By Dori Modney with files from RDAR

$783K investment in Alberta AgTech venture with Sunterra Greenhouses and Lethbridge College

Oct 5, 2021 | 10:09 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB. — A producer-public-private partnership with Lethbridge College and Sunterra Farms in Brooks is about to boost Alberta’s crop output during times of limited supply and low import quality. It will mean Alberta-grown strawberries will be provided year-round across the province.

The project has been made possible by Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR), a non-profit organization supporting agriculture research in Alberta, which committed $783,205 for the partnership. The financing will support greenhouse production technology, to help determine optimal conditions for growing fresh produce year-round.

Ray Price, President of Sunterra Group, calls it a “good news” story.

“We believe that for Alberta, agriculture is the future and in a lot of ways will be an economic growth driver. We have land, we have energy, we have people, and we have water, and we should be using those to feed not only Albertans but people around the world.”

Dr. Kenny Corscadden, Associate Vice President of Research at Lethbridge College, notes the grant funding begins a long-term research collaboration between Lethbridge College and Sunterra Farms Greenhouses.

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“We recognize the significant opportunity in Alberta for greenhouse-grown fruits and vegetables. There is excellent market potential in our province for both strawberries and tomatoes and these pre-commercial trials in our Brooks Research and Production Greenhouse with Sunterra will contribute to this growing sector.”

Sunterra plant production — Photo credit to Lethbridge College

Buying local has become a strong buzz-word for agricultural areas across Canada. However, RDAR recognizes a country where temperatures can stay well below zero for half of the year, and with concern over climate events, producers are looking for ways to grow and supply locally sourced fresh produce throughout the year.

RDAR research Director, Clinton Dobson, notes that empowering research improves the food we eat, the air we breathe and will bring vital jobs to communities in rural Alberta.

“This project is a great example of two organizations working together to improve greenhouse yields in Alberta and demonstrate production practices for the growth of Alberta’s greenhouse sector.”

Also, let’s not forget the reduced greenhouses gasses produced by not having to transport produce from Mexico and the US.

The Canadian greenhouse sector is the fastest-growing segment of Canadian horticulture, with greenhouse-grown vegetables now a billion-dollar industry in Canada. Alberta contributed roughly $118.8 million in sales in 2020, up from $55.7 million in 2016. As well, Alberta’s greenhouse sector is an essential driver in transitioning to energy-efficient sustainable agricultural production.

Lethbridge College will provide greenhouse expertise to support applied research activities and develop new learning to advance indoor growing techniques in Alberta.

Some important facts pertaining to the partnership:

• 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 expects up to 200 new jobs will be created once the greenhouse expansion is complete over the next 3-4 years.
• There are about 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.

To learn more about RDAR research projects, visit rdar.ca/research

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Sunterra greenhouse stawberries –Photo credit to Sunterra and Lethbridge College