inCenTive programs For Food and Beverage Companies in onTario

As of March 31, 2021, Government of Canada released a news release regarding their $4.5 million investment for a strong, competitive and resilient agri-food supply chain. Through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the governments of Canada and Ontario are able to invest approximately $4.5 million to support more than 100 projects that are determined to strengthen the province’s agri-food supply chain by helping food and beverage processors expand their operations, increase their competitive edge and acclimatize to future challenges.

The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3-billion commitment by Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada’s agri-food and agri-products sectors. This includes a $2 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.

Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food stated, “The Government of Canada supports innovation by food and beverage processors to ensure that the sector is able to succeed in a competitive market, both at home and abroad. Investing in operational improvements will foster the growth of these businesses that provide high-quality.

According to the Government of Canada, the investment will not only further secure and strengthen the province’s food supply but will also help food and beverage processors grow their businesses, create jobs and contribute to the economic growth of the sector and their community. Food and beverage processors can use this funding to develop new products, create marketing campaigns, tap into new markets, improve food supply safety and strengthen health and safety measures.

Some examples of projects funded by the Government of Canada are:

• Keto Buns Ltd. o/a Unbun Foods will receive up to $75,000 to launch a marketing campaign to expand into the plant-based market to increase sales and build brand recognition/awareness.

• HalalMeals will receive up to $10,000 to purchase and install new x-ray equipment to enhance food safety and provide added assurance to distributors and retailers that carry their products.

• Alstein Farms Inc. will receive up to $50,000 to construct a wash bay facility to sanitize transportation equipment, allowing for safe feed delivery and better sanitation of transportation equipment, which will aid in preventing diseases, pathogens and pests from moving farm-to-farm.

This investment builds on other initiatives and programs that support the food and beverage sector, including: *All information derived from the Government of Canada.

• A commitment of up to $7 million through the November 2021 intake, in addition to the $7 million investment in the Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative for provincially licensed meat processors to help them purchase equipment to increase productivity and efficiency, and prevent slowdowns.

• A $10 million investment in the Agri-Food Workplace Protection Program to help provincially licensed meat processors maintain a safe workplace.

• A $22 million provincial investment to increase the adoption of technological innovations within the agri-food sector to enhance the health and safety of workers and improve the sector’s efficiency and productivity through the Agri-Tech Innovation Program.

• An investment of almost $1 million to prepare over 600 people across the province for rewarding careers in food and beverage processing.

“Our government is ensuring our food and beverage processors have the support they need to improve their operations so they can become stronger and more competitive in the domestic and global marketplace. Improving processing facilities through innovation will be key to maintaining a robust agri-food sector as we look to secure the future of our industry for years to come.”

- Lisa Thompson,

Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

Minister

Through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, both provincial and federal governments have committed over $130 million in support to more than 6,000 projects since June of 2018. This funding is especially beneficial to Ontario farmers, processors, businesses and sector organizations as it will help them to be more innovative and be able to grow.