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Food Manufacturing Grants in Ontario for 2026

Ontario offers a diverse portfolio of government grants, incentives, and cost-share programs tailored to food and beverage manufacturers. From equipment modernization and packaging automation to food safety, traceability, workforce training, and clean technology, support exists for projects of all sizes. This directory explains program types, eligibility, application steps, and regional opportunities across Ontario to help organizations plan funding strategically.

41 programs
  • Foodpreneur Advantage logo
    Expert AdviceOpen

    The Foodpreneur Scale-Up Program

    Foodpreneur Advantage
    Hybrid program for food and beverage businesses
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    Ontario, Canada
  • Township of Huron-Kinloss logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Agri-Food Innovation

    Township of Huron-Kinloss
    Funding for innovative agri-food business improvements
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 5,000 $ · Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing, Retail trade, Arts, entertainment and recreation
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationConstruction and Renovation InnovationDigital Transformation
    Ontario, Canada
  • Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Agri-Food Supply Chain Resiliency Analysis Stream

    Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC)
    Support for agri-food sector market and supply chain challenges
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 50,000 $ · Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    Construction and Renovation Innovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Sole proprietorship, Public or Parapublic institution, For-profit business
    Ontario, Canada
  • Municipality of Brockton logo
    Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsOpen

    Brockton Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Financial Incentive Programs

    Municipality of Brockton
    Funding for Brockton property improvement projects
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 7,500 $ · Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Construction, Manufacturing, Retail trade
    Types of eligible projects
    Environment and ClimateConstruction and Renovation
    Ontario, Canada
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  • Town of Georgina logo
    Other SupportGrant and FundingOpen

    Development Charges Incentive Program

    Town of Georgina
    Development charge deferrals for qualifying projects
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 100 $ · Up to 100% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Retail trade
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    Timeline
    Open Date : January 1, 2026
    Georgina, Ontario, Canada
  • Ontario Ministry of Finance logo
    Other SupportOpen

    Gasoline used in unlicensed business equipment

    Ontario Ministry of Finance, Government of Ontario
    Ontario gasoline tax refund for unlicensed equipment
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Construction, Manufacturing, Transportation and warehousing
    Types of eligible projects
    Construction and Renovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Sole proprietorship, Public or Parapublic institution, Non-financial cooperative, Social economy enterprise, For-profit business
    Ontario, Canada
  • City of Thunder Bay logo
    Grant and FundingTax CreditsOpen

    Growth Community Improvement Plan

    City of Thunder Bay, Clean, Green & Beautiful Committee
    Funding for Thunder Bay growth projects
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 500,000 $ · Up to 100% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Construction, Manufacturing, Wholesale trade, Retail trade
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationConstruction and Renovation InnovationDigital Transformation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    North Bay, Thunder Bay, Ontario

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  • Gordon Food Service logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Local Food Investment Fund

    Gordon Food Service
    Supports Ontario local food and agriculture projects
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing, Wholesale trade, Retail trade
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationInnovation
    Ontario, Canada
  • Township of Scugog logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Port Perry Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Incentive Programs

    Township of Scugog
    Financial support for targeted redevelopment projects
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 15,000 $ · Up to 75% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Wholesale trade, Transportation and warehousing, Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    Environment and ClimateConstruction and Renovation Innovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    Port Perry, Ontario, Canada
  • Township of Scugog logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Port Perry Employment Area Community Improvement Plan

    Township of Scugog
    Funding for Port Perry employment development
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 15,000 $ · Up to 100% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Wholesale trade, Transportation and warehousing, Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    Construction and Renovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    Port Perry, Ontario, Canada
  • Save on Energy (SOE) logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Save on Energy – Energy Manager Program

    Save on Energy (SOE)
    Funding for a full-time Energy Manager
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 100,000 $ · Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction, Utilities, Construction
    Types of eligible projects
    Environment and ClimateHuman Resources
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution
    Ontario, Canada
  • Save on Energy (SOE) logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Save on Energy Training Incentives

    Save on Energy (SOE)
    Funding for energy management training
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 2,500 $ · Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Utilities, Construction, Manufacturing, Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    Environment and Climate
    Ontario, Canada
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  • City of Toronto logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Toronto — Capacity Buyback Program

