Grant of $783K to benefit greenhouse growth

Lethbridge College is receiving a large grant to expand their greenhouse research process with Sunterra Greenhouse. Over $783,000 was awarded by Results Driven Agriculture Research. The project aims to help the growth of strawberries and tomatoes on the vine. It’s also looking to boost Alberta’s crop output during a tough time when there is limited supply and low import quality. The Associate Vice President of Research for the college, Dr. Kenny Corscadden, says this funding is important to support local producers.

“It’s going to be exciting to actually see the produce get onto the shelves. For our local community having locally grown produce that’s picked and stored within the same day. Expanding the industry and the potential for jobs and investment. We’re really excited to be playing a part in this growth and to be at the early stages of testing new varieties.”

Greenhouse grown vegetables are part of a billion-dollar industry in Canada. Alberta contributed close to $120 million in sales during 2020 from greenhouse grown vegetables.

• Lethbridge College’s greenhouse research facility at Brooks, AB is 60,000 sq ft and
  operates to advance greenhouse research and demonstration for Alberta producers.
• Sunterra’s commercial greenhouse operation in Acme, Alberta will be built to
  accommodate 70-acres of growing space making it one of the largest food production
  areas under glass in Alberta. The first 20-acre phase is scheduled for completion in
  October 2021.
• Sunterra anticipates that up to 200 new jobs will be created once the greenhouse
  expansion is complete over the next 3-4 years.
• There are approximately 230 greenhouse operations in Alberta.
• Alberta’s greenhouse industry supports over 2,000 full-time and over 2,500 part-time
  jobs.
• In 2020, Alberta earned approximately $118.8 million gross revenue from its greenhouse.
• Alberta can expand greenhouse food production from 200 acres under glass to 1000
  acres within five years, creating 3000 new jobs and generating $1 billion in revenue.