The governments of Canada and Ontario are partnering to invest almost $22 million through the Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative to help more than 130 Ontario farmers and processors sell more Ontario-grown products around the world. 

“We are laser focused on expanding markets and trade opportunities for Ontario farmers and agribusinesses,” said Sam Oosterhoff, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “The Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative is protecting agri-food jobs and agribusiness resilience in the face of unprovoked tariffs from Donald Trump. This $22 million investment is unleashing more than $110 million in private sector investment, creating more than 900 new good-paying jobs and keeping Ontario’s food supply chain secure, sovereign and self-reliant."

Applications for the Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative opened earlier this year to help Ontario farmers and processors expand into new domestic and international markets and strengthen production capacity through three funding streams. Examples of projects supported through the initiative include:

• -  Up to $499,000 to Martin’s Family Farm in Waterloo to develop an innovative packaging line for apple sauce.
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• -  Up to $70,000 to Beck’s Broth in Kitchener to launch new products and expand distribution nationally. 
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• -  Up to $494,000 to Lynch Ag Ltd. in Englehart for a handling line, optical sorter and AI enabled grading software to support increased interprovincial and export sales.
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• -  Up to $310,000 to Canada Royal Milk in Kingston for a pulse light system and a shrink wrapper packaging system to diversify beyond Canadian retail markets.

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) is delivering the Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative. Approved projects are to be completed by October 15, 2027.

Source:  Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness October 13, 2026 news release