Agri-Tech Innovation Program Funding Ontario Agriculture | Mentor Works
Ontario agri-food businesses feed millions of people around the world. With more than 3,000 active food and beverage processors, 97,000 workers, and over $39 billion in revenues, Ontario is one of the agriculture sector’s most active and competitive areas in North America.
Open for intake as of Monday, May 17, the Agri-Tech Innovation Cost-Share Program is an Ontario government funding program supporting the adoption of innovative technologies in agricultural businesses to improve protection efforts against COVID-19, enhance business processes and productivity, and help nurture Ontario’s agriculture sector.
Through the Early Adopters Stream of the Agri-Tech Innovation Cost-Share Program, Ontario farm and processor applicants can receive up to 35% to a maximum of $100,000 per eligible project to offset costs on a relevant project with a value of at least $150,000.
The Early Adopters Stream provides agri-food funding to eligible Ontario businesses for the implementation of advanced automation or manufacturing technology to reduce the risk of potential COVID-19 exposure and transmission among agri-food workers by establishing safer work practices and processes.
Details and intake for the Innovators Stream will open following the Early Adopters Stream. The first intake for the Early Adopters Stream is open from May 17 to June 21, 2021.
Funding Snapshot: Agri-Tech Innovation Program
With a highlighted importance of keeping the agri-food sector safe and strong during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Agri-Tech Innovation Cost Share Program supports the modernization of agricultural workplaces by funding projects that adopt advanced or innovative technology to enhance the protection of workers’ health and safety, lead to improved business productivity, and help grow the sector’s resilience in Ontario.
“Technology and modern equipment make today’s farms more efficient and safer, both for people and the environment. This program will not only protect farmers and farm workers from the COVID-19 pandemic, but it will also enable investments in new processes and state of the art equipment.”
– Peggy Brekveld, President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Amount of Funding
The Early Adopters Stream provides up to 35% to a maximum of $100,000 per eligible project to offset costs on relevant projects with a minimum value of $150,000.
The details and intake for the Innovators Stream will open following the closing of the Early Adopters Stream. Details will be posted here as they become available.
Eligible Applicants
An applicant must be either an Ontario farm or processing business as outlined:
Eligible Ontario Farm or Processor businesses must:
Eligible Projects and Activities
Projects that will lead to the adoption of Advanced Automation or Manufacturing Technology that support the following outcomes:
Examples of Eligible Projects:
Projects that may be eligible for Farm business applicants:
Projects that may be eligible for Processor business applicants:
Program Timeline
This Early Adopters Stream of this program opened for intake on May 17, 2021. Eligible Ontario farm and processor applicants must apply by June 21, 2021 to be considered for funding approval.
The intake period for the Innovators Stream will open following the closing of the Early Adopters Stream.
Government Funding Options for Agri-Food Businesses
Discover Canadian government grant and loan programs currently available for agriculture businesses through the Food & Beverage Business Funding Programs Directory Page.
“A fertile soil alone does not carry agriculture to perfection.”
– Elias Hasket Derby
To learn more about how to manage, grow, and finance an agri-business in Ontario specifically, download our free Ontario Agri-Business Growth Guide for a wealth of resources, links, tools, and support services related to cultivating strong agriculture and food processing businesses.