The program is part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership and provides up to $150,000 in non-repayable funding per project. With up to $3.4 million allocated to the commercialization stream, the initiative supports market validation, product development, and economic growth in Ontario’s agri-food sector.
“Ontario’s agriculture and agri-food sectors are using innovative approaches and technology to bring quality food to Canadians and the world,” said the Honourable Heath MacDonald, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “This support will help them access the resources they need to move their great ideas one step closer to market.”
“Investments in programs like OAFRI protect and strengthen our agri-food sector and help Ontario’s agribusinesses be even more competitive and resilient,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “By bridging the gap between research and market and turning ideas into innovations, commercialization is crucial for a strong agri-food sector.”
“These are very challenging times for Canada’s agri-food sector,” said Dave Smardon, President & CEO at Bioenterprise.
“The economic and political environment is causing financial uncertainty for many. And yet, it is times like these that often create opportunities to assess our businesses and embrace the adoption of new innovations that can drive greater competitive advantage. Through the OAFRI program’s commercialization stream, twelve new innovations will receive funding and will make their way into Ontario’s agri-food sector. Innovations such as these can reduce costs, increase productivity and build greater efficiency in Ontario’s agri-food businesses making them more competitive and more resilient to unforeseen market conditions.”
The program aims to transform research into usable technologies and services, creating market-ready products that support food security and industry sustainability. It also focuses on protecting Ontario’s capacity to produce food and creating new trade opportunities.
Bioenterprise Canada delivers specialized services aimed at accelerating the growth of small businesses in the food and agri-tech sectors, driving innovation and economic development in these vital industries.