SECTOR GUIDE · REGIONAL TARIFF RESPONSE INITIATIVE
For greenhouse vegetable, flower and plant growers and their packing operations.
Many greenhouse operations sell most of what they grow into the U.S. RTRI does not require your product to be on a tariff list. Earning at least 25% of revenue from goods ultimately exported to the U.S. is one of the ways to meet its tariff test. Growers also feel Canada's counter-tariffs on U.S. packaging, steel and aluminum.
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Tariff facts checked against official sources on October 29, 2026 • Sources linked below
See all sector guidesHOW TARIFFS HIT THIS SECTOR
Price pressure from U.S. buyers, delayed or smaller contracts and higher packaging costs are the typical evidence for growers. Show the U.S. share of revenue clearly, because it can carry the eligibility test on its own.
Tariff measures change often. Each item links to the official source, and rates are as published on October 29, 2026.
RTRI accepts businesses that earn at least 25% of revenue from goods ultimately exported to the U.S., even if their own product is not tariffed. Harm caused by tariff uncertainty, such as lost revenue or customers, also counts.
Who can apply to RTRI (FedDev Ontario)Since September 8, 2026, Canada applies 50% to U.S. plastic packing articles and to paper cartons and boxes.
Complete list of U.S. products subject to counter tariffs (Finance Canada)Canada's tariffs on U.S. steel and aluminum products are 25% or 50%, which raises the cost of U.S.-sourced greenhouse structures, framing and equipment.
Canada's tariffs on steel and aluminum (Finance Canada)WHO QUALIFIES
RTRI normally supports manufacturers, suppliers and value-added businesses. Growers with packing, processing or other value-added operations should describe them clearly in the application.
Retail, local consumer services (such as hotels, restaurants, utilities, healthcare and recreation), oil and gas extraction and construction services are generally not eligible.
Greenhouse vegetable growers. Flower and potted plant growers. Packing and distribution operations. Controlled-environment and vertical farms.
In at least one of your last two fiscal years, as an incorporated, for-profit business located and operating in the region you apply to.
Assessed through your attestation, financial statements and operating history. Businesses founded after March 21, 2025 are considered case by case.
Meet at least one test: a sector hit by Section 232 or 338 tariffs (directly or as a supplier), 25% or more of revenue from goods ultimately exported to the U.S., or harm from tariffs or the uncertainty they created.
HOW RTRI CAN HELP
Liquidity assistance covers tariff-related cash-flow shortfalls in your existing labour and overhead. Pivot projects fund net-new investment on top of the business you already run. You can apply for either, or both.
Non-repayable support for a tariff-related cash-flow shortfall in the business you already run.
Greenhouses carry large seasonal labour costs. Liquidity is based on 50% of average monthly payroll, up to $2M non-repayable, and agencies such as FedDev Ontario average the most recent 12 completed months, so the figure reflects the full year rather than a single season.
Tariffs, customs duties, raw materials, inventory and debt payments are not eligible liquidity costs. Dividends are restricted while liquidity support is in place.
Funding for net-new investment on top of your existing labour, overhead and operations.
Projects need new, incremental costs and measurable results. Land and building purchases, entertainment, vehicles and refinancing are not eligible.
Up to $3M in combined non-repayable support: $2M for liquidity plus $1M for a non-repayable pivot. Total RTRI support, including repayable funding, is capped at $20M per business. The same costs cannot be funded twice.
THE EVIDENCE THAT MATTERS
Tariff impact is what gets assessed. You do not need to attach every business record, but each claim should trace back to one.
Examples of indirect tariff impactWHERE TO APPLY
RTRI is delivered by seven regional development agencies, each with its own process. You apply to the agency for the region where your business operates, and separate requests are needed for employees in more than one region.
Fillable PDF form, submitted from Adobe Acrobat Reader
PacifiCanPacifiCan online portal, stream “BC (PacifiCan) - RTRI-Business”
CEDContact CED first; CED assesses eligibility, then sends the form
PrairiesCanDetailed application in the PrairiesCan online portal
ALL REGIONSAll seven regional development agencies
SECTOR QUESTIONS
Practical answers based on the agencies' published RTRI guidance and official tariff sources.
They can apply. Greenhouse operations that are incorporated, earn $1M+ in revenue and can show a tariff impact, for example through U.S. sales of at least 25% of revenue, can apply to the Regional Tariff Response Initiative through their regional development agency.
Possibly. RTRI's tariff test can be met in more than one way, and one of them is earning at least 25% of revenue from goods ultimately exported to the U.S. Higher input costs from tariffs and harm from tariff uncertainty are other routes.
Liquidity is based on 50% of your average monthly payroll. FedDev Ontario, FedNor and CanNor use the most recent 12 completed months, which averages peak and off-season months together. Support is capped at your demonstrated need and $2M.
FedDev Ontario funds businesses in southern Ontario, which includes Leamington, Kingsville and the Niagara region. Growers in British Columbia apply to PacifiCan, and growers in Quebec to CED.
LET'S FIND YOUR NEXT STEP
Tell us what has changed for your business. In a free, one-on-one consultation, we will help you understand your tariff relief funding options and next steps, whether or not you work with us.
Independent advisory by Fundspoke. We are not a government agency. Tariff measures and program terms change often; official sources, your regional agency's current rules and your contribution agreement govern. Your customs broker can confirm how tariffs apply to your products.