Horticulture Diversification Program

Who is eligible?

• Commercial horticulture producers of food for local and domestic markets
• Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups conducting farming activities
• Other organizations approved by the Horticulture Diversification Program Review Committee

Who is not eligible

• Companies with projects supporting horticulture commodities that are already produced in excess of local consumption in Prince Edward Island.
• Businesses focused on perennial crop production (these are redirected to a separate program).
• Companies seeking funding for used greenhouse structures or replacement of greenhouse consumables (e.g., plastic, row covers, drip tape).
• Businesses applying for ineligible expenses such as tractors, oil furnace heating systems, equipment storage facilities, off-site storage rentals, consumer-grade freezers/refrigerators, construction of new buildings, or general renovations unrelated to climate-controlled crop storage.
• Applicants seeking funding for agronomic support unrelated to greenhouse production.

Eligible expenses

• Purchase and installation of new commercial-grade structures such as cold frames, row tunnels, high tunnels, hoop houses, greenhouses, and propagation houses.
• Acquisition and setup of new or expanded Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) production systems, including hydroponic and indoor mushroom cultivation systems.
• Professional installation costs for eligible equipment and structures.
• Purchase and installation of irrigation and fertigation equipment, such as pumps, filtration systems, fertilizer injectors, water storage tanks, piping, valves, sprinklers, drip tape, and controllers.
• Acquisition and setup of heating and ventilation systems, horticultural lighting, greenhouse sensors, monitors, and system controls for automatic temperature and humidity regulation.
• Purchase of racking, trays, row cover applicators, and greenhouse curtain systems to enhance production space and efficiency.
• Procurement of automation equipment and tools to improve field and greenhouse production efficiency.
• Purchase of equipment used to wash, clean, grade, and/or pack horticulture food products.
• Acquisition and installation of on-farm cooling, refrigeration, freezing, and storage technology for fruit and vegetables, including walk-in coolers/freezers (minimum 100 ft²) and associated infrastructure such as drainage, plumbing, ventilation, electrical, and insulation.
• Upgrades to ventilation and temperature control systems for existing storage areas, and installation of sensors, monitors, and controllers to optimize energy efficiency and product quality.
• Pre-storage chilling or cooling expenses to optimize crop preservation.
• Costs associated with contracting specialized agronomic expertise to improve greenhouse operations.

Eligible geographic areas

• Prince Edward Island

• Quality and clarity of the project description and justifications provided in the application form, business plan, or questionnaire.
• Expected impact of the project on the applicant's operation and the horticulture sector.
• Soundness and detail of the proposed project budget.
• Applicant's relevant experience related to the proposed project.

• Step 1: Review Program Guidelines
  • Carefully read the Horticulture Diversification Program guidelines to ensure your project aligns with funding objectives and eligible activities.
  • Confirm that you meet all application and project requirements as described.
• Step 2: Gather Required Information and Documents
  • Collect applicant contact information and business or organization details (including CRA registration number).
  • Prepare partnership information, if applicable.
  • Determine your project’s start and end dates.
  • Develop a project budget and specify additional funding sources if applicable.
  • Identify recipient type and industry.
  • Prepare a business overview, description of current operations, current protected production area, crop storage, crops produced, and business goals.
  • Write a description of your project and its contribution to your farm and the program's goals.
  • Obtain detailed, itemized quotes for all planned expenses.
  • Gather any required development or building permits, depending on the project.
  • For new farmers not yet grossing $20,000, prepare supplemental business plans or production/marketing plans as requested.
  • If contracting agronomic support, obtain a statement of work from the consultant.
• Step 3: Complete Application Form
  • Fill out the Horticulture Diversification Program Application Form with all required information.
  • Sign the declaration and consent to personal information section.
  • Include any optional demographic information, if desired.
• Step 4: Submit Application
  • Combine your completed application form and all supplemental documentation (quotes, permits, plans, statement of work, etc.).
  • Submit your application by email to hort@gov.pe.ca, including the program name in the subject line.
  • Alternatively, submit your application by regular mail to: PEI Department of Agriculture, 11 Kent Street, PO Box 2000, Charlottetown PE C1A 7N8.
• Step 5: Await Evaluation and Approval
  • Your application will be reviewed by the Program Review Committee based on provided documentation and project merit.
  • If approved, you will receive an Approval Letter, Funding Agreement, and Claim Form.
• Step 6: Sign and Return Funding Agreement
  • Review, sign, and return the Funding Agreement to the Department of Agriculture within 30 days of the date on the approval letter.

• Projects assessed to have benefits beyond Prince Edward Island, impacting multiple Atlantic provinces, may qualify for regional funding.
• Initiatives that contribute to increasing public trust in the agri-food sector may be eligible for additional funding.
• Sustainable CAP programs are developed with consideration for under-represented groups, such as Indigenous Peoples, women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
• An ongoing evaluation process is in place to monitor the program's objectives and results.