The Federal And Provincial Government To Invest Up To $2.5 Million Into The Agri-Food Industry

Monday, 27 April 2020 07:30

The investment is aimed to help the agri-food industry expand online, giving more opportunities for producers to grow their business and provide more food choices to families shopping from home right now.

ONTARIO - The federal and provincial government are investing up to $2.5 million to help the agri-food sector expand online, which will provide more opportunities for producers to grow their business and offer more food choices for families who are shopping from home during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The funding is being provided through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

The Agri-Food Open for E-Business initiative will help food producers, farmers markets, retailers, garden centres, greenhouses, nurseries, and agricultural associations develop online business, providing consumers with better access to a wide variety of food and agriculture products.

The application intake will feature two funding streams:

- Bring Your Business Online. Eligible organizations and businesses can apply for a grant of up to $5,000 to establish an online e-business and marketing presence. Funding under this stream will be quick and responsive for those needing immediate solutions.

- Develop Online Business Opportunities. Eligible organizations, businesses and collaborations can apply for cost-share funding of up to $75,000 to implement high-impact projects.

Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau says the funds will offer support to businesses.

"Workers from across our food supply chain are providing essential services to our country and we appreciate their hard work and dedication to keep our agriculture and agri-food system strong during this challenging time. This investment will provide support as businesses quickly adapt to new and different ways of providing affordable and nutritious food to Canadians."

Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Ernie Hardeman says producers will be connected better with consumers.

"We're helping agri-food businesses adapt to the retail challenges of this unprecedented time. COVID-19 has changed the way we shop, and our investment today in e-business will go a long way to connecting the people who grow our food with the people who buy it, while allowing them to practice physical distancing."

Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction Prabmeet Sarkaria says adapting to digital technology will benefit small businesses.

"During this extraordinary period where it is essential to stay home and stop the spread, the adoption of digital technology is critical for Ontario's small businesses to connect with consumers. Our government is proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our vitally important agri-food businesses as they innovate, grow, and produce for Ontario."

Applications are being accepted immediately by The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and expedite the approval process to help businesses and organizations develop, expand and enhance their current online presence.

Since June 2018, both the federal and provincial governments have committed support to approximately 2,500 projects through the Partnership to help eligible farmers in Ontario, processors, businesses and sector organizations innovate and grow.