Canada and Ontario Invest $20 Million to Help Farmers Expand Global Markets
Federal and provincial funding will help farmers and agribusinesses expand global sales of Ontario grown products
TORONTO — The federal and Ontario governments are investing up to $20 million to help local farmers, food processors and agribusinesses expand sales of Ontario-grown products into new domestic and international markets.
The funding will be delivered through the newly launched Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative, which aims to strengthen the competitiveness of Ontario’s agri-food sector amid ongoing trade uncertainty and global tariff pressures. The initiative is part of the broader Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership and supports the province’s Grow Ontario Strategy.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, the initiative will provide cost-shared funding for projects that help businesses diversify markets, develop new products and invest in equipment or technology needed to access new customers.
As Ontario faces disruptive tariffs, we’re investing $20 million into local farms and businesses to help them:
✅Strengthen market competitiveness
✅Expand into new markets and diversify trade
✅Grow global sales of Ontario-grown products #ProtectOntario https://t.co/n7XB16vTYN
— Trevor Jones (@TrevorJonesCKL) January 20, 2026
Supporting Export Growth and Resilience
Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald said expanding export opportunities is critical for long-term stability in the sector.
“Expanding markets for Ontario food products ensures farmers and food processors have more reliable export opportunities,” MacDonald said in a statement. “We are building a stronger, more resilient future for agriculture by improving market access and leveraging our shared strengths.”
Ontario Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Minister Trevor Jones said the investment supports farmers and businesses that anchor the province’s agri-food economy, which contributes nearly $52 billion annually.
“This investment will help our local farmers and agribusinesses sell more products grown in Ontario to markets around the world,” Jones said.
Three Funding Streams
The Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative will open for applications on February 17, 2026, and will support projects under three main funding streams:
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Market development and diversification planning, including preparation for entry into new or expanded markets
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Market development implementation, such as new product development and expanded marketing strategies
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Equipment and technology investments, including production upgrades needed to meet requirements in new markets
Funding levels will vary by project type, with increased support available for export initiatives targeting non-U.S. markets, while still maintaining eligibility for projects focused on the United States.
Applications will be accepted until March 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Part of a National Agriculture Strategy
The initiative falls under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year, $3.5-billion federal-provincial-territorial framework running from 2023 to 2028. The partnership includes $1 billion in federal programs and $2.5 billion in cost-shared provincial and territorial programming, funded 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially.
Market diversification and sector resiliency were identified as priorities by agriculture ministers in The Guelph Statement, which guides the partnership’s implementation.
Industry Reaction
Agricultural and food industry groups welcomed the announcement, citing the importance of reducing reliance on single markets and strengthening global competitiveness.
Henk Vaarkamp, president of the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario, said the initiative creates new opportunities for Ontario producers to reach customers at home and abroad.
Food & Beverage Ontario CEO Chris Conway noted that the province’s food and beverage processing sector includes more than 4,000 companies, the majority of which are small businesses.
“This will help ensure an ongoing viable processing sector in Ontario,” Conway said.
Ontario Federation of Agriculture president Drew Spoelstra added that securing reliable markets is increasingly important for producers navigating global economic pressures.
Accessing the Program
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness will administer the initiative. Program guidelines and application details are available through the ministry, and farmers and businesses can contact the Agricultural Information Contact Centre for additional support.
The governments say the initiative is designed to help Ontario’s agri-food sector remain competitive, resilient and positioned for long-term growth in an evolving global marketplace.
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