Amount: up to 20% of Eligible Costs, to a maximum of $3 million per applicant

The Strategic Agri-Food Processing Fund Program helps enhance processing capacity in Ontario through investments in major expansions and modernization of food processing facilities.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible Processors must meet the criteria of the Project Category that they are applying to, and:

  • be and remain in compliance with all Requirements Of Law for the duration of the Project
  • have a valid and up-to-date Premises Identification (PID) Number for the business location where the project is to take place (if applicable)
  • provide a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number as part of the application process, if applicable
  • be capable of entering into a Contribution Agreement with the Province of Ontario and meeting their obligations under it
  • be registered to carry out business in Ontario
Eligible Businesses
  • Established Processor — a business that meets the definition of a processor and has three years or more of operations and three years of audited financial statements.
  • New Entrant— a business that meets the definition of a Processor, with less than three years of operations and are looking to start-up or have recently opened a New Premises in Ontario.
  • Spin-out — a newly established business formed from a subsidiary of an established business that meets the definition of a Processor, that does not yet have a New Premises in Ontario or is expanding an Existing Premises

Program Categories

New Production Capacity and Major Expansion of Existing Capacity

Project types:

  • Creation of New Production Capacity: through opening a New Premises in Ontario to create Net New Processing Capacity
  • Major Expansion of Existing Capacity: physically expanding or converting non-production space that creates Net New Processing Capacity within an Existing Premises in Ontario

*Funding will target building processing capacity in rural and northern Ontario.

Amount:

  • 20% of eligible costs, to a maximum provincial investment of $3 million per business.
  • Suggest minimum total project value is $5 million
  • Additional cost share incentive of 5% is available for eligible business with projects in Rural or Northern or an Applicant who is an Indigenous Person

Production Modernization

Modernization of an Existing Premises through the adoption of Advanced Automation or Manufacturing Technology within the footprint of an Existing Premises, that will result in increased processing capacity.

*Funding will target projects in rural and northern Ontario.

Amount:

  • 15% of eligible costs, to a maximum provincial investment of $500,000 per business.
  • Suggested minimum total project value is $2 million.
  • Additional cost share incentive of 5% is available for eligible business with projects in Rural or Northern or an Applicant who is an Indigenous Person

Deadline

Applicants must submit the Eligibility Checklist first. The Eligibility Checklist is to confirm the business and project appears to meet eligibility requirements. The Eligibility Checklist must be submitted by April 22, 2022 by 5:00 p.m. EDT. Late submissions will not be accepted.