On November 4, 2021, the Ontario government announced a $25 million Strategic Agri-Food Processing Fund in the form of grants of up to $3 million for food and beverage processing businesses in the Fall Economic Statement. Thanks to our members for providing valuable information over the last several months on industry challenges that we presented to the Government of Ontario on your behalf. Today marks an important win for our sector in securing funds that will support businesses.
Media announcement on November 15: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1001166/ontario-supporting-businesses-and-workers-in-the-agri-food-sector
Highlights
Ontario will invest up to $25 million over three years starting in 2021–22 in a new Strategic Agri-Food Processing Fund to support projects that will enhance processing capacity and food security.
Through grants of up to $3 million to food processing businesses, the fund will encourage industry investment in innovative technology, capital and equipment required to increase capacity and productivity in the sector.
The Strategic Agri-Food Processing Fund will support industry in capitalizing on opportunities in value-added processing to expand domestic and international market opportunities for Ontario’s trade and exports.