    City of Toronto
    Rewards businesses for implementing permanent water-saving measures
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Wholesale trade, Retail trade, Educational services
    Types of eligible projects
    Environment and Climate
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Sole proprietorship, Public or Parapublic institution, For-profit business
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • Township of Laurentian Valley (LV) logo
    Grant and FundingTax CreditsOpen

    Township of Laurentian Valley Community Improvement Plan – Financial Incentive Grant Programs

    Township of Laurentian Valley (LV)
    Funding for eligible property improvements in Laurentian Valley
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 10,000 $ · Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Retail trade, Arts, entertainment and recreation, Accommodation and food services
    Types of eligible projects
    Construction and Renovation
    Ontario, Quebec, Canada
  • Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Food Safety and Growth Initiative

    Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP), Government of Ontario
    Enhance food safety systems, adopt new technologies, and drive sector growth
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 75,000 $ · Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing, Wholesale trade, Transportation and warehousing
    Types of eligible projects
    TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateHuman ResourcesInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    Ontario, Canada

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  • Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) logo
    Other SupportPartnering and CollaborationExpert AdviceClosed

    CFIN — Unpuzzling: Foodtech Ontario

    Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN)
    Mentorship program accelerating early-stage foodtech companies in Ontario
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Wholesale trade, Retail trade, Transportation and warehousing
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovationDigital Transformation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    Ontario, Canada
  • Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (ON) logo
    Loans and Capital investmentsClosed

    Advanced Manufacturing Investment Strategy (AMIS)

    Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (ON)
    Supports Ontario manufacturers investing in advanced technology and innovation
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 10,000,000 $ · Up to 30% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateHuman ResourcesInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    Ontario, Canada
  • Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 2 – Agri-Tech Innovation

    Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC)
    Supports agri-food innovation and efficiency
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 100,000 $ · Up to 35% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateConstruction and Renovation InnovationDigital Transformation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    Ontario, Canada
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  • Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative (ATII)

    Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC)
    Supports agri-food innovation and energy efficiency
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 100,000 $ · Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateConstruction and Renovation Digital Transformation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    Ontario, Canada
  • Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFRA) logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Agricultural Workforce Equity and Diversity Initiative

    Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFRA)
    Support for inclusive agri-food business growth
    Eligible Funding
    From $25,000 to $100,000 · Up to 85% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing, Educational services, Public administration
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyEnvironment and ClimateConstruction and Renovation Human ResourcesInnovationDigital Transformation
    Ontario, Canada
  • ventureLAB logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund — Small Businesses or Entrepreneurs Developing Agri-tech and Cleantech Solutions

    ventureLAB
    Funding for Agri-tech and cleantech innovators
    Eligible Funding
    From $10,000 to $10,000
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing, Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    Artificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    Ontario, Canada
  • Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Evaluation of the Dairy Farm Investment Program and the Dairy Processing Investment Fund

    Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC)
    Support for Canadian dairy sector investments
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 10,000,000 $ · Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyConstruction and Renovation Innovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    Ontario, Quebec, Canada

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  • Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Food Security and Supply Chain Fund

    Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC)
    Funding for Ontario agri-food supply chain resilience
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 150,000 $ · Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    Construction and Renovation Human ResourcesDigital Transformation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, For-profit business
    Ontario, Canada
  • Government of Ontario logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Labour Force Management Strategies Initiative (LFMSI)

    Government of Ontario, Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP)
    Funding for agri-food labour force solutions
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 40,000 $ · Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    Human Resources
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Sole proprietorship, Public or Parapublic institution, For-profit business
    Ontario, Canada
  • Government of Ontario logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative

    Government of Ontario
    Support for market diversification and trade resilience
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    Commercialization
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    Ontario, Canada
  • Government of Ontario logo
    Researchers And FacilitiesPartnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingClosed

    Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative – Pilot and Demonstration Stream (2024)

    Government of Ontario
    Supports Ontario agri-food pilot projects
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 150,000 $ · Up to 100% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationArtificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovation
    Ontario, Canada
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  • Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Ontario Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative

    Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP), Government of Ontario, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFRA)
    Funding for dairy processing equipment upgrades
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 200,000 $ · Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    TechnologyConstruction and Renovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    Ontario, Canada
  • Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev) logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Sustainable Growth and Adoption Program (SGAP)

    Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev), Bioenterprise Canada
    Supports clean technology adoption and operational sustainability improvements
    Eligible Funding
    From $40,000 to $100,000 · Up to 60% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Non-profit
    Ontario, Canada
  • Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Sustainable New Agri-Food Products & Productivity Program — Clean Tech in Agri-Food

    Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor), Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN)
    Funding for agri-food innovation in northern Ontario
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 25,000 $ · Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Sole proprietorship
    Ontario, Canada
  • Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN) logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Sustainable New Agri-Food Products & Productivity Program — New Products

    Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN)
    Funding for innovative northern Ontario agri-food projects
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 15,000 $ · Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyEnvironment and Climate
    Legal Structure
    Non-financial cooperative, For-profit business, Sole proprietorship
    Ontario, Canada

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  • Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN) logo
    Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingClosed

    Sustainable New Agri-Food Products & Productivity Program — Productivity Enhancement

    Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN)
    Funding for agri-food innovation and productivity
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 25,000 $ · Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyEnvironment and Climate
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Sole proprietorship, Public or Parapublic institution, For-profit business
    Ontario, Canada

Frequently asked questions about food manufacturing grants in Ontario

Below are concise answers to common questions about Ontario food processor grants, funding programs, eligibility, timelines, and application best practices.

What are the best grants for food processors in Ontario in 2026?

The most effective programs match your project scope: equipment and automation for line upgrades, HACCP/food safety certification, energy efficiency, cold storage, export development, and training grants. Regional development funds complement cost-share agri-food programs. Consider stacking with energy incentives and tax credits within program limits.

Who is eligible for Ontario food manufacturing grants?

Typically, for-profit manufacturers incorporated in Ontario with projects that improve productivity, compliance, sustainability, or job creation are eligible. Many programs serve SMEs and larger plants, with specific NAICS codes and regional criteria. Always verify intake guides for minimum project size, eligible costs, and timelines.

What costs can Ontario grants cover for food processors?

Eligible costs often include capital equipment, installation and commissioning, software (ERP/MES, traceability), certification and audit fees, training, and professional services. Energy incentives may support refrigeration, compressed air, and process optimization. Export grants can fund market research, trade shows, and packaging compliance.

How do I apply for food processing grants in Ontario?

Define outcomes, collect vendor quotes, and create a detailed timeline. Prepare financial statements, incorporation documents, compliance letters, and training/export plans. Submit before intake deadlines and respond quickly to clarification requests. Keep records for claims and reporting.

Can small food businesses access microgrants in Ontario?

Yes. Several intakes reserve streams for SMEs, including small food business grants and rural food processor funding. Microgrants can support packaging equipment, HACCP implementation, traceability software, and training tied to new processes.

Are HACCP and GFSI certification costs eligible for funding?

Many programs recognize HACCP, SQF, and BRCGS as eligible, including audits, gap assessments, consultant support, and related equipment or facility upgrades. Documentation and clear links to compliance outcomes strengthen applications.

What funding exists for energy efficiency and refrigeration upgrades?

Food plants can pursue energy audits, refrigeration upgrades, variable-speed drives, heat recovery, compressed air optimization, and heat pumps for cold storage. Clean technology and greenhouse gas reduction grants may complement utility incentives.

Can grants fund ERP/MES and traceability systems?

Yes. Traceability software grants, barcode/RFID implementation, and ERP/MES modules are often eligible when tied to productivity, quality, or recall readiness outcomes. Ensure cyber safeguards if applying for digitalization funding.

How do export grants support Ontario food manufacturers?

Export readiness funding can support market research, branding and packaging design, trade show travel and booths, and packaging compliance for target countries. Strong export plans, clear budgets, and measurable outcomes improve competitiveness.

Can I combine grants with SR&ED and energy rebates?

Often yes, within program stacking rules. Many processors blend non-repayable grants for equipment with SR&ED credits for process R&D and utility incentives for refrigeration or compressed air. Confirm caps, timing, and documentation before starting.

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