Ontario government contributes funds to food processors

The Ontario government has contributed $6.5 million in funding to food processors and other businesses, including animal health, commercialization and primary agri-food businesses. This funding, provided through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, will support more than 100 projects in areas such as food safety, labour productivity and waste reduction. Businesses receiving the support share costs on the projects. Factoring in funding coming from the businesses, this will represent a joint investment of more than $28 million in the sector.

Some projects supported include:

• Implementing technology or other systems to enhance food safety;
• Helping the move to advanced manufacturing technology to enhance labour productivity; and
• Developing new products or processes designed to lead to significantly increased sales.

To date, both the federal and provincial governments have committed cost-share support to more than 2,400 projects through the Partnership to help eligible Ontario farmers, processors, businesses and sector organizations innovate and grow.

The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3-billion commitment by federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports the country’s agri-food and agri-products sectors.

The most recent application intake for cost-share funding for processors and other businesses will close on Nov. 26 at 5 p.m.