Horticulture Diversification Program
Get up to $40,000 back for greenhouse upgrades or $5,000 for agronomic services. This PEI cost-share reimburses you after you pay, with a lifetime cap of $75,000. Eligible costs fall in a set claim window, so confirm the current intake dates before you spend. Verified against the official source on July 2, 2026.
How we verify funding records →
“Please refer to program guidelines for a description of eligible expenses and activities.”
Before you spend a dollar
Approval must come BEFORE spending; if the project is not approved, all incurred costs are your responsibility.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Not sure if you qualify?
Get a free, 2-minute read on whether this program fits your business. No obligation.
Check your fit →Is this for you?
- You are a PEI commercial horticulture producer with at least $20,000 in CRA-reported gross sales.
- You plan to invest in new infrastructure like greenhouses, high tunnels, irrigation, or post-harvest cooling.
- You are a new producer in the Future Farmer Program with an approved greenhouse business plan.
Probably not the right fit if
- You run a restaurant, retail store, salon, or service business instead of a commercial horticulture operation.
- You need to replace consumables like plastic row covers or buy used greenhouse structures.
- You are located outside of Prince Edward Island.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to $40,000 for infrastructure or $5,000 for agronomic services per year, capped at $75,000 total over the life of the program.
What may be supported
- Purchase and installation of new commercial-grade greenhouses, high tunnels, or hoop houses
- Installation of irrigation, fertigation, heating, or ventilation systems
- Construction of on-farm cooling, freezing, or storage facilities (100 sq ft or larger)
- Contracting specialized agronomic expertise to optimize greenhouse productivity
What's excluded or restricted
- Projects supporting commodities already produced in excess of local consumption.
- Projects involving perennial crop production (redirected to Perennial Crop Development Program).
- Season Extension: Replacement of greenhouse components (plastic, row covers, drip tape) and other consumables; used greenhouse structures.
- Efficiency and Productivity: Tractors and general-purpose farm implements; oil furnace heating systems.
- Post-Harvest: Equipment storage facilities; renting storage off-site; consumer-grade chest freezers and refrigerators; costs associated with construction of new buildings; costs associated with replacement of existing infrastructure; delivery vehicles; general structural renovations not directly related to climate-controlled crop storages.
- Agronomic Support: Agronomic support unrelated to greenhouse production.
- General Ineligibles (all streams): Non-arm's-length transactions; in-kind contributions (including wages and labour); normal and on-going operating and maintenance activities; activities that do not provide direct benefit to the sector; meal expenses (including hospitality and hosting of events); overhead and/or administration costs; activities which provide tax credits or rebates; development and enforcement of regulations; BRM-type activities.
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must submit detailed itemized quotes, permits, and a business plan (if new) before starting, then provide paid invoices and photos after completion.
- 01Review program guidelines and ensure you meet the $20,000 sales threshold or have an approved Future Farmer plan.
- 02Complete the Horticulture Diversification Program Application Form.
- 03Gather supplemental documentation including detailed itemized quotes, permits, and business plans if applicable.
- 04Submit the application package via email to hort@gov.pe.ca or by mail to the PEI Department of Agriculture.
- 05If approved, sign and return the Funding Agreement within 30 days.
- 06Complete the project, then submit a claim form, paid invoices, project report, and photos for reimbursement.
Who to ask: Email: hort@gov.pe.ca; Phone: 902-213-6476 (Program specific) or 902-368-4880 (General Dept); Address: 11 Kent Street, PO Box 2000, Charlottetown PE C1A 7N8
Documents commonly required
- Horticulture Diversification Program Application Form
- Detailed itemized quotes for proposed equipment or services
- Development or building permits (if necessary)
- Business or marketing plan (for new farmers)
- Statement of work (for agronomic support)
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN coordinates the installation of your funded irrigation and fertigation systems, bringing in the right trades to automate watering and nutrient delivery so you save labor hours and boost crop yields.
- BBN coordinates specialists to install your funded heating, ventilation, and lighting, optimizing greenhouse climate control to protect your harvest and extend your growing season.
- BBN manages the project for your funded walk-in coolers and storage sensors, coordinating the electrical, plumbing, and insulation trades so you get a climate-controlled space that preserves produce quality and reduces waste.
- BBN guides you through the application and deadlines so you don't lose the funding.
What to know before you count on it
- This is a reimbursement model: you pay first, then submit invoices and a project report to get paid back.
- Eligible costs must fall within the current annual claim window, so confirm the current intake dates before you spend.
- General farm implements, tractors, oil furnace heating, and consumer-grade freezers are excluded.
- The program operates on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are allocated for the year.
What are your odds?
Funding is first-come, first-served until the annual allocation is exhausted; early application is critical.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this funding to replace old greenhouse plastic or drip tape?
No. Replacement of greenhouse components and consumables is explicitly excluded from eligible expenses.
Do I need to have $20,000 in sales if I am a new farmer?
No. New producers not yet grossing $20,000 must enroll in the Future Farmer Program with a greenhouse business plan or submit an approved production/marketing plan.
When do I get the money?
You pay for the project first. After completion, you submit a claim form with paid invoices and a project report to receive reimbursement.
Is there an application fee?
No application fee is published.
What you can combine it with
Confirm on the official page if this can be stacked with other federal or provincial grants, as activities providing tax credits or rebates are excluded.
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Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Record last updated July 3, 2026; last verified July 2, 2026 against the official source. Source: official program page.