Closed
Ontario Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative
Funding for dairy processing equipment upgrades
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 200,000
Timeline
- Open Date : April 2, 2024
- Closing date : November 30, 2025
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
This initiative supports dairy processors in Ontario with cost-shared funding to modernize equipment. It helps projects that improve processing efficiency and food safety, with up to $200,000 available per recipient.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase production or service capacity
- Increase operational productivity
- Optimize production processes
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 200,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : April 2, 2024
- Closing date : November 30, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Equipment upgrades that increase processing efficiency in Ontario facilities
- Equipment upgrades that improve processing efficiency and food safety in Ontario facilities
Documents Needed
- Completed Ministry-approved application form
- Written quotes from third-party suppliers
- Proof of CRA business number or SIN, if applicable
- Valid and up-to-date Premises ID number
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Dairy processors
- Businesses processing cow, goat, sheep, or water buffalo milk
- Selected agri-food and dairy-related businesses listed in the guidelines
Eligible expenses
- Equipment upgrades for cooler/freezer capacity, waste handling, processing, food safety, and traceability
- Engineering or professional services, first-time food safety audit or certification
- One-time training and installation costs, plus minor building modifications tied to eligible equipment
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Application costs and costs outside the eligible spending period
- Ordinary business operating costs, staff salaries and benefits, travel, meals, and hotel costs
- Equipment leasing, vehicles, transport equipment, agricultural machinery, multi-use items, and mobile reefer trailers
- New building construction, removal of old equipment, and reporting costs
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed in the order received.
- Only complete applications are assessed against eligible activities and eligible costs.
- Successful applicants receive an Approval Letter by email; unsuccessful applicants receive a brief explanation.
- Claims are reviewed after submission, and payment is made only after project installation and completion are verified.
- Ineligible claims are not reimbursed.
Additional information
- Applications were accepted from April 2, 2024 to November 30, 2025, or until funds ran out.
- The initiative is funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
- Applicants may apply multiple times, with one application per project.
- Successful applicants receive an Approval Letter by email.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ontario Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Ontario Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative. 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 Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative?
This initiative supports dairy processors in Ontario with cost-shared funding to modernize equipment. It helps projects that improve processing efficiency and food safety, with up to $200,000 available per recipient.
How much funding can be received?
Ontario Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $200,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was November 30, 2025.
Who is eligible for the Ontario Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative program?
To be eligible for the Ontario Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative program, you must:
Must be a dairy processor
Must submit a completed application
Must have a valid Premises ID
What expenses are eligible under Ontario Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative?
Equipment upgrades that increase processing efficiency in Ontario facilities
Equipment upgrades that improve processing efficiency and food safety in Ontario facilities
Who can I contact for more information about the Ontario Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative?
You can contact Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) by email at SustainableCAP1@ontario.ca or by phone at none.
Where is the Ontario Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative available?
The Ontario Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative program is available the province of Ontario.