Agri-Food Innovation: The Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative 

As the agri-food sector faces growing global challenges such as climate change, food security, and the need for sustainable practices, programs like the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative (OAFRI) play a crucial role in ensuring Canada remains a leader in agricultural research and innovation. 

OAFRI provides valuable funding to support the growth and competitiveness of Ontario’s agri-food sector. With a focus on technology, market opportunities, and addressing business challenges, OAFRI aims to stimulate research and innovation across various stages of development, from early-stage research to commercialization.  

Through the OAFRI program, eligible agriculture business applicants can access grants up to 100% of eligible costs to a maximum of $150K per project, depending on stream. 

Whether your business is involved in applied research, pilot demonstrations, or scaling new technologies, OAFRI offers a range of funding opportunities designed to propel the agri-food sector into the future. 

Funding Snapshot: Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative (OAFRI)  

The Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative (OAFRI) offers funding across four streams to support agri-food research and innovation in Ontario. Below is a summary of each stream, including funding amounts, eligible applicants, eligible projects, and application deadlines: 

Applied Research Stream 

• Funding Amount: Up to 100% of eligible costs, with a maximum of $150,000 per project. 

• Eligible Applicants: Universities, colleges, research organizations, industry organizations, businesses, municipal or Indigenous governments, and non-government organizations located in Ontario. 

• Eligible Projects: Scientific investigations aimed at generating new knowledge or experimental proof-of-concept in a laboratory or simulated environment (Technology Readiness Levels 1–5). 

• Application Deadline: January 13, 2025. 

Commercialization Stream 

• Funding Amount:  
  – Project Type A: Market Validation: Up to $30,000 per project. 
  – Project Type B: Product Development: Between $50,000 and $150,000 per project. 

• Eligible Applicants: Ontario-based research bodies, businesses, and organizations advancing technologies to Technology Readiness Levels 7–9. 

• Eligible Projects: Activities such as market research to determine the size and quality of market opportunities for new technologies, products, or services; creating prototypes; performing field trials; and optimizing minimum viable products. 

• Application Deadline: December 4, 2024. 

Knowledge Translation and Transfer (KTT) Stream 

• Funding Amount: Up to 100% of eligible costs, with a maximum of $50,000 per project. 

• Eligible Applicants: Similar to the Applied Research Stream. 

• Eligible Projects: Activities designed to drive the transformation of research knowledge into use faster, including synthesis, exchange, engagement, dissemination, dialogue, collaboration, and brokering between researchers and research users. 

• Application Deadline: January 13, 2025. 

Pilot and Demonstration Stream 

• Funding Amount: Up to 100% of eligible costs, with a maximum of $150,000 per project. 

• Eligible Applicants: Similar to the Applied Research Stream. 

• Eligible Projects: Development of models or prototypes of new technologies, aiming to complete Technology Readiness Level 6 (prototype development). 

• Application Deadline: January 13, 2025. 

For detailed guidelines and application procedures, please visit the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative page. 

Strengthening Canada’s Agri-Food Competitiveness 

Canada is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of agricultural products, and Ontario is a key player in this success. By providing targeted funding for applied research, prototype development, and commercialization, OAFRI directly supports the creation of new technologies, systems, and products that enhance the sector’s competitiveness on the global stage. 

This funding helps Canadian businesses address specific industry challenges, such as improving food safety, enhancing sustainable production systems, and creating innovative products that meet evolving consumer demands.  

By investing in programs like OAFRI, Canada ensures a resilient, prosperous future for its agri-food industry while addressing the global challenges of food production and sustainability.