The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing an additional $6 million in the Grow Ontario Market Initiative to help agri-food businesses and industry organizations expand their sales and grow their markets. The increase brings the total funding for the Initiative through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership to $12 million.

The Grow Ontario Market Initiative was launched in 2023 to provide primary producers, food processors and industry organizations with cost-share funding to help them increase sales in domestic and foreign markets through market analysis and planning, new product development and marketing.

“I’m so pleased that we’ve been able to partner with the Government of Ontario to invest an additional $6 million for the Grow Ontario Market Initiative,” said the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “Ensuring our farmers, producers, and agri-food businesses are able to reach new markets, at home and abroad, is vitally important, and our governments are here to support them.”

“We are committed to our Grow Ontario Strategy goal of increasing agri-food trade by eight per cent each year, and we’re doing so by promoting the incredible quality and diversity of products made and processed right here in Ontario,” said Ontario Agriculture Minister Lisa Thompson. “Through initiatives like the Grow Ontario Market Initiative, our trade missions and participation in international trade shows, we’re ensuring Ontario agriculture and food businesses can grow and expand to new markets.”

Source:  Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs February 5, 2024 news release