
Agri-Food Supply Chain Resiliency Analysis Stream
Last Update: July 22, 2025
ON, Canada
Support for agri-food sector market and supply chain challenges
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $50,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Closed
Overview
Receive up to $50,000 per project to cover up to 50% of the eligible project costs to identify and address market and supply chain challenges driven or worsened by COVID-19.
Financing terms and conditions
The Agri-Food Supply Chain Resiliency Analysis Stream provides financial assistance to enhance the stability and adaptability of the agri-food sector in Ontario. This funding is aimed at identifying vulnerabilities and improving supply chain resilience.
- Cost-share funding assistance is available up to 50% of eligible costs, with a maximum of $50,000 per project.
- Funding may be provided at the requested amount, percentage, or at a reduced level based on merit assessment and availability.
- Funding supports projects such as supply chain audits, risk management plans, and market research to enhance product diversification and reduce reliance on vulnerable supply chains.
Activities funded
The Agri-Food Supply Chain Resiliency Analysis Stream offers funding for projects that identify and address weaknesses within the agri-food supply chain. The aim is to enhance stability and develop action plans to mitigate potential risks, thereby strengthening the overall supply chain.
- Conducting supply chain stability audits to identify and mitigate risks.
- Developing risk management or mitigation plans with actionable steps.
- Creating supplier risk management plans to facilitate rapid pivoting to substitutes.
- Performing analysis or feasibility studies to address vulnerabilities in critical products or inputs.
- Designing business continuity and resilience plans.
- Conducting market research for introducing new products to diversify offerings and reduce reliance on vulnerable supply chains.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 22,500
Purchase packaging equipment for a small-scale artisan food business to increase product shelf life
$ 50,000
Implement technology for increased capacity in a community-owned food cooperative
$ 47,500
Procure livestock intake and storage equipment for a growing agricultural enterprise
$ 15,000
Develop a business continuity plan for a local bakery to manage supply chain disruptions
$ 50,000
Upgrade refrigeration and freezing utilities for a dairy cooperative to enhance storage capacity
$ 25,000
Conduct a supply chain stability audit and develop mitigation plans for an agri-food processing company
Eligibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.
- The applicant must be an Ontario Agri-Food Organization or an Ontario Agri-Food Business.
- For Agri-Food Supply Chain Resiliency Analysis Stream: Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations representing Ontario agri-food businesses.
- For Agri-Food Supply Chain Infrastructure Investment Stream: Eligible applicants include Ontario agri-food businesses such as farms and food processing businesses.
- Farms must gross $7,000 or more annually and have a farm business registration number.
- Applicants must be involved in the production of processed food for human consumption and be located in Ontario.
- The applicant must be able to enter into a funding agreement with the Agricultural Adaptation Council.
- The applicant must be an established entity demonstrating financial ability to cashflow project costs.
- Applicants must provide a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number.
- Collaborations with other Ontario agri-food businesses or organizations are encouraged.
- Each applicant is limited to one application under the program, covering one stream only.
Who is eligible?
Eligible applicants for the Agri-Food Supply Chain Resiliency Analysis Stream include various entities within the Ontario agri-food sector, aiming to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in the supply chain.
- Ontario Agri-Food Organizations that are not-for-profit, representing Ontario agri-food businesses.
- Ontario Agri-Food Businesses such as:
- Farms supplying products to Ontario food processing businesses.
- Farms engaged in both production and on-site agri-food processing activities.
- Food Processing Businesses sourcing significant agricultural inputs from Ontario.
- Collaborations with other Ontario agri-food businesses or organizations within the supply chain are encouraged.
Who is not eligible
This funding opportunity has specific restrictions, excluding certain types of companies and industries based on their main activities and structural status. These limitations are designed to focus resources on strategic areas of the agri-food sector that directly align with the program's aims.
- Companies involved in the production and/or processing of hemp, cannabis, and CBD products.
- Businesses related to nursery and floriculture.
- Equine industry enterprises.
- Companies focusing on fiber and non-food items derived from animals.
- Businesses mainly producing beauty and cosmetic products.
- Nutraceuticals-related organizations.
- Standalone aggregators, distributors, or retailers of Ontario agri-food products, including restaurants and retail storefronts.
