Canada is at a crossroads when it comes to food security. As trade relations with the United States grow increasingly uncertain, more Canadians are actively seeking homegrown alternatives in the produce aisle. But is it truly possible for Canada to grow more of its own food year-round?
According to experts, the answer is yes—with some key investments in greenhouse farming, vertical agriculture, and food processing infrastructure.
A Surge in Local Demand
Farmers like Jon Lomow of Fieldless Farms in Cornwall, Ontario, are already witnessing a surge in demand. Lomow’s vertical farm, which produces leafy greens and mushrooms indoors year-round, has seen its products sell out two to five times faster than before the shift in consumer behavior. In response, the company launched a crowdfunding campaign to build a second facility, raising nearly $2.2 million in just one month.
This is not an isolated case. According to Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), the volume of greenhouse fruit and vegetable production in provinces such as Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia has grown fivefold since 2000. Still, Lisa Ashton, RBC’s agriculture policy lead, notes that to meet domestic demand, vegetable production would need to double, and fruit production would need to increase fivefold.
The Dutch Example: Small Country, Big Innovation
Canada’s climate presents unique challenges—short growing seasons and harsh winters mean a heavy reliance on imports. Currently, Canada imports about 50% of its vegetables (excluding potatoes) and 75% of its fruits, with the U.S. supplying 67% of imported vegetables and 36% of imported fruits.
But countries like the Netherlands offer a promising model. Despite being smaller than Nova Scotia, the Netherlands is the world’s second-largest vegetable exporter after the U.S. Their success comes from 5,500 hectares of high-efficiency greenhouses that use minimal fertilizer, water, and labor, often powered by solar energy.
This transformation followed the country’s devastation in World War II, prompting a national commitment to agricultural technology and food independence. Experts believe Canada could adopt a similar approach, adapted to its climate and economic landscape.
Barriers and Opportunities
The 1989 free-trade agreement between Canada and the U.S. marked a turning point in Canadian food production. Fruit and vegetable processors relocated south for year-round access to raw materials, and Canadian farmers shifted away from produce cultivation.
Today, to rebuild domestic capacity, Canada must reinvest in processing infrastructure—such as freezing, canning, and dehydrating—to extend the shelf life of seasonal crops and reduce waste. As Evan Fraser, director of the Arrell Food Institute, explains, “We used to do this, and we can do it again. But it will take commitment—and money.”
This reinvestment is especially pressing, considering nearly 9 million Canadians lived in food-insecure households as of 2022, according to Statistics Canada. Making local produce affordable and accessible must remain a top priority.
Can Canadian Produce Compete?
Cost remains a major hurdle. As blueberry farmer Gagan Singh points out, Canadian growers face higher labor costs and stricter regulations than their international counterparts. Yet he also sees growing enthusiasm among youth to enter farming—especially with the help of family-owned land and urban agriculture tools like hydroponics and vertical farming.
Technology is closing the gap. Vertical farms use up to 95% less water and require less land, making them suitable for cities and northern climates. Coupled with government incentives and investment, these innovations could shift Canada toward a more resilient, sustainable, and self-sufficient food system.
Canada has both the need and the tools to grow more of its own food. With investments in greenhouses, vertical farms, and food processing infrastructure, the country can reduce dependence on imports and build a more secure and sustainable agricultural future. While challenges remain—especially around cost and scalability—the momentum is building. For farmers, agronomists, and policymakers, now is the time to act.
