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.
/100
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
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
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 (ON) by email at SustainableCAP1@ontario.ca or by phone at none.
Where is the Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative available?
The Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative program is available the province of Ontario.