Ontario Food Exports — Services for Exporters
Last Update: July 22, 2025
ON, Canada
Food and beverage industry export help in Ontario
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open Date : November 14, 2019
Financing Type
Expert Advice
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale trade
Funds Providers
Program status
Open
Overview
Develop sales strategies and discuss export opportunities with expert consultants in specific food and beverage sectors, including primary agriculture and processed goods.
Activities funded
- Expanding sales of Ontario food and beverage products into international markets.
- Participating in trade missions and business-to-business programs with international buyers.
- Showcasing Ontario products at international trade shows.
- Attending practical seminars and webinars focused on export-readiness and international markets.
- Engaging in activities to identify and connect with new export markets and business opportunities.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 7,000
Participate in a trade show in Italy to introduce Canadian honey products to the European market
$ 8,500
Send a delegation to Japan to explore markets for Canadian wheat products
$ 6,000
Host a seminar in New York City for potential buyers of Canadian blueberry products
$ 4,700
Attend a food trade show in Chicago to explore export opportunities for organic maple syrup
$ 5,500
Participate in an international seminar in Spain for marketing Canadian seafood
$ 6,500
Organize a trade mission to Germany to expand the market for artisanal cheeses
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a food, beverage, or agricultural company based in Ontario.
- The company must be seeking to expand into new or existing international markets.
- The business must be interested in participating in trade missions, business-to-business programs, international trade shows, or export-readiness seminars supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.
Who is eligible?
- Ontario food companies
- Ontario beverage companies
- Ontario agricultural companies
Eligible expenses
This grant supports Ontario food, beverage, and agricultural companies looking to expand their business into international markets. Eligible activities focus on promoting export opportunities and building business relationships with international buyers.
- Engaging in trade missions organized by ministry Export Marketing Officers.
- Participating in international trade shows such as the PLMA show in Chicago.
- Attending practical seminars and webinars designed to help businesses become export-ready.
- Hosting incoming buyers' missions to connect with international buyers visiting Ontario.
- Working with ministry staff to learn about market trends, challenges, and export regulations.
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Selection criteria
Evaluation and selection criteria for this grant are:
- Export readiness of the company
- Potential for market growth and expansion
- Alignment with targeted export markets
- Demonstrated commitment to international trade
- Product quality and competitiveness
How to apply
1
Initial Inquiry
- Contact the OMAFRA contact centre to indicate your interest in speaking with their export services team.
- Use the provided phone number (1-877-424-1300) or email address (ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca) to reach out.
2
Gather Information
- Learn about the export services and programs offered by OMAFRA, including trade missions, seminars, and support in becoming export-ready.
- Consult the ministry’s calendar for dates and times of relevant trade missions and seminars.
3
Prepare Application
- Compile necessary information about your business and its export goals.
- Ensure you understand the requirements and expectations for participation in the available programs.
4
Submit Application
- Follow directions provided by the export services team to submit your application to participate in programs like trade missions or PROFIT seminars.
- Ensure all necessary documents and information are included in your submission.
5
Await Confirmation
- Receive confirmation from the export services team acknowledging receipt of your application.
- Wait for further instructions or a decision regarding your application.
Additional information
- OMAFRA advisors provide insights into international market trends, regulatory requirements, and health and border considerations.
- Trade missions and business-to-business programs require companies to be pre-qualified to participate.
- Seminars and webinars are offered to support both new and experienced exporters.
- The information is regularly updated, with the latest update noted as of December 06, 2024.
Apply to this program
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ontario Food Exports — Services for Exporters Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Ontario Food Exports — Services for Exporters. 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 Ontario Food Exports — Services for Exporters?
How much funding can be received?
What expenses are eligible under Ontario Food Exports — Services for Exporters?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Ontario Food Exports — Services for Exporters a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Ontario Food Exports — Services for Exporters?
Who is eligible for the Ontario Food Exports — Services for Exporters program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Ontario Food Exports — Services for Exporters?
Where is the Ontario Food Exports — Services for Exporters available?
Are startups eligible for the Ontario Food Exports — Services for Exporters program?
Apply to this program