Southern Ontario tour highlights major investments in food security innovation and agri-food expansion
Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector received a strong vote of confidence during a recent southern Ontario tour by Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald. Throughout the visit, the Minister met with farmers, food processors, agribusiness leaders and community organizations while highlighting new investments designed to strengthen Canada's food system, encourage innovation and support economic growth.
The tour focused on improving food security, expanding food processing capacity, supporting agricultural technology and opening new opportunities for Canadian businesses in domestic and international markets.
One of the most significant announcements was the launch of Farm Credit Canada's new $1 billion Agri-food Project Finance Fund (Read: FCC Launches $1 Billion Agri-food Project Finance Fund for Canadian Food Processing Growth). The fund will help finance mid-sized agri-food infrastructure projects across the country.
In addition, $150 million was committed to Velocity Agri-Capital Partners through FCC Capital's broader investment initiative. These investments aim to support businesses that are helping build a stronger and more resilient food supply chain.
The Minister emphasized that modern infrastructure and increased investment are essential to ensuring Canada's food sector remains competitive in an increasingly challenging global marketplace. By supporting growth and innovation, the government hopes to create new opportunities for producers, processors, and rural communities.
During the tour, Minister MacDonald also visited the London Food Bank to learn more about its efforts to support families and individuals facing food insecurity. The visit highlighted the important role community organizations play in ensuring access to food while strengthening local support networks.
Innovation remained a key theme throughout the outreach activities. The Minister toured several businesses that are using technology and modern practices to improve efficiency and sustainability. One stop included Nuhn Industries, a manufacturer known for its advanced liquid manure management equipment. The company is working to expand its reach into international markets across North America, Latin America, Japan and Africa.
The Minister also connected directly with farmers and industry representatives at several agricultural events. He addressed attendees at the Grain Farmers of Ontario annual meeting and toured Canada's Outdoor Farm Show, one of the country's largest agricultural exhibitions.
“During my visit to multiple cities across southern Ontario, I saw firsthand how Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector is one of our country’s greatest economic opportunities. By investing in food production and processing, supporting innovation, strengthening supply chains and opening new markets, we can create more opportunities for farmers, producers, and businesses across Canada. That means a stronger food system, stronger economy and ultimately more choice, more control, more Canada,” said Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
Additional stops included visits to farm and food businesses that showcase the diversity of Canada's agricultural sector. At Martin's Family Fruit Farm and Summit Station Dairy, discussions focused on agricultural production, market opportunities and the importance of strong supply chains.
In Hamilton, the Minister visited Collective Arts Brewing, where he learned how innovation and technology are helping the company develop and market its products.
Food processing capacity was another important topic during the tour.
At Mondelez International's Hamilton facility, the Minister explored recent investments being made to modernize operations and increase production capabilities. Processing growth is considered a key part of strengthening Canada's food sovereignty and creating greater value within the domestic food sector.
The Minister also participated in a high-level roundtable discussion on the future of Canada's agri-food system. Industry leaders, investors, and stakeholders discussed opportunities to increase investment, encourage innovation, and improve the sector's resilience. Topics included advanced technologies, sustainability initiatives, and the importance of attracting foreign investment to support long-term growth.
Another major announcement took place at Haven Greens in King City. Through the AgriInnovate program, the government is providing a $5 million repayable contribution to support the development of a new greenhouse project. The investment will help adopt automation systems and climate-control technologies that improve the production of leafy greens. The project demonstrates how technology can increase efficiency while supporting year-round food production.
The final stop of the outreach tour took place at Canada Pork's annual conference in Toronto. There, the Minister announced $3.8 million in AgriMarketing funding to help promote Canadian pork products both at home and internationally. The funding will support market development efforts in key regions including the Indo-Pacific, South America and Europe.
Minister MacDonald said the agriculture and agri-food sector represents one of Canada's greatest economic opportunities. He noted that investments in production, processing, innovation and market access can create new opportunities for producers and businesses while building a stronger economy and food system for all Canadians.
Photo Credit: arva-flour-macdonald