The Edmonton Region feeds the world.
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The Edmonton Region’s food & agricultural sector is both rural and urban, traditional and high-tech, and includes a strong research and development ecosystem. We’re well-positioned to drive job creation and economic investment, supported by world-leading institutions and specialized facilities.
The Edmonton Metro Region is the largest producer of canola in Canada and second largest cannabis and hemp producer in North America.
With free trade access to 51 countries, including the entire G7 and European Union, Canada’s 15 free trade agreements significantly expand global trade opportunities.
The North Saskatchewan River offers a robust water supply, with nearly 1300 km of water flowing in the Region. The Region also has access to over 75% of Alberta's total water resources
An agricultural sector that thrives on sustainable practices, including bio-technology and alternative protein innovations.
The Region’s competitive advantages includes a low cost of living, a future-focused and talented workforce, a strong and established agricultural sector, and AI expertise – all of which can accelerate the growth of your business.
Home to eight universities and colleges, the Edmonton Region produces a steady pipeline of qualified professionals including a high concentration of Ph.D. graduates and researchers
Home to world-class research institutions that are focused on a diverse range of areas including ag-tech, culinary innovation, food & beverage manufacturing, horticulture, food safety and quality, livestock genetics, crop science, and more
A collaborative ecosystem with support organizations like the University of Alberta, Corteva Agriscience, Alberta Innovates, and more, promotes knowledge-sharing and innovation across the sector
A well-connected and collaborative network to support all types of food and agricultural businesses – from research and development to commercialization, and primary production to value added food and agriculture.
Discover organizations and businesses that are driving innovation and growth across the Edmonton Region.
The Food Processing Development Centre (FPDC) helps build value-added processing capacity and supports industry as it pursues new opportunities. FPDC is a modern, 6,000 m2 (65,000 sq-ft) pilot plant and product development laboratory. The centre is equipped with more than $20 million in equipment that supports food product innovation along the full development and commercialization continuum.
AFNS is Canada's first facility with a Meat Safety & Processing research unit and Solvent Extraction capabilities under one roof. The 5,000 square-meter AgriFood Discovery Place pilot plant allows for bench-scale process development in health, food, energy, and bio-products.
NAIT Culinary Innovation Centre (NCCI) is a 6,200 sq ft facility focused on nutrition, novel ingredients, sustainability, and kitchen efficiency. Renovated in 2019, the NCCI features a research kitchen and supports bench-scale process development.
The University of Alberta's Institute of Cellular Agriculture, in partnership with New Harvest Canada and CULT Food Science, supports cellular agriculture research and innovation. Located at Agri-Food Discovery Place, it provides infrastructure, funding, and work-integrated learning opportunities.
Located just north of St. Albert, the St. Albert Research Station is an 800-acre farm given to the University in 2008 as a gift from the Bocock family. The farm is primarily used for agronomic and environmental research. Funding from the Alberta Government is enabling the construction of new infrastructure on the site, including a field research centre.
The Faculty of ALES has some of the most comprehensive agricultural and environmental research infrastructure and teaching facilities in the world. In addition to its many laboratories, growth chambers and greenhouses on the University of Alberta's north campus, ALES has various research and teaching facilities such as Agri-Food Discovery Place, Crop and Land Resource Unit and more.
“We ultimately picked Alberta as the home for our first international office due to its tremendous support for start-ups, its outstanding quality meats, especially beef and pork, as well as its wealth of resources, including expertise in food safety, product development, and mechanical engineering.”
“There is no better place in the world than Alberta for entrepreneurs like Siwin Foods to thrive. The make-it-happen attitude combined with the support we have received from the Government of Alberta and Invest Alberta cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The abundance of high-quality foods grown, raised and produced right here in Alberta allows us to offer local food coast-to-coast across Canada and export to new markets across the globe.”
“In my many years of growing diverse companies, I find people to be my greatest resource. Our team is exceptional, helping each other across businesses. We have established relationships with the Town of Stony Plain through the development of our other entities and we seek to continue our growth in Stony Plain with the move of English Bay to this wonderful community.”
August 9, 2024
January 29, 2024
January 26, 2024
North American Free Trade Agreement or Canada-United States-Mexico
The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the European Union
The Comprehensive an Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
If you have any questions, require further information, or would like to book a consultation, please send us a message.
Senior Manager - Business Development, Agriculture and Food
