The Canadian and Ontario governments have announced a substantial investment of up to $8 million through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP). This initiative aims to empower apple, tender fruit, and wine grape producers, allowing them to cultivate sought-after produce varieties, boost yield hardiness, and combat pests and diseases.
The Growing Future Opportunities Initiative, as part of Sustainable CAP, offers eligible producers the chance to access cost-shared funding, covering 75% of the expenses for new plant acquisitions. These new plants are expected to create fresh opportunities for their businesses, aligning product supply with consumer demand. For apple and tender fruit growers, the intake will open on November 20, 2023, with project completion slated for December 31, 2026. Meanwhile, the wine grape intake is scheduled for the winter of 2024.
Lawrence MacAulay, the federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, says this funding in keeping the sector competitive and ensuring Canadians have access to locally grown, healthy, and delectable fruit. Lisa Thompson, Ontario's Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, emphasized the initiative's role in supporting fruit growers as they produce grape, apple, and tender fruit varieties in high demand, both domestically and internationally.
Sustainable CAP, a five-year investment from 2023 to 2028, totaling $3.5 billion, is a collaborative effort by federal, provincial, and territorial governments to enhance the competitiveness and resilience of the agriculture and agri-food sector. This investment consists of $1 billion in federal programs and activities, alongside a $2.5 billion commitment, cost-shared at 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially, for programs developed and delivered by the provinces and territories.
This substantial investment will play a pivotal role in reinforcing the Canadian fruit farming sector, ensuring its growth, competitiveness, and sustainability.