Can Canada grow more of its own food? Greenhouses, vertical farming make it possible, experts say

As Canadians become more conscious of where their food is coming from, the demand for locally grown produce is increasing. Companies like Fieldless Farms in Cornwall, Ont. are seeing a surge in sales of their indoor vertical farm-grown leafy greens and mushrooms. Co-founder Jon Lomow shared that their produce is flying off the shelves, with a two- to four-times faster sell-out rate in high volume stores. This trend has prompted the company to launch a crowdfunding campaign to build another farm to meet the rising demand, with nearly reaching their goal of $2.2 million in just a month.

According to a report by Royal Bank of Canada, greenhouse fruit and vegetable production volumes in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia have increased roughly five times since 2000. This surge in local food production is seen as a critical step towards closing the production gap in Canada, where vegetable production would need to double and fruit production would need to grow by five times to meet domestic demand.

The recent strain in Canada’s relationship with the U.S. has led many Canadians to reconsider the country’s reliance on imported produce. Despite Canada’s ability to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables, the short growing season and limited capacity for year-round production mean that a significant amount of produce is still imported, especially during the winter months. Lenore Newman, director of the Food and Agriculture Institute at the University of the Fraser Valley, highlighted that Canada imports about 50 per cent of vegetables and 75 per cent of fruits consumed in the country.

To address the issue of food security and reduce reliance on imports, experts suggest taking inspiration from the Netherlands, which has become a leading exporter of vegetables despite its small size. Dutch producers grow food in greenhouses with minimal resources and utilize solar-derived energy, allowing them to grow vegetables year-round. This model has been successful due to significant investments in agricultural technology and support for the farm sector following World War II.

While it may be more cost-effective to import certain produce that is difficult to grow in Canada, advancements in technology like vertical farming and efficient greenhouse equipment are making it increasingly economically viable to produce fresh, healthy foods locally. However, challenges such as red tape, soaring land costs, and competition from international producers remain obstacles for Canadian farmers.

Gagan Singh, a blueberry farmer in Abbotsford, B.C., noted that Canadian farmers struggle to compete with producers from countries like China and Mexico due to lower costs and fewer regulations. However, increasing year-round growing in Canada could help lower prices as supply increases. Singh also highlighted a shift in consumer mindset, with more Canadians realizing the importance of supporting local producers and reducing dependence on imports.

Overall, the push for more locally grown produce in Canada is gaining momentum, with consumers showing a willingness to pay a bit more for Canadian-grown products. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, there is hope for a more sustainable and self-sufficient food system in the country.