$22 million federal-provincial investment backs Ontario agri-food export growth
Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative expected to generate $134 million in total investment. Three projects already funded, with goal to boost exports 8% annually by 2032.
Sources · Ontario Newsroom
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Canada and Ontario are investing $22 million through the Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative, a program designed to help farmers and food processors expand and adapt. The investment is expected to generate up to $134 million in total when combined with cost-shared sector investments, part of the broader Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership—a five-year, $3.5 billion investment from federal, provincial, and territorial governments running through 2028.
The initiative supports Ontario's Grow Ontario Strategy, which aims to increase agri-food exports by 8% annually through 2032. Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald said the program helps build a stronger, more resilient agricultural sector. Ontario Agriculture Minister Sam Oosterhoff framed the investment as protecting agri-food jobs against tariff pressure, noting that the $22 million is unleashing over $110 million in private sector investment.
Three Ontario projects have already been selected for funding under the initiative's three funding streams. Martin's Family Farm in Waterloo will receive up to $499,000 to develop an innovative packaging line for apple sauce. Beck's Broth in Kitchener received up to $70,000 to launch new products and expand distribution nationally. Canada Royal Milk in Kingston will receive up to $310,000 for a pulse light system and shrink wrapper packaging system to diversify beyond Canadian retail markets.
What is the application deadline, or when will the next round of funding decisions be announced?
How many farms and food processors are expected to benefit from this initiative across Ontario?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
By the numbers
How much federal and provincial funding backs this agri-food initiative?
$22 million from Canada and Ontario supports the Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative, with an expected total investment of up to $134 million when combined with cost-shared sector investments.
What annual export growth target does Ontario's Grow Ontario Strategy aim for?
Ontario's Grow Ontario Strategy targets an 8% annual increase in agri-food exports through 2032.
Which three Ontario projects received funding under this initiative?
Martin's Family Farm in Waterloo received up to $499,000 for an apple sauce packaging line; Beck's Broth in Kitchener received up to $70,000 to launch new products and expand distribution nationally; and Canada Royal Milk in Kingston received up to $310,000 for pulse light and shrink wrapper packaging systems.
How much private sector investment has this program unleashed?
The $22 million investment has unleashed over $110 million in private sector investment, according to Ontario Agriculture Minister Sam Oosterhoff.
