Canada: Governments investing $2.5 million to bring agrifood research to market

KINCARDINE, Ontario –The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing $2.5 million to turn innovative ideas and solutions into marketable products that will strengthen Ontario’s agri-food sector and ensure Ontarians continue to have access to safe, high-quality food the province is known for.

Through a new agreement with Bioenterprise Corporation, a national non-profit business accelerator, the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative (OAFRI) is now accepting proposals that will see innovative agri-food research ideas transformed into leading-edge technologies, services, and new market-ready products. The Initiative is also accepting applications for research streams that encourage stronger adoption of best management practices for on-farm production. The deadline to submit applications is October 29, 2021.

“Innovation drives the research that propels Ontario’s farmers and food processors forward, and OMAFRA is championing innovation to grow and build the sector for the future,” said Lisa Thompson, minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs. “The new Bioenterprise partnership and this investment in commercializing research will help bring new products to market faster and strengthen the agri-food sector, while supporting the economy by helping businesses expand, creating jobs, and increasing the competitiveness of Ontario-made products in the domestic and global marketplaces.”

“Bioenterprise has long been deeply entrenched in Ontario’s agri-food and agri-tech ecosystem and having a partner like OMAFRA supporting the drive for innovation will mean big things for the sector and the economy,” said Dave Smardon, chief executive officer of Bioenterprise. “With a focus on early-stage projects through market validation and product development activities, we are supporting a rich substrate of disruptive technologies that, with minister Thompson’s and OMAFRA’s commitment, can create substantial increases in Ontario’s global competitiveness in agriculture.”

The partnership with Bioenterprise Corporation is part of the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative. Projects funded through this initiative are designed to increase competitiveness and to benefit all Ontarians by continuing to provide safe and healthy food while increasing trade opportunities for Ontario grown and made food items.