Agriculture

County of Grande Prairie

2024 Conferences

5%

With 5% of Canada’s agricultural land our region has built a reputation for high-quality products for over 100 years.

$173M

We are part of Canada’s Protein Industry Supercluster: A federal initiative with up to $173 million in direct investment.

$250B

The global plant-based food market is expected to reach an approximate $250 billion CDN in sales by 2035.

4,000

Workers employed regionally in agri-business.

"The County of Grande Prairie is one of the most productive regions in Western Canada,” says Tom Hamilton, Senior Vice-President, Agribusiness Operations. “We look forward to building strong partnerships with producers in the area, providing grain marketing expertise and efficient delivery options. The addition of the crop inputs site will enable us to provide a full-service option for both grain and agronomics. This will include offering our customers leading seed, fertilizer, and crop protection technologies in addition to year-round support with CropWatchTM agronomic services and CropMatrixTM digital services."

- Richardson Pioneer

Source: Richardson.ca

Canada’s producers and manufacturers enjoy low business costs, accessible export markets, access to investment and advancements in agri-tech.

Alberta is one of the best places to do business. With no provincial sales tax, no payroll tax, no health care premiums, and some of the lowest corporate income taxes in Canada.

Alberta’s tax advantage in 2021-22 was $13.3 billion. Albertans and Alberta businesses continue to pay the lowest overall taxes compared to other Canadian provinces.

Low fuel taxes and low personal income tax rates make Alberta one of the most cost competitive jurisdictions in the country.

The County of Grande Prairie is an Industrial Hub with a large supply of investment ready land and buildings.

We are a designated Rural Renewal Stream community providing direct support for the seamless attraction and retention of newcomers.

Canada’s producers and manufacturers enjoy low business costs, accessible export markets, access to investment and advancements in agri-tech.

Unique Applied R&D

Northwest Polytechnic’s Advanced Microbiology and Genetics Laboratory: Get access to tools and resources to support research and diagnostics for a variety of industries across the agriculture and forestry sector. E.g.:

Animal Nutrition & forage quality

Crop & animal residues

Pest entomology

Bioremediation

Level 2 Containment Lab

5-room molecular suite, Next Generation Sequencer, Spectrophotometer, Fluorescent microscopes, Hybridization oven, Incubators for anaerobic conditions, Image analyzer, Real Time Quantitative Thermocycler and end-point thermocycler, Microtome – Cryostat

Researchers specializing in smart agriculture, pollinator health, crop science are contributing innovative solutions for the regional agriculture and agrifood industry.

Grande Prairie Region

Our Trade Agreements Give Unparalleled access to 1.5 billion customers

Our Region’s Agricultural Sector Supply Chain Opportunities

$43M

Imported Purchases 2020: Pesticide, fertilizer and other agricultural chemical manufacturing

$35M

Imported Purchases 2020: Animal food manufacturing

$11M

Imported Purchases 2020: Plastic product manufacturing

$16M

Imported Purchases 2020: Electric Power Generation

$7M

Imported Purchases 2020: Grain and oilseed million

$11M

Imported Purchases 2020: Support activities for forestry

$105M

In region Farm purchases

Investment Opportunities Include:

Oilseed and pulse processing

Beverage manufacturing

Meat product manufacturing

Grain

Fruit and vegetable processing

Traditional agriculture

Greenhouse and vertical agriculture

We average 314 days a year with measurable sunshine, and above 2,200 hours of bright sunlight.

Three major local highway connect the City to the rest of Alberta and Canada, offering direct connections to Edmonton, British Columbia, the Northwestern Territories, and the Rocky Mountains. On an international level, Grande Prairie is located on the CANAMEX trade route, which connects Canada with both the United States and Mexico

Our region is served by Canadian National Railway. High load capacity lines connect with the CN mainline at Hinton, linking Grande Prairie to the port of Vancouver, Prince Rupert and the rest of North America.

We are the closest municipality in Alberta to western shipping ports, offering a competitive advantage in getting bulk product to Asian markets faster than from anywhere else in Alberta.

Side Group Rail provides rail reload and transportation services with seven facilities in the Peace Country. Managing broad inventories, Side Group Rail directs the movement of $500 million dollars of goods annually from their Grande Prairie operations.

Major Investments:

Because we are one of the highest grain producers in western Canada, Richardson Pioneer Limited invested in a new high throughput grain elevator expected to be operational in 2022. The new facility will have storage capacity for 45,000 metric tonnes , capable of loading 150 cars through a loop track design.

Sources: Cityofgp.com

Alberta

Alberta’s is home to global agribusinesses developing technologies to increase production, improve efficiencies and create high-quality, value-added products.

A leading producer of canola, wheat, dry peas, barley and cattle, Alberta farmers are growing their food processing capabilities.

Our arable lands, abundance of sunshine and extensive irrigation networks make it an ideal place to produce agricultural products.

Global connectivity and business-friendly policies open tremendous opportunities for agriculture processing facilities to establish Alberta as their North America hub.

