$1 million fund set up to support Ontario's agri-food sector
Together with the federal government, the Province of Ontario is investing up to $1 million to support the agri-food sector.
This new funding aims to connect workers with in-demand jobs in the industry, ultimately keeping supply chains strong and store shelves stocked.
The collaboration, titled the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, will help primary agriculture, food processing companies, and grocery retail to recruit and train workers — all of whom are integral to the supply chain’s success.
Through the Partnership’s Place to Grow: Agri-Food Innovation Initiative, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs will immediately accept applications and expedite the approval process.
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“This is a very labour-intensive sector so it is critical to attract more people to ensure our food supply chain continues to provide healthy and nutritious food to Ontario families during this COVID-19 outbreak,” said Ernie Hardeman, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, in a release.
Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Marie-Claude Bibeau, echoed the importance of those in these positions.
“There is a strong need for workers on Canadian farms and in food processing businesses right now and our Government is taking concrete actions to find solutions, including through this new initiative, to ensure that Canadians continue to have high-quality food on their grocery store shelves and kitchen tables,” Bibeau said.
The Ontario agri-food sector supports more than 837,000 jobs in Ontario and contributes more than $47.5 billion to the province’s economy each year.