Last week it was announced that 365 projects aimed at assisting farmers, food processors, and essential Ontario agribusinesses received funding, with the the governments of Canada and Ontario investing up to $7.5 million
This initiative is designed to bolster biosecurity measures against pests and diseases, enhance operational resilience, and strengthen public trust in Ontario’s food supply system.
Through the Biosecurity Enhancement Initiative, this funding, alongside cost-shared investments from the sector, is projected to generate up to $31.5 million in total biosecurity enhancements for Ontario's agri-food sector.
“Maintaining and strengthening Ontario’s world-class food safety system is the number one priority for this ministry,” said Rob Flack, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “This initiative builds on our government’s consistent record of enhancing the resilience of Ontario’s food supply chains and boosting our standing as a globally trusted producer of agri-food commodities and goods.”
Eligible participants, including farmers, processors, and select agri-food support businesses, can receive cost-share funding ranging from 35 to 50 percent, depending on the project type.
Supported activities encompass implementing technologies to curb the spread of animal and plant diseases, as well as capital upgrades that enhance biosecurity, such as constructing isolation facilities and wash bays.
Examples of funded projects include up to $50,000 for a sheep farm in Clarington to construct a new barn for improved on-farm isolation and separation processes, and up to $29,353 for a berry farm in the Niagara Region to install a steam treatment system aimed at eliminating harmful pests and diseases.
This initiative is part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), a five-year, $3.5 billion investment from federal, provincial, and territorial governments focused on strengthening competitiveness, innovation, and resilience in Canada’s agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based product sectors.