Ecosystem

(Post Secondary, Support Orgs)

Food Processing Development Centre (FPDC)

Helping build value-added processing capacity and supporting industry as it pursues new opportunities. FPDC is a modern, 65,000 square foot pilot plant and product development laboratory. The centre is equipped with more than $20,000,000 in equipment that supports food product innovation along the full development and commercialization continuum

Clients can access technical consultation, benchtop development, pilot plant development, scale-up, business development, applied research and interim processing services.
Product and process development and scale-up
Business development
Laboratory support
Applied research
Consultation services
Interim processing
Post processing cleaning
Handling and storage

Source: alberta.ca

National Bee Diagnostic Centre (NBDC)

The National Bee Diagnostic Centre (NBDC) was the first comprehensive laboratory in Canada to provide a full array of diagnostic services for honeybee and native bee pests, pathogens, and parasites.
Our applied research projects and programming focus on pollinator health and sustainable agriculture practices for commercial and hobby beekeepers, researchers, conservationists, agriculture producers and hobbyists. Ongoing research utilizes the latest microbiology, microscopy and molecular techniques to identify pathogens that affect pollinator health.
As the broader agro ecosystem plays a vital role in crop pollinator heath, and with that in mind, the NBDC is expanding its research and services to include regenerative agriculture projects, soil health and conservation.
Diagnostics and molecular service, Honey bee diagnostics, Varroa/hive inspections, Hive sampling, Chemical residue analyses, Honey bee hygienic behavior testing, Africanized/Queen genetic testing, Honey bee Queen health testing, Custom diagnostic services and support, Bumble-bee specific diseases, Alfalfa leafcutter bee diagnostics, Pollinator identification (morphologic and DNA barcoding), Bee pollen diet diversity analyses (DNA metabarcoding), Honey floral composition analyses, Pollinator diversity, ecology, and conservation services, Bee species diversity monitoring, Entomologic services and taxonomic species identification, Habitat enhancement and landscape consultations, Crop pollination consultation, Wild pollinator habitat and floral resources enhancement,
NBDC also offers the following services: Support and molecular laboratory training for graduate students and interns, Applied research support, Technology transfer, Expertise for speaking events, Stakeholder support, Thinking of a specialized service not listed here? Contact us to discuss your project.
Equipment: Our goal is to provide access to equipment for experienced users and to provide a training environment in which researchers can acquire and use molecular biology techniques. The following table lists the available facilities and equipment at the NBDC, as well as fees (if applicable).
Facilities: Level 2 Containment Lab, 5-room molecular suite, 4-day sample delivery/reception (all of Canada), Live insect sample capability, Import permitting assistance
Specialized Equipment: Next Generation Sequencer (MiSeq)
Fluorescence microscope, Microtome (cryostat), Phase contrast compound microscopes, Real time thermocyclers, End-point thermocyclers, Gel imager, Spectrophotometer, Hybridization oven, Anaerobic incubators, Shaking incubator, Sample homogenizers, Dissecting microscopic with digital capabilities, A variety of benchtop equipment (centrifuges, vortexes, heat blocks, etc).

Source: nwpolytech.ca

Research, Development and Incentives

Canada-Alberta Job Grant up to $15K per employee for training

Canada’s Global Skills Strategy

Three quick entry pathways for skilled workers under the Global Skills Strategy:

Short-duration work permit exemptions
Two-week processing for high-skilled talent
Global Talent Stream

Canada’s largest R&D program:

Companies that invest in (R&D) in Canada can take advantage of the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) up to 50% tax incentive program.

Accelerated Investment Incentive

Accelerated Investment Incentive provides an enhanced capital cost allowance (CCA) on equipment purchases. Full expensing in the first year for manufacturing and processing (M&P) and clean energy equipment purchases.

The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF)

The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) supports Canada as a top destination for businesses to invest through five Streams:

Stream 1: Encourage R&D that will accelerate technology transfer and commercialization of innovative products, processes and services;

Stream 2: Facilitate the growth and expansion of firms in Canada;

Stream 3: Attract and retain large scale investments to Canada;

Stream 4: Advance industrial research, development and technology demonstration through collaboration between the private sector, researchers and non-profit organizations; and

Stream 5: Support large-scale, national innovation ecosystems through high impact collaborations across Canada.

Investment Opportunities

Access to Raw Resources

Our region provides accessibility to reliable and cheap inputs necessary in the food processing industry complemented by competitive energy prices and a sustainable water supply. In addition, Grande Prairie has a strong reputation in its agricultural sector concentrated in canola, wheat, barley, alfalfa, dry field peas, oats, cattle, pig, and poultry.

Canola
Barley
Alfalfa
Dry Field Peas
Oats

In addition to the above benefits, greenhouse agriculture benefits from Grande Prairie’s substantial amount of sunlight per year. Since Grande Prairie has a strong reputation in its agricultural sector, a vertical expansion of its agriculture industry can benefit from the strong reputation.

