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.
“Through this $8 million shared investment under Sustainable CAP, processors will be able to access the technology they need to continue to grow and improve their efficiency.”
Honorable Lawrence MacAulay, Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
The Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative
The Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative is open to cow, goat, sheep, and water buffalo milk processors. Eligible applicants can receive up to $200,000 in cost-share support. The program is designed to help dairy processors upgrade to modern technologies that increase production efficiency and ensure a high standard of food safety.
This initiative aims to cover the purchase and installation fees of new equipment and any training costs that might follow. As a part of SCAP, the Ontario government started this initiative to meet the broader goals of strengthening the agriculture and food supply chain while also building resiliency and preparedness for any 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
The intake period opens on April 2, 2024, and will remain open until funding is fully allocated.
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.