Beginning in November, Ontario food processors and other businesses can apply for support under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (the Partnership). This is part of a commitment to help the agri-food sector grow and support projects that boost innovation, economic development, environmental stewardship and food safety.
The application intake, which opens November 4, is tailored for agri-food businesses looking to increase food safety, develop new markets and expand their operations. More information, including program materials, will be available on the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs website by November 4, 2019.
Ernie Hardeman, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, made this announcement while in Tokyo leading a trade mission to connect Ontario farmers and food processors with key importers and buyers. This funding, along with the trade mission, adds to the strong action taken by the Ontario government to help sectors affected by ongoing trade disputes and challenges to access new markets. Minister Hardeman has also been meeting with government representatives and grocery store chains to promote the high quality of Ontario products, including pork, beef, soybean and other agri-food products.
“Our government is committed to helping food processors and other important contributors in our agri-food sector be even more competitive and grow their businesses,” said Hardeman. “Investing in these projects will boost innovation, enhance productivity and increase sales for our food processing sector and open the doors to new markets for the incredibly safe, high quality foods they produce.”
Since June 2018, more than 2,000 projects have received commitments through the Partnership to help eligible Ontario farmers, processors, businesses and sector organizations innovate and grow.
Quick Facts
- The Partnership is a five-year, $3-billion commitment by Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada’s agri-food and agri-products sectors.
- In Ontario, OMAFRA administers cost-share funding under the Partnership to processors and other businesses (animal health, commercializers and primary agri-food businesses). More information about the next application intake, including the program guide and application form, will be available online on November 4, 2019.
- The Ontario agri-food sector supports more than 837,000 jobs in Ontario and contributes more than $47.5 billion each year to the province’s economy.
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
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