Strengthening domestic food production is critical to Canada’s long-term food security, particularly as climate challenges and geopolitical pressures disrupt traditional supply chains, according to the head of one of the country’s largest indoor farming companies.
Andy O’Brien, President and CEO of GoodLeaf Farms, says food security in Canada hinges on ensuring consistent, year-round access to fresh produce despite the country’s extreme seasonal swings. He notes that Canada has historically relied heavily on imports from the United States and Mexico due to limited growing conditions during colder months.
O’Brien says recent global and political developments have underscored the need for Canada to take greater control of its food supply by investing in domestic production systems that can operate year-round.
Indoor vertical farming is one such solution, but O’Brien acknowledges the high cost of entry remains a major barrier. GoodLeaf has invested roughly $200 million to build large-scale facilities in Guelph, Calgary and Montreal, with ongoing operating costs similar to other manufacturing businesses. He says government support is essential to encourage more players into the sector, pointing to recent federal commitments aimed at accelerating agricultural innovation.
Consumer demand is also shifting. O’Brien says interest in Canadian-grown food has surged, with demand currently exceeding GoodLeaf’s production capacity. He adds that shoppers are increasingly focused on freshness, nutrition and value, not just domestic origin.
The company, which generates about $50 million in annual sales and is growing rapidly, plans to invest more than $25 million to expand output at existing sites, with additional large-scale expansion expected in the coming years.
O’Brien says indoor farming allows for significantly faster crop cycles and more efficient production, helping position the sector as a key part of Canada’s future food system.
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