Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister, Marie-Claude Bibeau, and Prince Edward Island Minister of Agriculture and Land, Bloyce Thompson visited Schurman Family Farm in Kensington, PEI today to announce an investment of $893,284 for an innovative project that will help increase energy use efficiency and reduce fossil fuel use in their greenhouse production.

The Schurman family operates Atlantic Grown Organics which provides organically grown produce throughout Atlantic Canada. The operation will receive a federal investment of $446,642 under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Agricultural Clean Technology Program, $271,467 from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program, $89,328 from the PEI Department of Agriculture and Land and $85,847 from Atlantic Grown Organics.

Atlantic Grown Organics has been using waste bio-products as fuel for the operation of its greenhouses. Their operation has been able to make use of bio-waste from a local oilseed processing plant but have been required to supplement this system with fuel oil.

Through this support, the farm will test and demonstrate the adaptation of a clean technology boiler system, a first of its kind to be installed in North America. The new boiler system will help turn the greenhouse operation into 100 per cent renewable heating, and promote the adoption of clean technologies in the sector.

Quotes

“This first of its kind technology to be installed in North America is a terrific example of how producers from coast-to-coast-to-coast are looking to ‘grow greener’. Our Government is committed to supporting research into sustainable agriculture practices. This project showcases how the ingenuity of our farm families in adopting new technologies can help Canada be a leader on sustainable farming and food.”

– Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“Growing the economy can compare to nurturing produce –both take time and require consistent effort and support to thrive. We are here to best equip entrepreneurs like Marc and Krista who are passionate about quality food, the environment and sustainable business practices to remain competitive.”

– Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Prince Edward Island’s government believes in agriculture that is progressive and dynamic, while being both financially sound and environmentally responsible. Clean, renewable energy projects are part of reducing the ecological footprint of this vital industry.”

– Bloyce Thompson, Prince Edward Island Minister of Agriculture and Land

“Greenhouses in our Canadian climate need a lot of energy and most greenhouses in Canada use fossil fuels for heat. Being able to grow local organic vegetables in a “green” way is certainly rewarding. There is a lot of risk in testing new technology. The funding from the Agricultural Clean Technology Program, ACOA and Canadian Agricultural Partnership Program was essential to lower the risk involved and realize the positive outcomes of the investment.”

– Marc Schurman, owner of Atlantic Grown Organics

Quick Facts

  • The Agricultural Clean Technology Program supports research, development and adoption of clean technologies to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, generate a wide range of positive impacts on the environment from agricultural production, and promote sustainability and clean growth.
  • Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector contributes over $114 billion to our gross domestic product.

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