In Ontario, agri-food businesses have an excellent track record for producing safe, high-quality products. Food safety is critical for anyone operating a food-based business, therefore, performing routine training and other food safety programs is essential to success. On April 24, 2017 Mentor Works will participate in a workshop on Food Safety Program Optimization. Event attendees…
The Greenbelt Fund is an Ontario-based non-profit organization dedicated to the growth of food producers and processors. This mandate has led to the development of the Greenbelt Fund: Local Food Investment Fund, an Ontario government grant supporting projects that increase the amount of Ontario-grown or made foods consumed. Through the Greenbelt Fund’s Local Food Investment…
Food and beverage processing is Canada’s second largest manufacturing sector, accounting for 17% of the country’s annual manufacturing shipments. With more than 190 countries serving as export destinations for these products, Canadian firms are well positioned for international growth. With foreign demand continuing to increase, businesses should take advantage of new opportunities becoming available. Fortunately…
Northern Ontario’s agriculture industry is experiencing rapid growth thanks to affordable real estate and a warming climate. New opportunities are becoming available to start or expand agricultural operations in the north; this is providing businesses with reasons to be optimistic. Approximately 16 million acres of ideal farming land is ready for development in northern Ontario and…
The Growing Forward 2 Ontario: Organizations and Collaborations stream provides government grants to support the partnership of non-profit organizations, small businesses, and research/academic institutions who are enhancing the abilities, yields, and productivity of Ontario’s agriculture industry. Eligible applicants may receive up to 50-75% of expenses to a maximum $500,000 in Ontario government grants. The five-year…
The Government of Canada is investing in agricultural technologies that increase farming productivity. As recently announced by the Canadian federal government, up to $425,000 in repayable government funding has been committed through the Western Innovation Initiative (WINN). This funding will assist a British Columbian technology developer to create a system that will help farmers reduce…
As the December 13, 2016 intake deadline approaches for the Growing Forward 2 (GF2) Ontario Organizations and Collaborations Stream, many agricultural producers and processors may be considering the differing ways in which they can create a viable project. One of the best projects that we’ve seen successfully receive GF2 Organizations and Collaborations funding is the…
Canada’s second largest wheat and flour milling operation, Parrish and Heimbecker, Ltd., was recently awarded a federal funding investment of $10M to build a new grain processing plant in Hamilton, Ontario. Canadian government funding provided through Agriculture and Agri-food Canada (AAFC) will allow the company to increase its production capacity and market exports. Parrish and…
Among all of the crops produced by Canadian farmers, apples and greenhouse tomatoes generate some of the highest revenues. In 2015 alone, Canadian agriculture farmers earned over $230 million from apple sales and nearly $830 million from greenhouse tomatoes, each boasting strong domestic and international sales. However, pests and bacteria can pose a threat to…
Ontario’s agri-food industry continues to experience sustained growth and is an economic leader within the province. In 2015, farming and food processing employed approximately 1 in 9 Ontarians and contributed $36.4 billion in GDP to the province, representing nearly 6% of Ontario’s total GDP. In fact, food processing contributes 15% of the province’s total manufacturing…