In a significant move toward sustainable agriculture, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, has announced over $116 million in funding through the Agricultural Clean Technology (ACT) Program. This investment will support 119 projects across Canada, helping farmers adopt cutting-edge clean technologies to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Supporting Innovation in Prince Edward Island
As part of the announcement, Minister MacAulay, accompanied by Heath MacDonald, Member of Parliament for Malpeque, visited Atlantic Grown Organics in Spring Valley, Prince Edward Island. This family-owned, certified organic farm had previously secured up to $126,014 under the ACT Program’s Adoption Stream to install a dual curtain energy retention system in its greenhouse. By creating an insulated air gap between two curtains, the system minimizes energy loss, enhancing heating and cooling efficiency.
Additionally, three new projects in Prince Edward Island have received ACT funding:
- Indian River Farms (Charlottetown): Up to $1,736,979 to integrate precision agriculture technology on their family-run beef farm.
- Vanco Flowers (Mount Albion): Up to $782,696 for the installation of a biomass heating system to enhance energy efficiency in tulip production.
- Bonus Consulting (Clyde River): Up to $15,166 for research on alternative sanitization methods in food processing facilities.
These projects are among 14 initiatives in Prince Edward Island that have collectively received over $6 million in ACT funding.
Driving Sustainable Agricultural Practices
The ACT Program plays a critical role in fostering innovation within Canada’s agricultural sector. By providing financial support for clean technology adoption and research, the government aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhance long-term industry sustainability.
To date, 534 projects have been funded under the ACT Program, amounting to more than $314 million in investments nationwide. The program focuses on three key areas:
- Green energy and energy efficiency
- Precision agriculture
- Bioeconomy solutions
Impact and Future Goals
Through the latest round of funding, 99 projects under the ACT Adoption Stream will implement clean technologies designed to significantly cut GHG emissions. Meanwhile, 20 projects under the ACT Research and Innovation Stream will drive the development and commercialization of new sustainable technologies.
The ACT Program is expected to reduce GHG emissions by up to 0.8 megatons, aligning with Canada’s broader climate commitments to lower emissions by 45-50% below 2005 levels by 2035.
Government Commitment to a Greener Future
“Our farmers care deeply about the land and are always looking for innovative ways to reduce emissions and improve sustainability,” said Minister MacAulay. “Through the Agricultural Clean Technology Program, we are ensuring they have the tools to stay ahead, feed Canadians, and protect the environment.”
As climate change continues to challenge the agricultural sector, initiatives like the ACT Program underscore Canada’s commitment to fostering resilience, sustainability, and innovation in farming communities across the country.
