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Ontario invests in accelerator program to grow agri-food sector

The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing in a new project to support growth in the province’s agri-food sector.

Ontario Agri-Food Technologies will receive up to $100,000 in cost-share funding to design and launch a pilot project called the Commercial Deal Accelerator.

This project will connect early-stage agribusinesses that have innovative ideas, with corporate investors to create commercialization activity. Funded through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, this project is expected to and create sustainable, private revenue streams for agri-food and agri-tech entrepreneurs in Ontario

“Ontario’s agri-food and agri-tech entrepreneurs have always been leaders who find success through innovation and collaboration,” added Ernie Hardeman, Ontario’s minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs, in a statement. “Our government is pleased to help them continue to be successful by supporting this exciting new project through the Partnership.”

“Innovation is key to all aspects of agriculture, including how we commercialize new technologies,” said Tyler Whale, president of Ontario Agri-Food Technologies, in a statement. “Importantly, the governments’ support will help Ontario maintain its leadership role in the ag-tech ecosystem, thus supporting a primary economic driver of this province and country.”

To date, both the federal and provincial governments have committed cost-share support to approximately 2,500 projects through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to help eligible Ontario farmers, processors, businesses and sector organizations innovate and grow.

In Ontario, cost-share programming for agriculture and value chain organizations is provided through the Place to Grow: Agri-food Innovation Initiative. An application intake for this initiative is currently open, and will close on January 27, 2020. Program details including the program guide are available online.