Through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), $10 million is available to help Ontario food processing businesses increase energy efficiency and lower their costs.

The Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative will focus on projects that prioritize reducing greenhouse gas emissions by investing in new technology, equipment, as well as building or facility modifications.

“Ontario’s food processing sector is an essential component of Ontario’s food supply chain, and the Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative will reduce costs and improve efficiencies, enabling them to grow and succeed,” said Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

The Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative was developed following discussions with Ontario’s food manufacturing industry and builds on other actions the government has taken to support the sector, such as the $10 million investment through the Food Security and Supply Chain Fund, $22 million through the Agri-tech Innovation Program and the launch of the $25 million Strategic Agri-Food Processing Fund.

Under the Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative, applicants can receive up to 20 per cent cost share for eligible costs, to a maximum of $300,000, per business. Eligible businesses can apply for support through this initiative starting on April 27, 2023.

• The Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative will be delivered by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. More details about the initiative and its application process will be available online or can be obtained by calling 1-877-424-1300 later in April.

• Applications for the Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative will be received as of April 27, 2023. The final day for submitting an application will be June 5, 2023. Applications will be reviewed based on merit criteria.

Source:  Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs March 27, 2023 news release