Canada and Ontario Investing Nearly $1 Million to Protect Farmers and Food Processors

 The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing nearly $1 million through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) to support local projects that turn innovative research into market-ready solutions for farmers and food processors. This initiative delivers on the government’s plan to protect Ontario’s agri-food workers and businesses by making strategic investments in cutting-edge solutions that will ensure farmers have access to the tools and technologies to support modern farming and help the sector stay resilient and competitive in the global market.

“Through innovation and technology, Ontario’s agriculture and agri-food sectors are enhancing Canada’s food system and reaching global markets,” said the Honourable Heath MacDonald, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “This support will help successful recipients turn innovative ideas into real-world solutions.”

“This investment will help local organizations turn research into market-ready solutions that strengthen Ontario’s position as a global leader in food production,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “Our government is proud to support the innovators who are building a more competitive and resilient future for Ontario’s agri-food sector.”

Part of the Ontario Agri-food Research Initiative and led by Bioenterprise Canada Corporation, the OAFRI Commercialization stream aims to bridge the gap between research and the marketplace for Ontario-based organizations.

Examples of projects under this stream of funding include:

• Expansion of digital biosecurity technology from pig farms to poultry farms to help reduce the risk of disease in livestock.
• Market validation of a cattle monitoring system that estimates animal weight and health and improves productivity for beef producers.
• Development of an advanced manufacturing system for dairy-free frozen desserts that will help Ontarians with allergies or plant-based diets to access more affordable alternatives.
• Commercialization of an innovative handheld agri-tech clipping device that enhances efficiency in propagation facilities and greenhouses.

“Ontario’s agri-food sector depends on a strong pipeline of innovation to remain competitive, resilient, and ready for the future,” said Dave Smardon, CEO of Bioenterprise Canada. “Through the OAFRI Commercialization Stream, we’re helping promising organizations move practical, high-potential solutions closer to market by supporting the critical work of market validation and product development. We’re proud to work with the Ontario government to help accelerate these innovations and strengthen the province’s capacity to grow, process, and deliver food in smarter, more sustainable ways.”

The Sustainable CAP is a 5-year, (2023-2028), $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs designed and delivered by the provinces and territories.

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