Food Security and Supply Chain Fund
Last Update: May 13, 2025
ON, Canada
Supports agri-food sector resilience and workforce development in Ontario
Food Security and Supply Chain Fund at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : November 28, 2022
- Closing date : August 30, 2023
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
Grant Providers
- Government of Ontario
Status
Closed
Overview of the Food Security and Supply Chain Fund program
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.
Financing 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.
Eligible projects & activities
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 criteria of the Food Security and Supply Chain Fund program
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 to the Food Security and Supply Chain Fund program
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Contact Government of Ontario
1-800-769-3272
Apply to this program
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