How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $75000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Horticulture Diversification Program?

Horticulture Diversification Program is funded by Government of Prince Edward Island

What are Horticulture Diversification Program's eligibility criterias?

Commercial horticulture producers of food with at least $20,000 in CRA-reported gross sales per year Others as approved by the Program Review Committee

Horticulture Diversification Program

Last Update: July 23, 2025

PE, Canada

Supports horticultural producers to expand and diversify production

Horticulture Diversification Program at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $75,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Continuous Intakes

Financing Type

Partnering and Collaboration

Grant and Funding

Expert Advice

Eligible Industries

All industries

Grant Providers

Government of Prince Edward Island

Status

Open

Overview of the Horticulture Diversification Program program

The Horticulture Diversification Program provides up to $75,000 in funding to support commercial horticulture producers in Prince Edward Island with greenhouse and controlled environment agriculture expansion, adoption of advanced technologies, improved post-harvest storage, and access to specialized agronomic services. This government grant aims to help diversify crops, adapt to climate change, and increase the domestic supply of horticultural products through eligible activities across four main funding streams.

Financing terms and conditions

Funding covers 50% of eligible expenses, up to $40,000 per recipient, per year.
75% of eligible expenses for contracting professional agronomic services, to a maximum of $5,000.
The maximum funding per recipient over the duration of the Sustainable CAP is $75,000.

Eligible projects & activities

Expansion of greenhouse and controlled environment agriculture (CEA) production to increase and diversify crop output.
Adoption of advanced technologies and practices to improve efficiency and productivity in horticulture operations.
Enhancement and development of on-farm facilities for post-harvest cooling, freezing, and storage to extend the marketing season and preserve crop quality.
Engagement of specialized agronomic consultants to address production challenges and optimize greenhouse operations.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 49,500

Installing accessibility elevator in historic performing arts centre

$ 26,500

Upgrading bakery with energy-efficient convection ovens and lighting

$ 58,000

Launching mobile repair bus for on-site electronics servicing

$ 32,000

Constructing rooftop urban garden at community-owned apartment

$ 20,000

Developing zero-waste packaging solutions for a food cooperative

$ 13,500

Implementing bilingual digital appointment system for dental clinic

Eligibility criteria of the Horticulture Diversification Program program

The applicant must be a commercial horticulture producer of food for local and domestic markets.
The applicant must report at least $20,000 in Canada Revenue Agency gross sales of eligible horticulture crops per year; new producers not yet meeting this threshold must enroll in the Future Farmer Program with a relevant business plan or submit an approved production and marketing plan for horticulture food production.
Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups engaged in farming activities are eligible.
Other applicants may be eligible at the discretion of the Horticulture Diversification Program Review Committee.
Projects must contribute to diversifying and increasing the domestic supply of horticulture products not already produced in excess of local consumption.

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

Eligibility criteria of the Horticulture Diversification Program program

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.

How to apply to the Horticulture Diversification Program program

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.

Additional information

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.

Contact Government of Prince Edward Island

hort@gov.pe.ca

(902) 916-0792

Apply to this program

Funding to train employees