Federal and Provincial Governments Invest $5 Million to Enhance Food Safety and Growth in Ontario’s Agri-Food Sector

CAMBRIDGE – In a major boost to Ontario’s agri-food industry, the governments of Canada and Ontario have announced a joint investment of up to $5 million. This funding, part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), aims to bolster small businesses in the agriculture and food sector by enhancing their food safety systems and fostering growth.

The newly introduced Food Safety and Growth Initiative is designed to support food processors, producers, and service providers. Eligible businesses can use the funding to upgrade their food safety systems, adopt advanced food safety and traceability equipment and technologies, and provide essential training to their employees. This initiative also aims to help businesses respond effectively to market demands and expand their operations.

This strategic investment aligns with the Grow Ontario Strategy, which focuses on reinforcing the stability and competitiveness of Ontario’s agri-food supply chain. Robust food safety systems are crucial for the industry’s growth, and this initiative is expected to help smaller businesses build consumer confidence by mitigating food safety risks and adopting new standards.

Pleased to join Minister @RobFlackEML to announce $5M through the Food Safety and Growth Initiative to help make sure our producers and processers here in Ontario have the tools and resources they need to continue to produce their top-quality goods, safely. pic.twitter.com/FUfMb9vnOp

— Lawrence MacAulay (@L_MacAulay) August 7, 2024

Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay, underscored the importance of this investment. “It is vitally important that our farmers and food processors have access to the latest tools and resources they need to continue to produce their top-quality goods,” said MacAulay. “This investment in technology and equipment upgrades will help folks prevent and quickly address food safety risks and keep their operations on the cutting edge.”

Echoing this sentiment, Rob Flack, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, expressed the provincial government’s commitment to supporting smaller businesses. “Our government is committed to working with smaller businesses in Ontario’s agriculture and food industry to help them ensure food safety so they can increase sales and expand,” Flack said. “Investments through the Food Safety and Growth Initiative will allow smaller food businesses to improve their operations so they can grow and compete in Ontario and outside our borders.”

The initiative will fund various projects, including the development or enhancement of food safety or traceability programs, technology upgrades, third-party assessments, and the implementation of nationally or internationally recognized food safety programs, such as first-time certification audits. Successful applicants can receive up to 50 percent of eligible costs, with a maximum of $75,000 per project.

Applications for the initiative will open on August 21, 2024, and remain available until December 1, 2025, or until the allocated funds are fully distributed.

The Sustainable CAP represents a comprehensive five-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial, and territorial governments. This initiative aims to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resilience of Canada’s agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based products sectors. It includes $1 billion for federal programs and activities and a $2.5-billion commitment shared 60 percent by the federal government and 40 percent by provincial and territorial governments for programs tailored and delivered locally.

This significant investment underscores the collaborative effort between federal and provincial governments to support the agri-food industry, ensuring it remains a vital part of Ontario’s economy while maintaining the highest standards of food safety and quality.