Governments announce available funding to enhance Ontario’s agri-food sector
News release
Financial assistance opportunities remain open for on-farm sustainability, labour attraction and other projects
November 27, 2024 – Toronto, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
The governments of Canada and Ontario are still accepting applications for 3 initiatives designed to enhance the province’s $50.7 billion agri-food sector through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
The following 3 initiatives support greater workforce diversity and supply and on-farm sustainability improvements:
- Agricultural Workforce Equity and Diversity Initiative (deadline is December 3, 2024)
- Labour Force Management Strategies Initiative
- Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program.
More information on initiative details, delivery partners, and application requirements is available on the Sustainable CAP web page and can be obtained by contacting the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300, or ag.info.omafa@ontario.ca.
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 no doubt that the programs under our Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership agreement are making a real difference in the lives of our hardworking producers and processors right across Ontario. By helping them address the challenges they face, we’re making the sector more sustainable and competitive for generations to come."
- The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
“By 2028, $569 million in Sustainable CAP funding in a broad suite of initiatives will have flowed to Ontario’s rapidly growing agri-food sector, with over 1,500 Ontario agribusinesses already having benefitted from these dollars. We strongly encourage Ontario agri-food stakeholders to apply to these programs and to seize the opportunities they offer for long-term growth and competitiveness.”
- Rob Flack, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness
Quick facts
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Ontario’s agri-food sector employs over 871,000 people, which represents 1 in 9 of all jobs in the province. It contributed almost $51 billion to the province’s economy in 2023, and generated exports of $26.2 billion, up 65% since 2018.
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The Grow Ontario Strategy is a plan to enhance Ontario’s food supply chain and address vulnerabilities, with research and adoption of innovative new 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
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