Closed
Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative
Energy efficiency funding for agri-food processors
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 300,000
Timeline
- Open Date : April 27, 2023
- Closing date : June 5, 2023
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
This initiative offered up to $300,000 per project to help agri-food processors improve energy efficiency. It supported equipment, technology, and facility upgrades that lower operating costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Increase operational productivity
- Optimize production processes
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 300,000 $
- Up to 20% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : April 27, 2023
- Closing date : June 5, 2023
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Purchase or modification of energy-efficient equipment and technology
- Purchase or modification of water-use equipment and technology that improves energy efficiency
- Installation of energy monitoring controls and related technology
- Building envelope energy-efficiency improvements
Documents Needed
- Ministry-approved application form
- Quotes for eligible project costs
- CRA business number or Social Insurance Number
- Valid Premises ID number
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Agri-food processors
- Food and beverage processors
- Bio-processing companies
- Packing houses
- Pet food and fertilizer manufacturers
Who is not eligible
- Commissaries
- Brewpubs
- Brand owners
Eligible expenses
- Purchase and installation of new energy-efficient equipment, parts, components, or technology
- Purchase and installation of used or refurbished energy-efficient equipment from the original equipment manufacturer
- Purchase, installation, or modification of water-use equipment and technology that improves energy efficiency
- Building energy-efficiency improvements, including lighting, ventilation, heating, and refrigeration
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Application costs
- Costs incurred before approval or after March 31, 2025
- Ordinary operating expenses
- Leased equipment, vehicles, and farm or construction machinery
- Travel, meals, hotel costs, and in-kind costs
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
- Rural communities in Ontario
Processing and Agreement
- Applications were reviewed for completeness and eligibility
- Eligible applications were assessed against project need, energy-efficiency impact, capacity to implement, and lower operating costs
- Successful applicants received an approval letter by email
- Claims were reviewed before reimbursement was issued
- Additional information could be requested before claim approval
Additional information
- The program is funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
- It is administered by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
- Applications were accepted only once per applicant.
- The intake period is closed.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative Program
What is the Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative?
This initiative offered up to $300,000 per project to help agri-food processors improve energy efficiency. It supported equipment, technology, and facility upgrades that lower operating costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
How much funding can be received?
Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative Funds up to 20% of admissible expenses, capped at $300,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was June 5, 2023.
Who is eligible for the Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative program?
To be eligible for the Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative program, you must:
Agri-food processor
Valid Premises ID number
Complete ministry form
What expenses are eligible under Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative?
Purchase or modification of energy-efficient equipment and technology
Purchase or modification of water-use equipment and technology that improves energy efficiency
Installation of energy monitoring controls and related technology
Building envelope energy-efficiency improvements
Who can I contact for more information about the Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative?
You can contact Government of Ontario by email at SustainableCAP1@ontario.ca.
Where is the Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative available?
The Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative program is available the province of Ontario.