitoring systems, and artificial intelligence tools
• Adopting and scaling technologies and production practices
• Data management and analytical tools
• Integration of advanced production technologies, including the development of CEA production systems and practices for emerging or novel crops
• Training and knowledge-sharing activities that build CEA skills and expertise
• Testing, adopting, and expanding novel crops and crop varieties, including the systems required to support these novel crops

Who is eligible?

• You operate in Canada as one of the following:
  • For-profit organizations
  • Not-for-profit organizations
  • Indigenous (First Nation, Inuit and Métis) individuals and organizations, including communities and governments, associations, individuals, and not⁠-⁠for⁠-⁠profit organizations
  • Academia
  • Other levels of government
• You work in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) or a related sector, or you have the skills and experience to do so
• You're a legal entity capable of entering into legally binding agreements

One important limit: there must be novel technology, crops or processes being implemented into a facility expansion to be eligible. The fund is not intended for simply adding more acres under greenhouse using conventional crops and systems.

Cost⁠-⁠share ratio

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

Repayable or non⁠-⁠repayable?

• 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

Act quickly. Stage 1 is an expression of interest, submitted on the Project Summary Form. Expressions of interest close December 23, 2026 at 12 p.m. noon ET, or sooner if the stream is fully committed. Only projects assessed as aligned are invited to a full application.

Next steps

If you're planning to adopt, expand, or modernize CEA infrastructure and technologies — including automation, robotics, lighting, and digital growing tools — assess how your project aligns with the stream's aims.

Prepare a concise outline of your operation, planned technologies, and timelines, then connect to discuss fit and next steps.

Baker Tilly’s Grants & Incentives team can confirm whether your project fits the stream, test whether it qualifies for the higher cost⁠-⁠share, and build your Project Summary Form before the window closes.

Let’s discuss the CEA Technology Adoption Stream for your operation.