Alberta’s government continues to attract investment and grow the provincial economy.

The province’s inviting and tax-friendly business environment, and abundant agricultural resources, make it one of North America’s best places to do business. In addition, the Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit helps attract investment that will further diversify Alberta’s agriculture industry.

Beretta Farms is the most recent company to qualify for the tax credit by expanding its existing facility with the potential to significantly increase production capacity. It invested more than $10.9 million in the project that is expected to increase the plant’s processing capacity from 29,583 to 44,688 head of cattle per year. Eleven new employees were hired after the expansion and the company plans to hire ten more. Through the Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit, Alberta’s government has issued Beretta Farms a tax credit of $1,228,735.

“The Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit is building on Alberta’s existing competitive advantages for agri-food companies and the primary producers that supply them. This facility expansion will allow Beretta Farms to increase production capacity, which means more Alberta beef across the country, and around the world.”

“This expansion by Beretta Farms is great news for Lacombe and central Alberta. It not only supports local job creation and economic growth but also strengthens Alberta’s global reputation for producing high-quality meat products. I’m proud to see our government supporting agricultural innovation and investment right here in our community.”

The tax credit provides a 12 per cent non-refundable, non-transferable tax credit when businesses invest $10 million or more in a project to build or expand a value-added agri-processing facility in Alberta. The program is open to any food manufacturers and bio processors that add value to commodities like grains or meat or turn agricultural byproducts into new consumer or industrial goods.

Beretta Farms’ facility in Lacombe is a federally registered, European Union-approved harvesting and meat processing facility specializing in the slaughter, processing, packaging and distribution of Canadian and United States cattle and bison meat products to 87 countries worldwide.

“Our recent plant expansion project at our facility in Lacombe has allowed us to increase our processing capacities and add more job opportunities in the central Alberta area. With the support and recognition from the Government of Alberta’s tax credit program, we feel we are in a better position to continue our success and have the confidence to grow our meat brands into the future.”

Alberta’s agri-processing sector is the second-largest manufacturing industry in the province and meat processing plays an important role in the sector, generating millions in annual economic impact and creating thousands of jobs. Alberta continues to be an attractive place for agricultural investment due to its agricultural resources, one of the lowest tax rates in North America, a business-friendly environment and a robust transportation network to connect with international markets.

Alberta’s government is supporting liquor producers by enabling them to own, operate and sell their own products on large format bikes or “party bikes.”

Albertans out for a spin on a party bike or tavern tour will soon be able to sip locally made beers and spirits. Alberta’s government is updating the rules to give small liquor producers the green light to serve their own products on party bikes, removing an outdated barrier that had prevented local producers from advertising their own brands.

This is one of several red tape reduction changes to the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Regulation (GLCR) aimed at making life easier for small businesses and expanding responsible choices for consumers.

“We are proud that these amendments not only cut red tape in the retail segment of the liquor marketplace, but also directly open more opportunities for small manufacturers to grow their businesses.”

More freedom to grow: Liquor and cannabis reforms

In addition to the changes to party bikes, Alberta is making it easier for liquor retailers to set up shop in underused commercial space. Businesses that own or lease large buildings can now carve out a separate liquor store within their space, so long as it has its own entrance and full floor-to-ceiling walls separating it from other retail operations.

Alberta’s government is also rolling out a long-awaited change for cannabis producers: federally licensed cultivators and processors will now be able to apply for a retail licence to sell their products directly from the same property, commonly known as “farm-gate” sales. This move aligns Alberta with other provinces and gives consumers more access to homegrown cannabis products, while supporting licensed growers.

These targeted reforms are part of Alberta’s broader push to cut red tape, reduce regulatory burden, and promote a more competitive marketplace across the province.

Quick facts

• Alberta’s retail liquor industry is robust, with more than 35,000 products available across more than 1,600 retail stores
• Larger companies with other retail stores, operate multiple retail stores that have a liquor store on site, but in a separate building.
• There are 752 licenced cannabis retail stores in Alberta.
• There are 2,356 licensed cannabis products for sale in the province.
• All cannabis retailers must be licensed by AGLC.
• Licensed producers are regulated by Health Canada.