Federal govt. invests nearly $2M to help food processors adopt clean tech

Ontario’s food and beverage processing sector is one of the largest in North America and the largest in Canada. Fostering agricultural and technological development is crucial to the success of this vital sector and the Canadian economy.

The federal government is investing nearly $2 million in Bioenterprise Canada to deliver the FoodShift program, a green initiative that will help southern Ontario agri-business and food processors adopt net-zero technologies.

The project will connect agri-business and food processors looking to adopt clean technologies with cleantech entrepreneurs developing technologies that are ready for market. By creating these linkages, Bioenterprise will help southern Ontario food processors accelerate the adoption of net-zero technologies that will increase efficiency and competitiveness, while also supporting promising cleantech companies to commercialize their products and grow their revenues.

SMEs in the food processing sector will be eligible to receive up to $50,000, matched by the SME, to support the cost of adopting new green technologies. By project completion, this investment will support 30 food processors to future-proof their businesses and reduce their carbon footprint, support an additional 30 cleantech companies in growing their revenues and support 200 jobs.

Applications will be accepted starting July 27, 2022, and more information can be found at bioenterprise.ca.

“Sustainability and net-zero technologies are critical to Canada’s leadership position in global food innovation and achieving our environmental goals. Ontario’s large food sector is looking to attain significant business growth through innovation, by connecting with new technologies to build more efficient processes, reduce costs and increase productivity, helping make Canada the benchmark for green processing and production in our agriculture and food sectors. This program, and the support of the Federal government, are ensuring these goals are reached, and Bioenterprise is happy to play a lead role in assessing and connecting these promising new technologies,” said Dave Smardon, president and CEO, Bioenterprise.