Eligible expenses
Eligible expenses for the Agri-Food Supply Chain Resiliency Analysis Stream include costs directly necessary for carrying out the project.
- Cost of third-party service providers for consulting and technical assistance.
- Market research and feasibility studies.
- Communications, translation, or other services for the project.
Eligible expenses for the Agri-Food Supply Chain Infrastructure Investment Stream focus on enhancing production capacity and addressing supply chain challenges.
- Capital improvements for expansion and modifications to facilities.
- Upgrades to utilities such as water, electric, heat, refrigeration, and waste facilities.
- Purchase of livestock intake and storage equipment.
- Procurement of growing, processing, manufacturing, and storage equipment.
- Purchase of packaging and handling equipment such as sealing, bagging, boxing, and labeling equipment.
- Additional warehouse equipment including storage and drying/curing racks.
- Purchase of waste treatment/management equipment.
- Technology investments that increase capacity or enhance business resilience.
- Consulting and technical assistance for engineering, construction, and project implementation planning.
- Leasehold improvements to rented buildings or facilities.
- Cost of goods including supplies and shipping costs.
- Equipment leases and rentals, including principal costs, subject to eligibility assessment.
- Costs to commission new equipment or modify/relocate existing equipment.
- Other direct, incremental and necessary project costs as determined by AAC.
Eligible geographic areas
This program is specifically aimed at businesses and organizations operating within Ontario. All applicants must be located in Ontario, emphasizing alignment with the province's strategic goals.
- Businesses located in Ontario, Canada.
- Organizations operating within Ontario's agri-food sector.
Selection criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the Agri-Food Supply Chain Resiliency Analysis Stream are conducted based on specific merit assessment criteria to align projects with the stream's objectives.
- Demonstrated need and rationale for the project.
- Direct relationship between use of project funds and alignment with proposed outcomes.
- Impact on strengthening the applicant’s resiliency.
- Extent to which the project will strengthen the applicant’s supply chain and result in broad and positive impact across other Ontario agri-food businesses and building resilience across the Ontario agri-food supply chain.
- Extent to which the proposed outcomes result in more local foods being available to Ontarians.
- Extent to which the proposed outcomes will result in a strengthened and robust food supply for Ontarians to mitigate against the risk of further outbreaks of COVID-19 or other disruptions.
How to apply
1
Obtain Application Form
Visit the Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) website when the intake opens to access the application form and work plan/budget template.
2
Complete Application
- Fill out the application form with all the required information.
- Prepare a detailed work plan and budget as well as all supporting documentation.
3
Compile Supporting Documents
- Ensure all necessary documents, including quotes and invoices, are ready to be submitted.
- Include any additional information needed to support your application.
4
Submit Application
- Submit the complete application package via email to info@adaptcouncil.org.
- Attach all documents and ensure the email is sent before the deadline.
5
Confirmation of Submission
- Wait for an acknowledgement email from AAC within two business days.
- If no acknowledgement is received, contact AAC at info@adaptcouncil.org or call 1-800-769-3272.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The Program is a part of Ontario's Grow Ontario Strategy aimed at strengthening food security.
- The funding is administered by the Agricultural Adaptation Council on behalf of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
- The Program includes a significant focus on mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the agri-food sector.
- The Program encompasses two distinct streams: the Agri-Food Supply Chain Resiliency Analysis Stream and the Agri-Food Supply Chain Infrastructure Investment Stream designed to address different aspects of supply chain improvement.
- Insurance requirements stipulate comprehensive general liability insurance coverage for project participants.
- Successful projects must complete activities and incur costs by a specific deadline, March 31, 2024.
Contacts
info@adaptcouncil.org
1-800-769-3272
Frequently Asked Questions about the Agri-Food Supply Chain Resiliency Analysis Stream Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Agri-Food Supply Chain Resiliency Analysis Stream. 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 Supply Chain Resiliency Analysis Stream?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Agri-Food Supply Chain Resiliency Analysis Stream a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Agri-Food Supply Chain Resiliency Analysis Stream?
Who is eligible for the Agri-Food Supply Chain Resiliency Analysis Stream program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Agri-Food Supply Chain Resiliency Analysis Stream?
Where is the Agri-Food Supply Chain Resiliency Analysis Stream available?

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