How much funding can be received?

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.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

This grant provides financing to support projects aimed at increasing resilience and addressing supply chain challenges in the agri-food sector. Specific funding opportunities are determined by project type and the stream under which they fall.

The Agri-Food Supply Chain Resiliency Analysis stream offers funding up to 50% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $50,000 per project.
The Agri-Food Supply Chain Infrastructure Investment stream provides funding up to 25% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of $150,000 per project.
Depending on the merit assessment and availability of funds, the funding amount may be adjusted from the requested figure.
Funds are directed towards infrastructure investments and analyses that address market and supply chain challenges.

grant_single_labels|projects

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.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

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.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: 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.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: Contact AAC
Reach out to AAC via email (info@adaptcouncil.org) or call 1-800-769-3272 for any clarifications or additional guidance required.
Step 4: 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.
Step 5: 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.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

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.

grant_single_labels|contact

1-800-769-3272

Apply to this program

Securing Ontario's Food Supply through Strategic Investments

The Food Security and Supply Chain Fund aims to fortify Ontario's agri-food sector by addressing supply chain and workforce challenges. With up to $10 million at stake, this initiative seeks to enhance the resilience and competitiveness of the agricultural market, ensuring a stable food supply for all Ontarians.

Exploring the Food Security and Supply Chain Fund: A Detailed Insight

The Food Security and Supply Chain Fund, spearheaded by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), represents a cornerstone of the provincial Grow Ontario Strategy. Launched on November 28, 2022, this initiative dedicates invaluable resources toward two fundamental goals: stabilizing and adapting the supply chain, and expanding job entry pathways within the agri-food sector. With an infusion of up to $10 million in funding, the program stands as a pivotal effort to mitigate vulnerabilities exacerbated by recent economic disruptions, including those induced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The supply chain component is structured around the Supply Chain Stability and Adaptability Program, which is split into two streams: the Agri-Food Supply Chain Resiliency Analysis and the Agri-Food Supply Chain Infrastructure Investment. Each stream serves distinct yet complementary purposes in bolstering the sector's sustainability and capability.

Firstly, the Agri-Food Supply Chain Resiliency Analysis Stream offers financial support designed to assist businesses and non-profit organizations in identifying weak links within the supply chain. Through comprehensive analysis and the development of strategic action plans, entities can better understand and address the pressures exerted on the supply chain, thus ensuring its robustness in the face of future disruptions. Eligible projects can receive up to 50% of project costs, capped at $50,000, to support this analytical undertaking.

Conversely, the Agri-Food Supply Chain Infrastructure Investment Stream places an emphasis on tangible improvements through the acquisition of necessary equipment and infrastructure expansion projects. This stream specifically supports investments that directly enhance production capabilities and meet the growing demand for locally produced food. For example, in the fruit and vegetable sector, funding has enabled advancements such as new grading technologies, automated sorting, and robotic applications that can mitigate labor gaps and reduce overall costs. Similarly, in the livestock sector, investments are directed toward biosecurity measures and innovative technologies like robotic milking systems, enhancing both resiliency and competitiveness.

While the funding available under the Infrastructure Investment Stream supports up to 25% of eligible costs, with a maximum funding of $150,000 per project, it focuses on creating a resilient supply chain through immediate, strategic investments in infrastructure. The anticipated outcome is an overall enhancement in operational efficiency, market responsiveness, and resilience against future uncertainties.

In parallel, the Expanding Job Entry Pathways project complements the above streams by addressing the critical need for skilled labor in the agri-food sector. Coordinated by First Work, this project enhances the connection between agri-food businesses and employment service agencies, streamlining the recruitment process for local workers and fostering a skilled workforce to sustain the sector's growth. It aims to heighten awareness of career opportunities within the agri-food domain among prospective job seekers, ensuring a sustainable pool of skilled labor for the sector.

Overall, the Food Security and Supply Chain Fund is a strategic investment in the future of Ontario's food supply chain. By addressing current vulnerabilities and workforce challenges through tailored funding streams, the program not only aids in immediate economic recovery but also sets the stage for long-term sectoral growth and sustainability.