The $1 billion Food-Link Fund, a key component of the $3.2 billion National Food Security Strategy, will open for applications on October 14, 2026. 

According to the federal government, the Food-Link Fund will strengthen competition and improve Canada’s food distribution network by investing in critical infrastructure that will help food move more efficiently from producers to consumers and give Canadians better access to affordable, locally produced food across the country.

The Food-Link Fund will advance both large-scale and regional solutions through:

• The Food Terminal Fund which will support the development and expansion of wholesale food terminals. Food terminals give farmers, food businesses, and independent retailers a one-stop-shop where they can efficiently sell and source products beyond the supply systems controlled by large retailers. This will mean greater retail competition and more affordable choices for consumers.

• The Food Hub Program which will support the creation and expansion of regional food hubs across Canada. Food hubs will give food producers access to the storage, processing, distribution, and market connections they need to get more local food to communities.

The official application intake period for the Food-Link Fund will open October 14, 2026 and be available for eight weeks until December 11, 2026. Applicants will first submit an Expression of Interest and the applications that align with the Fund’s objectives will then be invited to submit a full proposal.

The Food Terminal Fund will allow for the development and/or expansion of a select number of wholesale markets and distribution centres that support efficient food distribution, supply chain resilience, and competition among buyers and sellers.

The Food Hub Program aims to address regional gaps in food aggregation, processing, and distribution, particularly in underserved markets and communities. It will support investments in infrastructure, equipment, and logistics capacity that improve supply chain efficiency and strengthen connections between producers and markets. Eligible projects may include cold storage, transportation, food processing and packaging, digital systems, and facility upgrades, creating new opportunities for Canadian producers and businesses.

Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada October 5, 2026 news release