Governments Partnering to Boost Innovation in the Agri-Food Industry
News release
319 farming and food businesses receiving funding through Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative
August 29, 2024 – Toronto, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $22.6 million, through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), to expand production capacity and boost energy efficiency in the agriculture and food sector.
The Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative is supporting 319 farming and agri-food businesses to help them invest in innovative technology, equipment or processes that will expand production capacity or enhance efficiency. This government support combined with cost-shared investments by the sector is expected to generate up to $61 million in production investment improvements in the industry.
Some examples of investments made through this initiative included:
- Up to $49,000, for Roelofsen Nursery, in Norwich, to purchase an electric self-propelled sprayer for field nursery crops.
- Up to $45,000 for Byler Enterprises Ltd., in Algoma District, to install reverse osmosis equipment for maple syrup production that concentrates sap, reducing boiling time and required energy, while improving syrup quality.
- Up to $100,000, for Solmaz Foods, in Etobicoke, for a refrigeration and freezer investment to enhance energy efficiency and capacity.
This investment supports the Grow Ontario Strategy's objectives of increasing production and consumption of food grown and prepared in the province by 30% by 2032 and boosting the economic impact of Ontario's food and beverage manufacturing sector by 10%.
The Sustainable CAP is a 5-year, $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 that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
Quotes
"There's a growing demand for the top-quality products being produced here in Ontario. With support through the Sustainable CAP, this funding will help provide farmers and the agri-food sector with the tools they need to boost productivity, increase efficiency, and keep feeding the world."
- The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
"Our government knows that supporting innovation in Ontario's agriculture and food sector is key to it reaching its potential, while securing our collective ability to achieve the ambitious goals in our Grow Ontario Strategy. These investments will allow established and emerging businesses to speed up efforts to optimize their operations and support growth for our agriculture and food sector."
- The Honourable Rob Flack, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness
"The Agricultural Adaptation Council is pleased to be delivering the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative on behalf of the governments of Canada and Ontario. This strategic, timely investment in innovation, advanced manufacturing and energy efficiency for Ontario agri-food businesses will boost growth and productivity, allowing our sector to meet the growing demand for Ontario food products."
- Peggy Brekveld, Board Chair, Agricultural Adaptation Council
"We are proud of our 65-year heritage in Toronto as a crucial food maker in Canada's agricultural supply chain. We welcome the ATII program's investment in our efficiency and productivity, as it will help enable our continued long-term competitiveness."
- Cyril Ryan, Senior Vice President, Redpath Sugar Ltd.
Quick facts
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The Agricultural Adaptation Council is delivering the Initiative. Approved projects are to be completed by the end of 2027.
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The Initiative builds on other previous actions the government has taken to support the sector. These include a $22-million commitment through the Agri-Tech Innovation Cost-Share Program and the $3.2 million Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative, offered through Sustainable CAP.
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Building the agri-food sector's growth, capacity and competitiveness was among the priorities set for Sustainable CAP by the federal-provincial-territorial agricultural ministers in The Guelph Statement.
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In 2023, Ontario's agri-food industry contributed $50.7 billion in gross domestic product (GDP) to the provincial economy, increasing 2.1% from 2022.
Associated links
Contacts
Annie Cullinan
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
annie.cullinan@agr.gc.ca
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
aafc.mediarelations-relationsmedias.aac@agr.gc.ca
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Web: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Makena Mahoney
Minister’s Office
Makena.Mahoney@Ontario.ca
Meaghan Evans
Communications Branch
OMAFRA.media@ontario.ca
519-826-3145
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