The governments of Ontario and Canada are offering $2 million to small businesses to improve their food safety programs.
Are you a grower who produces ready-to-eat minimally processed fruit and vegetables and/or ready-to-eat bagged salads, leafy greens, or herbs? If so, you may be eligible.
Read on for program details and key dates.
Purpose
The purpose of the Food Safety and Growth Initiative Intake 2 is to stimulate sector growth by enabling eligible small agri-food businesses to strengthen their food safety and traceability systems, promoting public trust. The initiative supports risk mitigation and resiliency, allowing businesses to respond to market demands and improve their competitiveness. Funding for the Initiative comes from the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP). Up to $2 million has been allocated for the Initiative.
Eligibility
Applicant Eligibility
- This funding is available to Primary Producers, Processors, and Service Providers involved in producing, processing, or handling specific food products.
- Have fewer than one hundred (100) employees at the project location.
Project Eligibility
- Eligible projects must focus on the fruit and vegetable side of the operation and focus on:
- Modernizing food safety systems
- Adopting new food safety and traceability equipment, technologies, and standards
Funding Available
A Recipient is eligible to receive fifty percent (50%) of Eligible Costs up to a maximum of seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000)
Key Dates
The Initiative will begin accepting applications on October 19, 2026 and end on March 1, 2027, or until funding is fully allocated, whichever comes first. Funding is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Detailed information on eligibility and how to apply for funding can be found on the initiatives website and in the Initiative guidelines.