Diverse entrepreneurs get $1.5M lift in Agri-Food

AWEDI to fund diverse startups in Ontario’s Agri-sector

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, in collaboration with the Ontario government, unveiled the Agricultural Workforce Equity and Diversity Initiative (AWEDI) on September 24, 2024. This new funding program, supported by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, aims to inject up to $1.5 million into developing diverse agricultural entrepreneurship in Ontario. 

AWEDI is designed to provide financial support of up to $100,000 per project to help minority agricultural producers and food processors start and expand their operations.  

The initiative targets a broad range of under-represented groups in the agricultural sector, including women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, persons with disabilities, youth, and members of French linguistic minority communities. 

The application period for this transformative initiative begins on October 8, 2024, and concludes on December 3, 2024. Eligible parties include organizations, research entities, municipalities, and Indigenous communities. 

"Making sure we have greater diversity in the agriculture and agri-food sector helps to create a more competitive, inclusive, and resilient food system. This initiative will help folks from under-represented groups get started and succeed, while making the sector even stronger," remarked The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. 

AWEDI is a pivotal component of the Sustainable CAP, a five-year, $3.5-billion commitment by federal, provincial, and territorial governments to strengthen Canada's agricultural sector. This program is also a key element of Ontario’s Grow Ontario Strategy, which seeks to foster the next generation of farmers and increase employment in the agri-food sector by 10% by 2032. 

For women in agriculture, don’t forget to attend the Advancing Women in Ag Conference November 17 to 19th in Niagara Falls.

Photo Credit: pexels-sergio-souza