Canada and Ontario investing $4.77 million in agri-food research

From: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

News release

Provincial and federal investments will protect Ontario farmers in the face of U.S. tariffs

September 8, 2025 – Toronto, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $4.77 million in 48 research and innovation projects and supporting 20 companies through the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative (OAFRI). This funding through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) will protect Ontario by helping farmers and agribusinesses grow their businesses by adopting new technologies and advancing commercialization to remain competitive in the face of economic uncertainty from U.S. tariffs.

OAFRI provides funding for 5 research, innovation and commercialization streams. Examples of research projects funded include:

  • Piloting new growing strategies to boost grape quality, yields and food safety for Ontario-grown table grapes.
  • Using natural compounds from probiotics to reduce harmful bacteria like Salmonella developing in raw poultry.
  • Enhancing a robotic platform to apply key crop nutrients more precisely in fields.
  • Developing a non-invasive tool using imaging and Artificial Intelligence to detect mastitis early in dairy cattle, improving milk quality and animal welfare.

In addition, 20 new companies have joined the Grow Ontario Accelerator Hub, helping Ontario-based agri-food and agri-tech companies grow and bring their innovations to market through business and investment strategies.

These investments build on the Grow Ontario Strategy to strengthen the agri-food sector by increasing agri-food innovation and adoption through close collaboration with agri-businesses, research organizations, and industry partners.

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.

Quotes

“It takes innovation to build a successful agri-food sector in Ontario and across the country. By investing in companies that bring forward bold ideas and practical solutions, we’re helping the sector seize new opportunities and stay competitive and resilient.”

- The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“We want to ensure Ontario’s farmers and agribusinesses have access to the latest technology and innovative solutions to grow and strengthen their businesses. Through OAFRI, we are helping them prepare for the future, take advantage of new opportunities and stay competitive and resilient in the face of economic uncertainty.”

- Trevor Jones, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness

Quick facts

  • This investment is being made through the Sustainable CAP to support a productive, resilient and strong agri-food sector.

  • The Grow Ontario Accelerator Hub, delivered by Bioenterprise Canada Corporation, is fully subscribed for 2025-26 but an additional intake is anticipated for the following year. 

  • The next commercialization stream intake will open on September 4, 2025

  • The Grow Ontario Strategy is the government’s plan to enhance Ontario’s food supply chain and address vulnerabilities through research and the adoption of innovative technologies and practices that enhance competitiveness. 

Associated links

Contacts

For media:

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
Follow us on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn
Web: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Spencer Fair
Minister’s Office
Spencer.Fair@ontario.ca

Connie Osborne
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness
OMAFRA.media@ontario.ca

Page details

Date modified: