A Government of Canada investment will introduce new technology in greenhouse construction that will help growers remain competitive in the market by maximizing energy efficiency and reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
Member of Parliament Blaine Calkins (Wetaskiwin), on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, announced that Doef’s Greenhouses will receive $2.2 million in repayable funding to build a new five-acre greenhouse.
“This Government is making smart investments in agricultural innovation that are giving farmers new ways to boost their bottom lines and their local economies,” said MP Calkins. “This project represents a remarkable advance in greenhouse systems in cold climates and will be the first commercial installation of the system in North America.”
This project will include the installation of a Vertifan vertical air circulation system, an innovative new greenhouse technology from the Netherlands. The system rotates air from the top of the greenhouse and distributes it under the crops to maintain targeted temperature and humidity levels which helps the plants grow better. It will also incorporate shade screens and innovative diffused glass that will allow for improved climate control, energy savings and optimal plant growth by shielding plants from overexposure to harsh light on sunny days, and on dark and wet days will allow more of the plants to be exposed to the available light. It is expected to create 17 jobs and will generate $4 million in annual demand for greenhouse vegetables by its third year.
“We are pleased to receive funding from the Government of Canada for an expansion with a semi-closed greenhouse with all the latest technology,” said Joe Doef, President of Doef’s Greenhouses Ltd. “This puts us in a strong position to provide fresh top-quality produce to our loyal local consumers year round and replace imported produce in current and expanding markets.”
Funding for this project comes from the Agri-Opportunities Program, which focuses on new innovative agri-products, processes or services that are currently not commercially produced or available in Canada and that are ready to be introduced into the marketplace. In addition, Canada’s Economic Action Plan supports agriculture as a core economic driver in this country, and is committed to creating jobs for the future. Investments in viable market opportunities will help build an even stronger agriculture sector and Canadian economy.
Funding is subject to the project meeting all eligibility requirements and the signing of a contribution agreement.
For more information on the Agri-Opportunities Program please visit www.agr.gc.ca/agri-opportunities.
