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Local agri-food industry receives boost from government funding

December 5, 2024   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

Ontario is partnering with the federal government to support local agri-food businesses through the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative which aims to enhance operational efficiencies and productivity.

Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey, announced that over $627,000 in funding has been set aside for the riding.

Some of the local recipients include Patton Poultry Breeders in Everett, Glenn Whiteside Farms in Alliston, Ardiel Acres Ltd. from Clarksburg, Double J. Poultry in Everett, and Somerville Nurseries in Everett.

“By funding and supporting innovation in the important agriculture sector in our riding, we are driving economic growth in the region,” said MPP Saunderson. “I look forward to the positive ripple effects this will have throughout our local communities.”

The Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative will support 319 farming and agri-businesses across the province through an investment of up to $22.6 million. Funding will be used to help them invest in innovative technology, equipment or processes that will increase their resiliency, productivity and efficiency.

“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,” said Rob Flack, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “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 Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative was developed following discussions with Ontario’s farming and agribusiness industry. It is part of a series of initiatives the government has implemented to support these businesses and is funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. 

Under the program, applicants could receive up to 50 per cent of their eligible project costs for investments of up to $100,000.

For projects requiring a larger investment, applicants could receive up to 35 per cent of their eligible project costs for up to $100,000 funding.

For projects that improve energy efficiency at eligible businesses, cost share percentage and maximum funding available per business was up to 35 per cent cost-share up to $100,000.

Approved projects are to be completed by the end of 2027. 

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