Heath MacDonald highlights investments in clean technology, food processing, controlled environment agriculture, and producer engagement across southern Alberta.
Canada's agriculture sector was front and centre as Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald toured southern Almberta, meeting with producers, processors, and industry leaders as he showcased government investments in agriculture initiatives.
The outreach, which included stops in Calgary, Bow Island, Barnwell, Lethbridge, Nanton, Wheatland County, and other communities, focused on innovation, sustainability, food processing, and the long-term competitiveness of Canadian agriculture.
At the start of the tour, MacDonald announced nearly $900,000 in federal support for SmartGRO Bioengineering Inc. through the Agricultural Clean Technology Program's Research and Innovation Stream.
The funding will support work with Hydragreens vertical farm to test and expand new lighting technologies aimed at helping indoor agriculture operators reduce electricity consumption while increasing production.
Indoor farming and greenhouse production have become increasingly important as Canada seeks to improve food security, extend growing seasons, and increase local food production year-round. Technologies that improve energy efficiency are viewed as critical to the future growth of the sector, particularly as producers look to manage operating costs.
Farm Visits Highlight Producer Challenges and Opportunities
During the outreach, MacDonald visited a multi-generational farm in Bow Island where discussions focused on pulse crops and sugar beet production.
The minister also toured a Barnwell farming operation recognized for its production of Taber sweet corn. Discussions centered on innovative practices that have supported the farm's continued success and sustainability while providing insight into the opportunities and challenges facing producers.
The visits allowed the agriulture Minister as well as government officials to hear directly from farmers about production realities, market conditions, and areas where collaboration can help strengthen the sector.
Southern Alberta Processing Sector Showcased
A significant portion of the tour focused on Alberta's growing food processing industry.
While in Lethbridge, MacDonald visited several key operations representing different segments of the value-added agriculture sector, including pea protein processing, canola crushing and refining, and grain milling.
The discussions emphasized the importance of processing capacity within Canada and explored ways governments and industry can work together to improve competitiveness, expand markets, and enhance resilience throughout agricultural supply chains.
Southern Alberta has emerged as one of Canada's leading agricultural processing hubs, supported by strong crop production, transportation infrastructure, and investment in value-added manufacturing.
Cattle Feeding, Frozen Foods and Fresh Produce Featured
Additional stops included a frozen food processing facility in Nanton and a cattle feeding operation in Wheatland County that has been operating for more than five decades.
The visits highlighted the diversity of Alberta's agriculture and food sectors, ranging from livestock production to processed food manufacturing.
MacDonald also addressed attendees at the Canadian Produce Marketing Association's semi-annual meeting, where he discussed measures designed to support Canada's fruit and vegetable industry while helping ensure consumers continue to have access to affordable, locally produced food.
The discussion reflected growing attention on strengthening domestic fruit and vegetable production amid ongoing concerns about food affordability, supply chain reliability, and food security.
Support for Local Food Systems
The outreach concluded with a visit to Calgary's Crossroads Market, one of the city's longest-running year-round public markets.
Operating since 1987, the market hosts more than 150 vendors offering locally sourced produce, meats, baked goods, and specialty food products.
"Alberta's agriculture and agri-food sector plays a vital role in communities across the province and in Canada's economy," said MacDonald. "It is so important to hear directly from producers, processors, and industry partners about their experiences, priorities, and ideas for growth."