Food Security and Supply Chain Fund
Overview
The Food Security and Supply Chain Fund, part of the Grow Ontario Strategy by OMAFRA, provides funding up to $150,000 for projects aimed at enhancing supply chain stability, resilience, and job entry pathways within the agri-food sector. Eligible activities include supply chain resiliency analysis, infrastructure investments, and initiatives to attract skilled agri-food workers.
At a glance
Funding available
- Integrate new technologies
- Develop employee skills
- Up to 50% of project cost
- Open Date : November 28, 2022
- Closing date : August 30, 2023
Eligible candidates
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
- Ontario
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- All revenue ranges
- All organization sizes
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- All structures
- Provincial
Activities funded
This grant supports projects aimed at enhancing the resilience and stability of the agri-food supply chain in Ontario. The initiatives are focused on infrastructure investments and resiliency analysis to address supply chain vulnerabilities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Completion of agri-food supply chain resiliency analysis to identify gaps and develop action plans.
- Acquisition of new grading and automation technologies to upgrade sorting and packing lines.
- Adoption of innovative robotics to increase crop yields and reduce costs.
- Expansion of storage capacity for Ontario food products.
- On-farm biosecurity improvements, such as new weight scales and robotic milking systems.
- Meat refrigeration and production capacity improvements in food processing.
- New cheese line conversions to stabilize the supply chain.
- Investments in inventory software to enhance operational efficiencies.
Eligibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's location and sector involvement.
- The applicant must be an Ontario agri-food business or organization.
- Eligible businesses include farms that supply Ontario food processors with their products.
- Farms with production and on-site agri-food processing activities are eligible.
- Food processing businesses that source a significant portion of agricultural inputs from Ontario farms are eligible.
- For the Agri-Food Supply Chain Resiliency Analysis Stream, eligible applicants also include Ontario agri-food non-profit organizations representing Ontario agri-food businesses.
Who is eligible?
Eligible applicants include Ontario agri-food businesses such as farms supplying Ontario food processors, farms with production and on-site processing activities, and food processing businesses sourcing significant agricultural inputs from Ontario farms. Additionally, Ontario agri-food organizations that are not-for-profit and represent Ontario agri-food businesses can apply, particularly for the Agri-Food Supply Chain Resiliency Analysis Stream.
Eligible expenses
The grant focuses on costs related to resiliency analysis and infrastructure investments to enhance agri-food sector capacity and supply chain stability.
- Costs for conducting resiliency analysis to identify supply chain gaps and weaknesses.
- Expenses related to developing action plans for priority supply chain areas.
- Purchase of new grading and automation technologies for sorting and packing lines.
- Investment in innovative robotics to increase crop yields and reduce costs.
- Expansion of storage capacity for supply chain resiliency.
- On-farm biosecurity improvement equipment.
- Adoption of robotic milking systems for dairy operations.
- Refrigeration and production capacity enhancements in food processing.
- Conversion of cheese lines to enhance supply stability.
- Investment in inventory software for operational efficiencies.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant, as part of Ontario's economic initiatives, targets companies located within specific regions to address local agri-food sector challenges. The focus is primarily on businesses operating across the province of Ontario.
- Businesses and organizations based in Ontario.
How to apply
Review Program Details
- Visit the Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) website.
- Carefully read the requirements and guidelines for the Agri-Food Supply Chain Resiliency Analysis Stream and the Agri-Food Supply Chain Infrastructure Investment Stream.
Prepare Application Material
- Develop a comprehensive project proposal, including the scope, objectives, and anticipated outcomes to address supply chain or labour challenges.
- Gather all necessary supporting documentation such as financial records, project timelines, and stakeholder letters of support.
Contact AAC
Submit Application
- Compile all application materials and complete any required application forms provided by AAC.
- Submit the application package according to the submission guidelines specified on the AAC website.
Await Confirmation
- After submission, watch for a confirmation email or message from AAC to ensure your application was received.
- Keep a record of your submission confirmation.
Additional information
The following additional details are relevant to this grant:
- The grant can be used to leverage additional funding from private sources.
- Recipients must comply with specific reporting requirements set by the Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC).
- There may be amendments or additional intakes announced in the future, as determined by OMAFRA.
- The funding is contingent upon meeting determined milestones and objectives.