Agri-food processing

CANOLA AND OILSEED MILLING
VEGETABLE PROCESSING
MEAT AND SPECIALTY MEAT MANUFACTURING
SNACK FOODS AND FUNCTIONAL FOODS
NATURAL HEALTH PRODUCTS AND BEVERAGES
PULSE PROCESSING
PREPARED ANIMAL FEEDS
MALT

Alberta’s food processing sector has seen rapid growth. In 2020, it was the province’s largest manufacturing sector with $15.5 billion in food manufacturing sales.

Primary Production

Alberta’s arable lands, abundance of sunshine and extensive irrigation network makes it an ideal place to produce primary agricultural products.

Canola seed
Pulses (peas, beans, faba beans, chickpeas and lentils)
Barley
Live cattle

Alberta’s innovators collaborate with farmers to increase yields, find efficiencies and promote sustainability through increased connectivity and data. Alberta is also home to several innovation centres that supports the development of new Bio-Based Products.

Agriculture

2024 Conferences

5%

$173M

$250B

4,000

Canada’s producers and manufacturers enjoy low business costs, accessible export markets, access to investment and advancements in agri-tech.

Alberta is one of the best places to do business. With no provincial sales tax, no payroll tax, no health care premiums, and some of the lowest corporate income taxes in Canada.

Alberta’s tax advantage in 2021-22 was $13.3 billion. Albertans and Alberta businesses continue to pay the lowest overall taxes compared to other Canadian provinces.

Low fuel taxes and low personal income tax rates make Alberta one of the most cost competitive jurisdictions in the country.

The County of Grande Prairie is an Industrial Hub with a large supply of investment ready land and buildings.

We are a designated Rural Renewal Stream community providing direct support for the seamless attraction and retention of newcomers.

Canada’s producers and manufacturers enjoy low business costs, accessible export markets, access to investment and advancements in agri-tech.

Alberta’s Top Agriculture Commodities (2021)

$B

$B

$B

Alberta Exported $13.8 billion of primary and processed agricultural and food products in 2021

Unique Applied R&D

Northwest Polytechnic’s Advanced Microbiology and Genetics Laboratory: Get access to tools and resources to support research and diagnostics for a variety of industries across the agriculture and forestry sector. E.g.:

Animal Nutrition & forage quality

Crop & animal residues

Pest entomology

Bioremediation

Level 2 Containment Lab

5-room molecular suite, Next Generation Sequencer, Spectrophotometer, Fluorescent microscopes, Hybridization oven, Incubators for anaerobic conditions, Image analyzer, Real Time Quantitative Thermocycler and end-point thermocycler, Microtome – Cryostat

Researchers specializing in smart agriculture, pollinator health, crop science are contributing innovative solutions for the regional agriculture and agrifood industry.

The National Bee Diagnostic Centre (NBDC)

The NBDC is the only dedicated laboratory in Canada providing comprehensive diagnostic services to the beekeeping industry for a healthy, sustainable and profitable apiculture.

Grande Prairie Region

Our Trade Agreements Give Unparalleled access to 1.5 billion customers

Our Region’s Agricultural Sector Supply Chain Opportunities

$43M

$35M

$11M

$16M

$7M

$11M

$105M

Investment Opportunities Include:

Oilseed and pulse processing

Beverage manufacturing

Meat product manufacturing

Grain

Fruit and vegetable processing

Traditional agriculture

Greenhouse and vertical agriculture

We average 314 days a year with measurable sunshine, and above 2,200 hours of bright sunlight.

Major Investments:

Alberta

Alberta’s is home to global agribusinesses developing technologies to increase production, improve efficiencies and create high-quality, value-added products.

A leading producer of canola, wheat, dry peas, barley and cattle, Alberta farmers are growing their food processing capabilities.

Our arable lands, abundance of sunshine and extensive irrigation networks make it an ideal place to produce agricultural products.

Global connectivity and business-friendly policies open tremendous opportunities for agriculture processing facilities to establish Alberta as their North America hub.

Ecosystem

Food Processing Development Centre (FPDC)

National Bee Diagnostic Centre (NBDC)

Research, Development and Incentives

Canada’s Global Skills Strategy

Three quick entry pathways for skilled workers under the Global Skills Strategy:

Canada’s largest R&D program:

Accelerated Investment Incentive

The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF)

Investment Opportunities

Access to Raw Resources

Agri-food processing

Primary Production

Alberta’s innovators collaborate with farmers to increase yields, find efficiencies and promote sustainability through increased connectivity and data. Alberta is also home to several innovation centres that supports the development of new Bio-Based Products.

Agri-Tech

Advanced Monitoring

Big Data

IOT-Based Sensor Networks

Satellite Photography

Computer Vision and Special Analytics

Hydroponics

Bio-Industrial Products

Bio-Fuels and Energy

Bio-Materials

Natural Health Products

Bio-Based Chemicals