Governments Collaborate to Enhance Innovation in Food Production

The governments of Canada and Ontario are committing up to $22.6 million through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) to enhance production capacity and improve energy efficiency in the agriculture and food sector.

The Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative is backing 319 farming and agri-food businesses, enabling them to invest in cutting-edge technology, equipment, and processes that will either expand their production capabilities or increase operational efficiency. With government support and cost-shared investments from the sector, this initiative is expected to generate up to $61 million in production investment improvements across the industry.

“There’s a growing demand for the top-quality products being produced here in Ontario,” said the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “With support through the Sustainable CAP, this funding will provide farmers and the agri-food sector with the necessary tools to boost productivity, increase efficiency, and continue feeding the world.”

“Our government understands that fostering innovation in Ontario’s agriculture and food sector is crucial for reaching its full potential, while also ensuring our ability to meet the ambitious goals outlined in our Grow Ontario Strategy,” said Rob Flack, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “These investments will help both established and emerging businesses optimize their operations and support growth in our agriculture and food sector.”

Examples of investments under this initiative include:

• Up to $49,000 for Roelofsen Nursery in Norwich to acquire 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, which concentrates sap, reduces boiling time and energy consumption, and enhances syrup quality.
• Up to $100,000 for Solmaz Foods in Etobicoke to invest in refrigeration and freezer systems to boost energy efficiency and capacity.

These investments align with the Grow Ontario Strategy’s goals of increasing the production and consumption of food grown and prepared in Ontario by 30 percent by 2032 and boosting the economic impact of Ontario’s food and beverage manufacturing sector by 10 percent.

The Sustainable CAP is a five-year, $3.5 billion investment by federal, provincial, and territorial governments aimed at strengthening the competitiveness, innovation, and resilience 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, with 60 percent federally funded and 40 percent provided by provincial/territorial governments for programs designed and delivered by the provinces and territories.