Food Security and Supply Chain Fund

Q: How much funding can be received?

Food Security and Supply Chain Fund Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Is the Food Security and Supply Chain Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Food Security and Supply Chain Fund is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Food Security and Supply Chain Fund?

Food Security and Supply Chain Fund is funded by Government of Ontario

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Food Security and Supply Chain Fund?

You can contact Government of Ontario or by phone at 1-800-769-3272.

Q: Where is the Food Security and Supply Chain Fund available?

The Food Security and Supply Chain Fund program is available the province of ON.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

ON, Canada

Supports agri-food sector resilience and workforce development in Ontario

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

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Closed

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.

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.

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

Reach out to AAC via email (info@adaptcouncil.org) or call 1-800-769-3272 for any clarifications or additional guidance required.

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.

Contacts

1-800-769-3272

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Food Security and Supply Chain Fund Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Food Security and Supply Chain Fund. 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 Food Security and Supply Chain Fund?

How much funding can be received?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Food Security and Supply Chain Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Food Security and Supply Chain Fund?

Who is eligible for the Food Security and Supply Chain Fund program?

To be eligible for the Food Security and Supply Chain Fund program, you must: Agri-food businesses in Ontario, including farms supplying Ontario food processors and those with on-site processing activities. Food processing businesses in Ontario that source significant agricultural inputs from Ontario farms. Ontario non-profit organizations representing agri-food businesses (for the Resiliency Analysis Stream only).