$25 million program aims to boost agri-food innovation in Ontario

The Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative will disperse $25 million of Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership funding to drive agriculture and food sector production capacity and energy efficiency.

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“These investments will allow established and emerging businesses to speed up efforts to optimize their operations and help in achieving the ambitious goals we have set out for the agriculture and food sector in our Grow Ontario Strategy,” said Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Why it matters: Cost-share programs like this one help agriculture businesses fund changes in their business that keep them competitive.

Funding applications open on Feb. 15, 2024, and could provide up to $100,000 for innovative technology and equipment projects. They are eligible for a maximum of a 50 per cent cost share, with larger projects eligible for a 35 per cent cost share of up to $100,000.

Qualifying projects will include obtaining innovative equipment and technology that increases productivity and efficiency, with one of the targeted outcomes being enhanced cyber security in the agriculture and food sectors.

 “By working with the province on these initiatives, we can help the sector enhance their production capacity,” said Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay. “While also improving energy efficiency to create a more resilient future for agriculture in Ontario.”

The funds will be disperse by the Agricultural Adaptation Council.