The Canadian government launched its first-ever National Food Security Strategy in June 2026. The strategy aims to invest $750 million to increase year-round Canadian production of fruits and vegetables, including on so-called vertical farms.
These multi-storey towers and warehouses filled with fresh produce glowing under artificial light may seem like the future of food. Promoted as climate-resilient, land-saving and a positive form of urban development, vertical plant factories, commonly referred to as vertical farms, are drawing investment from governments and venture capital alike.
What we refer to as vertical plant factories are fully enclosed buildings or warehouses where artificial lighting, wiring, plumbing, engineered substrates and climate control systems replace sun, soil and seasons. These systems are largely oriented toward producing leafy greens and berries.
