Guelph – Ontario’s agrifood processing sector provides us with fresh and nutritious local food and supports thousands of jobs. From farmers to suppliers to processors, this sector plays an important role in ensuring economic growth, rural development, and thriving domestic industry. The Government of Canada is investing in businesses and organizations to build a stronger, more sustainable future for Canadians.
On behalf of Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, Lloyd Longfield, Member of Parliament for Guelph, announced a Government of Canada investment of nearly $8 million for Bioenterprise Canada, Mapleview Agri Ltd. and Farm Health Guardian Ltd. to support Canadian agrifood producers and businesses.
Bioenterprise Canada, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to building and growing innovative companies focused on agricultural technology, is receiving a nearly $6-million investment. With this support, Bioenterprise will be delivering the Sustainable Growth and Adoption Program to which food and agritech businesses in southern Ontario can apply for funding. This funding will help businesses to accelerate their development, while also supporting businesses and organizations to adopt and integrate new clean technologies, practices, and process enhancements into their operations. With this investment, Bioenterprise Canada expects to support up to 45 businesses contributing to clean growth, and accelerate the commercialization of up to 40 new products, services or processes, resulting in up to $20 million in sales. Visit the Bioenterprise Canada website for details and to apply.
Located in Palmerston, Mapleview Agri Ltd. manufactures and distributes milk replacer products to feed calves, sheep and kid goats. To meet growing global demand, the company is expanding into a new energy-efficient facility that will house an integrated lab space and new, fully automated systems. With a FedDev Ontario investment of $1.5 million, the company will adopt specialized equipment to increase production capacity and enhance automation, quality control and efficiencies.
Farm Health Guardian Ltd. is a digital biosecurity and animal disease prevention software provider. The company has developed a farm biosecurity software system that reduces the risk and spread of animal disease, protecting farmers and food companies. The software is expected to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring consumer access to a safe and secure food supply. Through an investment of $350,000, the company will be able to support the commercialization of its software system in Canada.
The agrifood sector is a critical part of southern Ontario’s industry and economy. The Government of Canada is committed to working with local partners to strengthen and support agrifood producers in southern Ontario, promoting regional growth, economic development, and the adoption of sustainable technology.
“Cultivating a thriving, green agrifood sector in southern Ontario is nurturing innovation, supporting local economies and ensuring global competitiveness. These investments demonstrate the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting the success and sustainability of our agrifood businesses by supporting them with the resources they need to succeed.” – Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario