The governments of Canada and Ontario are jointly investing up to $5 million through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) to support small businesses in the agriculture and food sector in strengthening their food safety systems.
The Food Safety and Growth Initiative will fund eligible food processors, producers and service providers to upgrade food safety systems and adopt new safety and traceability technologies. It will also offer related employee training.
Projects eligible for support include developing or enhancing food safety or traceability programs, equipment and technology upgrades, third-party assessments and implementation of recognized food safety certifications, such as first-time certification audits.
Successful applicants can receive cost-share funding covering 50 per cent of eligible costs, up to a maximum of $75,000 per project. Applications for the initiative will be accepted starting August 21, 2024, and the application period will remain open until December 1, 2025, or until funds are fully allocated.
