The provincial and federal governments have invested more than $4.6 million in the Greater Toronto Area's food and beverage processing sector to support 110 projects that will help local businesses implement sustainable technology to expand production and meet consumer demand.
Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Jeff Leal and federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay made the announcement today at Select Food Products Ltd. The North York food service provider received $350,000 to support the implementation of a state-of-the-art Enterprise Resource Planning system. This system will enable the company to better manage production, scheduling, purchasing, research and development. It will also allow Select Food Products to trace all product ingredients and make data-driven decisions to improve efficiency and productivity.
These projects received funding through Growing Forward 2 — a federal-provincial-territorial initiative that supports innovation, competitiveness, market development, adaptability and industry sustainability in Canada's agri-food and agri-products sectors.
This investment helps achieve the federal government's goal to create good jobs in food processing and help food processors develop new value-added products that reflect changing market tastes and market opportunities.
Investing in Ontario's agri-food sector is part of the provincial government's economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit in Ontario's history and is investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.
Source: AAFC