Perennial Crop Development Efficiency

For Prince Edward Island growers working with berries, vineyards, tree fruit, and other perennial crops, improving on-farm efficiency can be the difference between steady margins and stalled growth. The Perennial Crop Development Efficiency program is designed to help established agricultural businesses invest in practical technologies that make harvesting, storage, and processing more cost-effective while supporting the long-term sustainability of the sector.

Delivered by the PEI Department of Agriculture and Land under the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership, this initiative provides non-repayable funding to cover a portion of project costs, with support reaching up to about $50,000 for eligible investments. The focus is on equipment and upgrades that add value or reduce losses, such as harvesting and packing equipment, cold storage or controlled atmosphere systems, and improvements to existing buildings to better handle perennial crops. These types of projects can help producers extend storage life, access new markets, and streamline operations during peak seasons.

The program is aimed at small and medium-sized agri-food businesses and producers in Prince Edward Island that are actively growing perennial crops and looking to strengthen their operations through technology and infrastructure. While the current intake is closed due to strong demand, the program is expected to reopen in 2026, making this a good time to plan ahead. Reviewing the full program details can help determine whether your next efficiency upgrade could be a strong fit when applications open again.