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50.3 million acres
of Alberta farmland covers about one-third of the province
StatsCan
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3rd largest
Alberta is the third-largest exporter of agrifood products in Canada
Government of Alberta, 2024
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70,000+
Alberta agrifood industry employees
CVCA Venture Capital, 2024
A prime location
Favourable growing conditions
Ample access to water, a sunny climate and nearly 70% of Canada’s total irrigated land enable large-scale production of acreage and protein crops, livestock and greenhouses. Irrigated land in a dry province like Alberta allows for a greater variety of crops.
Western Canada’s inland port
Our air, rail and road access to key North American and international markets make Calgary an ideal distribution hub. The Trans-Canada Highway, Highway 2 (the Canada-Mexico corridor), two Class I railways and one of Canada’s busiest airports allow companies to reach millions of consumers worldwide, often within a single day.
Subsectors driving growth
Agri-tech and precision agriculture
Crop science and animal health
Sustainable protein development
Value-added food processing
Multinational industry players
A 20-minute drive will take you from Calgary to an actual farm. Our proximity to primary producers, paired with our concentration of Canadian headquarter offices creates access to industry-decision makers, leaders in agricultural innovation and high-value jobs.
Agri-tech
Agri-tech is the use of technology to improve yields, quality, efficiency and profitability in agriculture, horticulture and aquaculture. When you pair Alberta’s productive agricultural economy with Calgary’s tech influence, the opportunities are ever-growing.
The sector continues to evolve thanks to innovative companies that create and apply leading-edge technologies.
Teaching the next generation
Post-secondary schools and industry organizations in and around Calgary contribute to a strong talent base and applied research facilities. Students can earn specialized training in horticulture, food safety and quality, livestock genetics, crop science and veterinary sciences.
A strong research and innovation presence
The University of Calgary’s Simpson Centre for Food and Agricultural Policy and W.A. Ranches highlight a significant effort to grow research capabilities in agrifood and agribusiness within a social and economic context.
Calgary-Olds agri-food corridor
The corridor is a partnership between Calgary Economic Development and Olds College of Agriculture & Technology. It leverages Calgary’s global corporate presence and distribution hub with the college’s Smart Farm applied research and integrated learning facility. Companies and entrepreneurs have access to a world-class agribusiness environment that supports the development and scaling of new technologies in smart agri-food production.
Werklund School of Agriculture Technology
Werklund gives students access to hands-on, high-tech learning experiences through the Olds College of Agriculture & Technology’s Smart Farm. Its Agri-tech programs include the Precision Agriculture–Techgronomy Diploma and Agriculture Technology Integration Post-Diploma Certificate.
Value-added food producers
Provincial support and incentives, combined with Calgary’s rail connectivity help value-added food and protein companies scale production and export to global markets.
Botaneco
Calgary-based Botaneco Inc. was the first company to receive funding from Protein Industries Canada to further commercialize its technology and research applications in the food, personal care and animal feed markets.
The Meatless Farms Co.
The Meatless Farms Co. is a UK-based producer of plant-based alternatives, with a protein-production facility in Calgary. It supplies over 450 Whole Foods Stores in the U.S. and has partnered with Loblaws in Canada.
Sleeman
Canada’s third-largest brewery and a subsidiary of Sapporo Breweries, Sleeman acquired Calgary-based Wild Rose Brewery in 2019, setting the stage for growth in the province.
Sofina Foods
Sofina Foods chose Calgary for its 304,000-square-foot facility because of our proximity to farmers, major transportation networks, large talent pool, utility infrastructure and a municipal government that strongly supports the ag sector.
Resources
The latest resources related to Calgary’s agribusiness sector.
Reports
Agribusiness Sector Profile
Find quick facts, local success stories and more in this industry profile.
2020 Agribusiness Market Study
Why Calgary is the engine of the agriculture industry and what’s driving the region’s agribusiness ecosystem.
Driving Digital Transformation (2021)
Digital transformation spending is set to grow by 13% on average across all industries in Alberta.
Innovation and industry partners
Innovation Canada
A range of programs and services designed to help businesses innovate, create jobs and grow.
Protein Industries Canada
A not-for-profit organization created to position Canada as a global source of high-quality plant protein and plant-based co-products.
Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN)
CAAIN supports the development of new knowledge and technological solutions for the challenges and opportunities facing Canada’s agri-food sector.
Alberta Innovates
A wide range of funding programs, with details about eligibility, how to apply and more.
Government of Alberta
Get information about the provincial government’s Agriculture and Irrigation Ministry policies, legislation, regulations and services.
Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN)
Members of CFIN get access to funding opportunities, support, resources, and a community of foodtech partners to grow their businesses.
News
Team Calgary partners
We’re proud to work with these organizations to create sustained economic growth for Calgary.
