Agri-food producers are getting a $2.5-million boost to move their businesses online during the pandemic.
On April 24, the provincial and federal governments jointly announced the Agri-Food Open for E-Business initiative, with funding coming from the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
The goal is to help producers grow their businesses, while providing families with more choices to shop from home during the COVID-19 outbreak.
It’s targetted to food producers, farmers markets, retailers, garden centres, greenhouses, nurseries, and agricultural associations.
"We're helping agri-food businesses adapt to the retail challenges of this unprecedented time," said Ernie Hardeman, Ontario’s minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs, in a news release.
"COVID-19 has changed the way we shop, and our investment today in e-business will go a long way to connecting the people who grow our food with the people who buy it, while allowing them to practise physical distancing."
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Eligible businesses can apply through one of two funding streams:
- Bring Your Business Online: organizations and businesses can apply for a grant of up to $5,000 to establish an online e-business and marketing presence. Funding under this stream will be quick and responsive for those needing immediate solutions.
- Develop Online Business Opportunities: organizations, businesses and collaborations can apply for cost-share funding of up to $75,000 to implement high-impact projects.
The ministry said it’s accepting applications now and the approvals process will be expedited.
The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3-billion commitment by Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments to support Canada's agri-food and agri-products sectors.
