SCAP: Ontario Dairy Processors Can Receive Up To $200K in Funding  

The Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative is available to processors of cow, goat, sheep, and water buffalo milk. Eligible applicants can receive up to $200,000 in cost-share support to upgrade their facilities. This program aims to assist dairy processors in adopting modern technologies to enhance production efficiency and maintain high food safety standards. 

The initiative covers expenses related to purchasing and installing new equipment, as well as any associated training costs. Part of the Supply Chain Assurance Program (SCAP), this supports the Ontario government’s objective to bolster the agricultural and food supply chain, fostering resilience and readiness for future disruptions. 

“Our government is committed to working with Ontario’s dairy processors, so they will be able to continue to supply the array of delicious, nutritious and safe products that consumers enjoy and trust.”

Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs .

Funding Snapshot: SCAP – Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative 

The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $8M dollars towards the Dairy Processing sector through the five-year long Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) program. By funding this sector, the government aims to create and increase processing efficiencies and enhance food safety within the province.  

Funding Amount

Eligible applicants can receive up to 50% of project costs to a maximum of $200K.  

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include Ontario dairy processors for cow, goat, sheep, or water buffalo milk. 

Eligible Activities  

Eligible projects include: 

• Incremental activities specifically required to create or increase processing efficiencies for Ontario facilities; or 
• Incremental activities specifically required to both create or increase processing efficiencies and improve food safety for Ontario facilities. 

Deadline to Apply  

• Applications are accepted beginning on April 2nd, on an on-going basis until funding is fully allocated. 
• Project costs must be incurred on or after April 1, 2024, but before February 15, 2026. 

Accessing Agricultural Funding and Grant Writing Support  

The Sustainable CAP (SCAP)  is a five-year long (2023-2028) commitment by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments in Canada. The $3.5B investment aims to promote competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency in the agri-food and agri-based products sector. There is $1 billion in federal programs and activities and $2.5 billion for programs designed and delivered by the provinces and territories, which are cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially.  

With the governments aiming to increase the production of food by 30% by 2032 and grow food exports by 8% per year, we can expect to see major changes in the agri-food industry in the coming years. We encourage interested applicants to browse through our SCAP funding page to find relevant initiatives that align with their projects. 

Additionally, eligible applicants can also look through our Canadian Farming, Food, and Beverage Funding Programs. Beyond SCAP, there are plenty of agri-food funding programs designed to help agri-businesses achieve their full funding potential. Applicants can get in touch with us to begin the grant writing process and determine their eligibility.  

Download our free “Agri-Food White Paper” resource to learn more information on agri-business trends, available funding, and how to prepare for deadlines.