The federal and provincial governments announced that they will be supporting agri-food innovation in Ontario with an investment of up to $1.85 million.
The funding is meant to help develop cutting-edge technologies, practices, and solutions that will tackle industry problems.
The Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative is now accepting proposals for advancing research in food safety, trade, market and growth opportunities, automation and bio-based production systems. There is a maximum amount of $150,000 in funding allocation per project.
“By investing in leading-edge agriculture and agri-food technologies, the government is investing in one of the most innovative, dynamic and competitive sectors of the Canadian economy,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal minister of agriculture and agri-food, in a Nov. 26 news release.
“Our producers need science and innovation to stand out and seize the exciting business opportunities that present themselves. This is essential to the growth of their businesses.”
To be eligible for the program, applicants must demonstrate that they have the capacity to perform quality research, and they must be affiliated with a research institution, college or university or industry organization.
In a press release, the government said that this investment in agri-food research will benefit all Ontarians by helping to provide safe and healthy food while increasing trade opportunities for Ontario grown and made food items.
The research will help bring new technologies and processes to market and develop new on-farm solutions. The investment will also boost rural economic opportunity by making agri-food businesses more profitable and competitive.
“Our government is committed to supporting the development of food safety and farming knowledge and technologies that create good jobs and help advance our agriculture sector,” said Ernie Hardeman, Ontario's minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs, in the release.
“We want to provide the sector with the latest tools and techniques to position it for further growth and to continue being world leaders in agri-food innovation now and for years to come.”
The deadline to submit a proposal is Jan. 23, 2020.
