Canada and Ontario Invest $4.4M to Strengthen Agri-Food Sector and Food Safety

Canada and Ontario are investing $4.4 million in 90 small agri-food projects to boost exports, improve traceability, and enhance food safety systems across the province.

The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $4.4 million to support small agri-food businesses across the province, including several based in the Greater Toronto Area. The joint funding, delivered under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), will enhance food safety systems, boost traceability, and help businesses expand into new markets.

The investment will support 90 projects through the province’s Food Safety and Growth Initiative, a program that helps small food processors, producers, and service providers strengthen their operations with modern technology and safety protocols.

“Our producers and processors work hard to make sure our food meets the highest standards for safety and quality,” said Heath MacDonald, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “This great initiative is helping them adopt the latest technologies so they can respond to consumer demands, grow their operations, and put more money back into their pockets.”

Supporting Local Business and Food Safety

Under the initiative, eligible small businesses can receive up to $75,000 per project. This funding can be used for installing new food safety and traceability equipment, upgrading technology, and training employees on new safety protocols.

Examples of funded projects include:

• Shefa Meats (Toronto) – Receiving $74,684 to implement a barcoding system and expand their traceability program to better serve customers.

• Vision Greens (Welland) – Receiving $75,000 to install advanced water filtration systems for enhanced plant safety.

• West Grey Premium Beef (Durham) – Receiving $75,000 to upgrade packaging and food safety systems to meet market demand.

“Ontario’s agri-food industry produces world-class food products,” said Trevor Jones, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “This initiative will help local businesses grow their operations, create jobs and diversify exports.”

Building a More Resilient Food Sector

The Sustainable CAP is a five-year, $3.5 billion initiative co-funded by federal, provincial, and territorial governments to improve the resilience and competitiveness of Canada’s agri-food industry. Ontario’s share includes $2.5 billion for cost-shared programs tailored by provinces and territories.

The new funding round is expected to generate over $15 million in industry food safety enhancements across Ontario, strengthening the food system in the face of growing demand and market shifts.

Industry Applauds Government Support

Agri-food leaders across Ontario welcomed the news.

“As the largest manufacturing sector by employment in Ontario, this support helps over 4,000 small businesses improve food safety systems and training,” said Chris Conway, CEO of Food and Beverage Ontario.
“This is good news for everyone,” added Gerhard Metzger, Chair of Meat & Poultry Ontario, noting the long-term impact on food system resiliency.

More information on program eligibility and application details can be found through the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.

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