Investments in everything from electric sprayer for its field nursery crops to reverse osmosis equipment
Ontario and Canada have jointly invested up to $22.6 million to support businesses in adopting innovative technologies and practices. The investments are to enhance the efficiency and capacity of the province's agriculture and food sector.
This investment, made through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
The Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative has allocated funds to 319 farming and agri-food enterprises.
These businesses are using the support to invest in equipment, processes, or technologies that can boost production or reduce energy consumption.
The combined investment from the government and the private sector is expected to generate up to $61 million in improvements to the industry.
Examples of funded projects include:
- $49,000, Roelofsen Nursery in Norwich purchased an electric sprayer for its field nursery crops.
- $45,000, Byler Enterprises Ltd. in Algoma District installed reverse osmosis equipment to concentrate maple syrup sap, reducing boiling time and energy consumption.
- $100,000, Solmaz Foods in Etobicoke invested in refrigeration and freezer equipment to improve energy efficiency and capacity.
This investment aligns with the Grow Ontario Strategy, which aims to increase food production and consumption in the province by 30% by 2032 and boost the economic impact of the food and beverage manufacturing sector by 10%.
Peggy Brekveld, Board Chair of the Agricultural Adaptation Council, "The Agricultural Adaptation Council is pleased to be delivering the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative on behalf of the governments of Canada and Ontario. This strategic, timely investment in innovation, advanced manufacturing and energy efficiency for Ontario agri-food businesses will boost growth and productivity, allowing our sector to meet the growing demand for Ontario food products."
Cyril Ryan, Senior Vice President of Redpath Sugar Ltd., "We are proud of our 65-year heritage in Toronto as a crucial food maker in Canada's agricultural supply chain. We welcome the ATII program's investment in our efficiency and productivity, as it will help enable our continued long-term competitiveness."
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