Ontario boosts agri food innovation funding
The governments of Canada and Ontario have announced an investment of up to $4.77 million to strengthen the province’s agri-food sector. This funding, delivered through the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative (OAFRI) under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), supports 48 research and innovation projects and 20 companies.
The investment aims to help farmers and agribusinesses remain competitive, especially during times of economic uncertainty, such as challenges from U.S. tariffs. “It takes innovation to build a successful agri-food sector in Ontario and across the country,” said the Honourable Heath MacDonald, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “By investing in companies that bring forward bold ideas and practical solutions, we’re helping the sector seize new opportunities and stay competitive and resilient.”
“We want to ensure Ontario’s farmers and agribusinesses have access to the latest technology and innovative solutions to grow and strengthen their businesses,” said Trevor Jones, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “Through OAFRI, we are helping them prepare for the future, take advantage of new opportunities and stay competitive and resilient in the face of economic uncertainty.”
OAFRI funds five streams that focus on research, innovation, and commercialization. Some funded projects include new strategies to improve grape quality and safety, natural compounds from probiotics to reduce harmful bacteria in poultry, and robotic platforms for precise crop nutrient application. Another project is using artificial intelligence and imaging to detect mastitis early in dairy cattle, improving both animal welfare and milk quality.
Alongside these projects, 20 new companies have joined the Grow Ontario Accelerator Hub. This initiative helps agri-food and agri-tech companies bring their innovations to market through investment and business strategies. Industry leaders note that Ontario ranks second only to California in North America for agri-food production, and continued innovation will ensure the sector’s growth.
This investment supports the Grow Ontario Strategy, which promotes close collaboration among businesses, research groups, and industry partners. Sustainable CAP, a five-year $3.5 billion agreement between federal, provincial, and territorial governments, underpins these efforts with a goal of building a competitive, innovative, and resilient agriculture sector.
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