Did you know that Ontario’s agri-food industry contributes a staggering $48.8 billion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to the provincial economy, making up 6.4% of the total Ontario GDP?
Noting the potential to expand and increase efficiencies within the agricultural industry, the government recently invested another $6M in the Grow Ontario Market (GOM) stream. This boost brings the total funding for the initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership to an impressive $12 million.
The Grow Ontario Market Initiative started in 2023 to support primary producers, food processors, and industry organizations by providing cost-share funding for market analysis, planning, new product development, and marketing.
Nurturing Expansion: $12M Injection into Grow Ontario Market (GOM) Initiative
“I’m so pleased that we’ve been able to partner with the Government of Ontario to invest an additional $6 million for the Grow Ontario Market Initiative,”
Honorable Lawrence MacAulay, Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
This substantial increase in funding reflects a joint effort by the Canadian and Ontario governments to empower agri-food businesses in expanding their sales both domestically and internationally.
“Ensuring our farmers, producers, and agri-food businesses are able to reach new markets, at home and abroad, is vitally important, and our governments are here to support them.”
Honorable Lawrence MacAulay, Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Apart from the new funding into the Grow Ontario Market Initiative, the provincial government, led by Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Lisa Thompson, has been actively promoting Ontario’s agriculture and food products globally. A recent successful trade mission to Mexico showcased the province’s grain and bakery products to potential international buyers, emphasizing the quality and diversity of Ontario’s offerings.
“We are committed to our Grow Ontario Strategy goal of increasing agri-food trade by 8% each year, and we’re doing so by promoting the incredible quality and diversity of products made and processed right here in Ontario diversity of products made and processed right here in Ontario,”
Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs
Access Other Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Program (SCAP) Grants
The Sustainable CAP is a five-year initiative spanning from 2023 to 2028, boasting a substantial $3.5B investment. This collaborative effort involves contributions from federal, provincial, and territorial governments, aimed at fortifying the competitiveness, fostering innovation, and enhancing the resilience of the agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based products sector.
60% of this commitment comes from the federal government and 40% comes from the provinces and territories. We encourage interested candidates to check out other SCAP streams available across different provinces.
To explore how your agri-business can benefit from such opportunities, visit our Canadian Agri-Business Funding directory page. Get in touch with us today to determine your funding potential and get started on applications.