WELLINGTON COUNTY – Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae announced $943,123.32 in provincial funding to assist dozens of agri-food businesses and farm families enhance their biosecurity capabilities on Nov. 29.
This funding is part of the governments of Canada and Ontario’s Biosecurity Enhancement Initiative.
“Farmers and farm families work hard to put food on our tables,” MPP Rae states in a press release.
“Our government understands that by supporting them through initiatives like this, that they can focus on providing quality, nutritious food that Ontarians need.”
The Biosecurity Enhancement Initiative aims to help agri-food businesses and contributors enhance their biosecurity capabilities, allowing them to focus on providing safe and nutritious food to Ontarians.
Farmers and other agri-food operators have until Jan. 6 to submit applications for funding. The money will go towards eligible biosecurity projects that will be completed by Feb. 1.
Successful recipients will receive between $2,700 and $50,000 for projects establishing a tracking system, building an isolation facility or installing disinfecting units.
Approved projects will each involve at least one of the following:
- reducing animal health risk;
- upgrading livestock traceability equipment and processes;
- plant health assessment, planning, education and training;
- upgrading sprayers for integrated pest management;
- preventing introduction and spread of pests through isolation, sanitation and controlling workflow;
- improving pest monitoring and management tools and equipment; or
- implementing technologies and processes to reduce plant pest contamination and risk.
“Our government is committed to working with our agriculture and food sector to ensure it has what it needs to maintain, strengthen and grow the supply of safe, quality foods for consumers both at home and abroad,” states Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Rob Flack.
“Through initiatives such as this, we are boosting the resilience of Ontario’s food supply chain and maintaining its place as a trusted source of agri-food products.”
The Biosecurity Enhancement Initiative will support 365 projects across the province through an investment of up to $7.5 million.
Funding will help farmers, food processors, and other essential farm- supporting agri-businesses protect their operations against disease, enhance operational resilience and improve public trust in our food supply system.
The Sustainable CAP is a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector.
This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
For more information about the initiative and how to apply, visit ontario.ca/document/biosecurity-enhancement-initiative-guidelines.
