The governments of Canada and Ontario are launching the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative with up to $25 million available through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
The goal of the initiative is to expand production capacity and boost energy efficiency in the agriculture and food sector in the province.
Successful projects under the initiative will be used to purchase innovative equipment and technology to increase productivity and efficiency in line with the Grow Ontario Strategy of increasing the production and consumption of food grown and prepared in the province by 30 per cent by 2032, and boosting the economic impact of Ontario’s robust food and beverage manufacturing by 10 per cent.
Among a variety of targeted outcomes for this funding will be projects that also enhance cyber security in the agriculture and food sector.
Innovative technology and equipment projects, up to $100,000, will be eligible for up to a 50 per cent cost-share. Larger projects will be eligible for a 35 per cent cost-share, up to $100,000 in funding. The Agricultural Adaptation Council will deliver the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative on behalf of the governments of Canada and Ontario.
Applications for the initiative will be accepted starting on February 15, 2024.