"From a horse barn in the '60s to Canada's first fully automated greenhouse, this feels like a full circle moment for our family and our whole team. Today just got a whole lot bigger for Haven Greens", the team shares.      The funding was announced by the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, through the AgriInnovate Program. The project includes the adoption of an end-to-end mobile gully system, a technology described as new to Canada. The system is designed to enable more precise and faster cultivation while reducing labor costs and improving efficiency.    The investment is part of Canada's efforts to expand domestic CEA production and strengthen the country's food supply. CEA enables year-round production while providing greater control over growing conditions and reducing exposure to external environmental factors.    The Kinghaven Farms project supports fully automated greenhouse technology for year-round production of locally grown leafy greens. The company aims to reduce reliance on imported greens and the carbon emissions associated with long-haul transportation. It also aims to demonstrate the profitability and sustainability of CEA and encourage wider adoption of the technology across Canada.    "Controlled environment agriculture is key to building a resilient, stable food system in Canada. This investment in Kinghaven Farms' innovative greenhouse technology will boost local production, reduce reliance on imports and ensure Canadians have reliable access to high-quality, locally grown greens year-round. This project strengthens food security and reinforces Canada as a leader in sustainable agricultural practices," says MacDonald.    The investment follows the recently announced National Food Security Strategy, a 10-year, C$3.2-billion investment intended to open the market for independent retailers, boost domestic food production and build a stronger and more affordable food system in Canada.    The strategy includes C$750 million specifically dedicated to expanding year-round Canadian production of fruits and vegetables, including through greenhouses, vertical farms and other enclosed growing spaces. The Kinghaven Farms project aligns with the strategy's priority of expanding domestic production capacity through CEA and other technologies.    According to the Canadian government, Canada produced approximately 112,450 metric tons of lettuce in 2025. Of that volume, 24,607 metric tons, or 22%, originated from CEA systems. CEA lettuce production has grown by 22% since 2021, while lettuce imports have declined over the same period. The government says this indicates that domestic production is capturing a larger share of the Canadian market and increasing domestic food supply capacity.    "Ontario is a leader in Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector, and innovative operations like Kinghaven Farms are helping show what the future of food production can look like. This investment will support cutting-edge greenhouse technology that strengthens local production, creates a more reliable supply of fresh produce year-round, and helps position Ontario at the forefront of agricultural innovation," says Michael Ma, Member of Parliament for Markham-Unionville.    "We're honoured to receive support through the AgriInnovate Program as we continue advancing the automation and climate-control technologies behind Haven Greens. This investment will help us further strengthen local food resilience and bring more fresh, sustainably grown produce to Canadians year-round, while continuing to push what's possible for controlled-environment agriculture domestically," says Jay Willmot, founder and CEO of Haven Greens.    Kinghaven Farms was established in 1967 as a family-owned and operated business. The company has transitioned from a horse racing operation into a modern farm producing greenhouse-grown, pesticide-free leafy greens under its Haven Greens brand.     The Canadian greenhouse industry generated C$3.4 billion in farm-gate sales and more than C$2.5 billion in exports in 2024, making it an important part of Canadian agriculture and a source of economic activity.    The investment is being made through the AgriInnovate Program, which provides repayable contributions to support the commercialization, demonstration and adoption of commercially ready innovative technologies and processes. The program targets technologies and processes that can increase the competitiveness of Canada's agricultural and agri-food sector while delivering sustainability benefits.    The broader agricultural policy framework also includes the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), a C$3.5-billion, five-year agreement running from 2023 to 2028 between the federal, provincial and territorial governments. The partnership aims to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation and resiliency of Canada's agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector.