By Felicia Massey
The Ontario government is investing $25 million over the next two years to increase the province's food processing capacity.
The Agri-Food Processing Fund Program, which was announced in the 2021 Fall Economic Statement, is said to increase the province's food processing capacity, strengthen food security and set the agri-food sector up for economic growth.
Many aging food processing plants are limited in their ability to expand, often becoming unable to compete with larger operations due to outdated equipment and inadequate operational space to add new production lines.
Agri-food businesses are eligible for up to $3 million in cost-share funding.
“By enabling more private-sector investments that increase local food production, we're ensuring Ontario has a safe and stable food supply made right here at home while driving economic growth and creating good local jobs,” said Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson.
The Processing Fund will launch on April 1, 2022.
