$1.8M Million Boost for Guelph Agribusinesses and More to Come
Local agrifood businesses in Guelph, Ontario and surrounding areas are receiving a major financial boost from the federal government aimed at promoting the adoption of sustainable technologies. The announcement, made in Guelph on Friday morning, outlines how $1.8M will be distributed to support companies in the agrifood sector through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).
Among the recipients are Guelph-based organizations – Farm Health Guardian Ltd., and Minto’s Mapleview Agri Ltd. – each playing a pivotal role in the sector’s evolution toward cleaner and more sustainable practices.
Farm Health Guardian Ltd.: Protecting Animal Health and Food Security
Farm Health Guardian Ltd. is a key player in the Guelph agrifood landscape and has developed groundbreaking biosecurity and animal disease prevention software. Their system reduces the risk of disease outbreaks and protects the integrity of Canada’s food supply chain.
With a $350,000 investment from FedDev Ontario, the company is well-positioned to take its technology nationwide.
“This project will support faster commercialization of our patented digital biosecurity technology, which will improve animal health and protect farmers and food companies from the risks of animal disease,”
Rob Hannam, CEO of Farm Health Guardian Ltd.
Beyond disease prevention, the software is designed to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions, further aligning with the government’s push for sustainable agricultural solutions. Hannam called the investment a “huge benefit” to both the company and the larger agrifood industry.
Mapleview Agri Ltd.: Scaling Up Sustainable Production
Located in nearby Palmerston, Mapleview Agri Ltd. is a leading manufacturer of milk replacer products for calves, sheep, and goats. Their expansion into a new energy-efficient facility was made possible by a $1.5 million investment announced as part of the funding package.
“With the support from FedDev Ontario, we are implementing our expansion plans to increase manufacturing capacity, ensuring we meet the growing demand of high-quality milk replacer products for Canadian farmers,”
Aaron Keunen, Vice President of Mapleview Agri Ltd.
The new facility will include an integrated lab space and fully automated systems designed to increase production efficiency, enhance quality control, and reduce the company’s carbon footprint. This expansion will not only meet the growing demand for milk replacer products but also ensure Mapleview remains at the forefront of sustainable agrifood manufacturing.
How Can More Guelph Agribusinesses Access FedDev Funding?
Bioenterprise Canada, a not-for-profit organization committed to fostering innovation in agriculture, will receive close to $6 million from FedDev Ontario. This funding will be used to deliver the Sustainable Growth and Adoption Program, an initiative designed to support businesses in southern Ontario looking to accelerate their clean technology adoption.
“The aim is to help businesses and organizations accelerate development and support them to adopt and integrate new clean technologies, practices, and process enhancements into their operations,”
Dave Smardon, Bioenterprise Canada’s president and CEO.
This substantial investment is expected to help up to 45 businesses contribute to clean growth while bringing up to 40 new products, services, or processes to market. The projected impact is up to $20 million in sales, strengthening the region’s economy and global competitiveness.
This $8 million funding announcement represents more than just financial support—it signals a commitment to the long-term sustainability and prosperity of the agrifood sector in Guelph and southern Ontario.
“From farmers, to suppliers, to processors, they all play an important role in ensuring economic growth and rural development,” said Guelph MP Lloyd Longfield during the announcement. “They employ more people than the automotive industry here in Canada, and it’s that spirit of growth and importance in this sector that we are here today to celebrate in terms of Canada’s food supply.”
To access SGAP funding, contact us today.
Find Funding for Your Agri-Business
If your agribusiness is looking to adopt sustainable practices, expand operations, or integrate new technologies, accessing the right resources can be crucial to your success. We have a dedicated blog, Top Resources for Managing Your Agribusiness, that offers valuable insights to help you find the tools and funding programs you need to thrive.
For even more comprehensive information, you can download our free Business Funding Guide. This popular resource breaks down Canadian government funding opportunities and provides actionable advice on how to align your projects with government priorities, ensuring your business is well-positioned to receive support. Whether you’re looking to innovate, grow, or simply stay competitive, this guide is a must-have for any Canadian agribusiness.
