Province invests $9M to modernize local seed co-operatives

Alberta is committing $9 million over three years to help modernize aging infrastructure at local seed co-operatives, as part of Budget 2026.

The funding, if approved, will support capital upgrades through the cost-shared Co-operative Seed Processors program. The initiative is designed to help co-operative and municipal seed plants improve facilities, adopt new technology and upgrade equipment to remain competitive and sustainable.

Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson said farmer-owned co-operatives play a critical role in ensuring seeds are free of pests and disease, while supporting local economies and maintaining Alberta’s reputation in global markets.

“Now more than ever, seed co-operatives need support to modernize aging facilities so they can remain economically viable and serve our growing agriculture industry,” Sigurdson said in a statement.

Under the program, co-operatives will cover 75 per cent of project costs, with the province contributing the remaining 25 per cent. The combined investment is expected to total $27 million over three years.

Most of Alberta’s seed co-operatives were built between the 1960s and 1990s. The province says upgrading infrastructure and equipment will help ensure long-term viability and operational efficiency.

Seed co-operatives play a key role in cleaning and grading seed and grain to meet regulatory and market standards, helping prevent the spread of weeds and maintaining confidence in Alberta-grown crops.

Facilities that are members of the Alberta Seed Processors Association will be eligible to apply for funding through the organization, which will work with Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation to assess applications.

Association president Uwe Quedenbaum welcomed the investment, calling it a boost to a farmer-owned network that has supported Alberta agriculture for decades.

Meanwhile, Rick Kemp, chair of the Innisfail Seed Cleaning Co-op, said the funding will help offset rising construction costs for a new $6.5-million facility currently under development and expected to open later in 2026.

The province says the investment will help co-operatives continue supporting producers, sustaining jobs in rural communities and strengthening local economies.

Alberta has 66 seed processing facilities across 61 municipalities. In 2024, those facilities cleaned 42.2 million bushels of seed and grain, representing about 16 million tonnes of crop production.

The government plans to allocate $3 million annually beginning in 2026 through the 2028-29 fiscal year.