Ontario has signed a new bilateral agreement with the federal government that will support strategic, long-term investments that will spur innovation, economic growth and create jobs in Ontario’s agri-food sector.
Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Jeff Leal and Guelph MP Lloyd Longfield, on behalf of federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay, were in Guelph on Feb. 12 to make the announcement.
The federal and provincial governments are committing an estimated $1.5 billion in the Ontario agri-food sector: $1.1 billion for business risk management funding and $417 million for strategic initiatives funding.
“I am pleased this partnership will continue to ensure that Ontario’s agri-food sector has the support it needs to grow, innovate and step up to the challenge of helping feed a growing population. This partnership will equip our sector with the tools and resources it needs to adapt to changes in the marketplace while seizing new opportunities and responding quickly to any challenges. I look forward to continuing to work with industry and our federal counterparts and look forward to a seamless transition in programming,” said Leal.
The new Canadian Agricultural Partnership will set a solid foundation for the future of Ontario’s agri-food sector by supporting specialized research and projects that foster innovation and growth while preparing the sector for the second half of the 21st century.
The agreement also includes funding to help farmers manage risks that threaten the viability of their farm, such as unpredictable weather or market volatility.
“We are glad to be partnering with Ontario to share this investment over the next five years and I look forward to the many new projects here in Guelph and across the country with researchers, farmers, processors and distributors,” said Longfield.
Agreements under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership are shared on a 60/40 basis and delivered by provinces and territories. Ontario is the first Canadian Agricultural Partnership agreement to be finalized.
Programming will be accessible to producers and processors starting April 3, ensuring a seamless transition in support as Growing Forward 2 concludes.
Application intake windows for cost-share funding assistance will open in April and additional information will be made available once finalized.
Since 2013, the governments of Canada and Ontario have committed more than $150 million to over 6,800 ag-projects.
