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Governments fund increased farm and food processing efficiency

On Nov. 20, the governments of Canada and Ontario announced an investment of up to $25 million, through the Sustainable CAP Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative, to expand production capacity and boost energy efficiency in Ontario’s agriculture and food sector.

Funding will be provided to eligible farm and food processing businesses to help them invest in innovative technology, equipment or processes that will expand production capacity or enhance efficiency.

This investment will support the objectives laid out in the Grow Ontario Strategy of increasing the production and consumption of food grown and prepared in the province by 30 per cent by 2032 and boosting the economic impact of Ontario’s food and beverage manufacturing by 10 per cent.

Projects will be supported under the initiative by allocating funds for businesses to obtain equipment and technology to increase productivity and efficiency. Among a variety of targeted outcomes for this funding will be projects that also enhance cyber security in the agriculture and food sector.

Innovative technology and equipment projects (up to $100,000) will be eligible for up to a 50 per cent cost-share. Larger projects will be eligible for a 35 per cent cost-share (up to $100,000 in funding).

Applications for the initiative will be accepted starting on Feb. 15, 2024.