Applications on February 17, 2026 to support export projects targeting non-U.S. markets and U.S. markets
The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $20 million through the new Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative to help farmers, food processors, and agribusinesses expand sales of Ontario-grown products domestically and internationally.
The initiative aims to increase competitiveness and support entry into new markets, strengthening the province’s agri-food sector as part of the Grow Ontario Strategy.
As part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, this funding aligns with Ontario’s plan to build long-term resiliency, create good-paying jobs, and maintain competitiveness amid tariffs and economic uncertainty.
“Expanding markets for Ontario food products ensures farmers and food processors have more reliable export opportunities,” said the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
“We are building a stronger, more resilient future for agriculture by improving market access and leveraging our shared strengths.”
“This investment will help our local farmers and agribusinesses sell more products grown in Ontario to markets around the world,” added Trevor Jones, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.
“Our government is proud to support the farmers and businesses who drive our nearly $52 billion agri-food sector forward each and every day.”
The initiative opens for applications on February 17, 2026, and features three funding streams:
- Market development and diversification implementation planning – supporting preparation for entering new or expanded markets.
- Implement market development and diversification – assisting in new product development and broader marketing strategies.
- Implementation of equipment and technology – funding production equipment and technology tailored to meet market requirements.
Funding will cover a portion of project costs, with varying cost-share levels and maximum funding depending on the proposal. Additional support will be provided for export projects targeting non-U.S. markets, as well as U.S. market projects.
“The CFFO supports the Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative as an important opportunity for producers of safe, high-quality food to expand their reach into new markets,” said Henk Vaarkamp, President, Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario.
“By opening doors to more customers at home and abroad, this initiative strengthens our agri-food sector and creates greater opportunities for Ontario and Canadian producers to succeed on a global scale.”
“The creation of this fund highlights the need to increase competitiveness and encourage expansion into new markets,” said Chris Conway, CEO of Food & Beverage Ontario. “This will help ensure an ongoing viable processing sector in Ontario.”
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial, and territorial governments, including $1 billion in federal programs and $2.5 billion in provincially designed initiatives, cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially, aimed at improving competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency across Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector.
“Ontario farmers produce some of the highest quality food and agricultural products in the world. Creating and strengthening reliable markets for our products has never been more important both at the local level and globally,” said Drew Spoelstra, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture.
“We appreciate the efforts of the province and the federal government as we work together to support a strong, vibrant, and growing agricultural sector.”