Among all of the crops produced by Canadian farmers, apples and greenhouse tomatoes generate some of the highest revenues. In 2015 alone, Canadian agriculture farmers earned over $230 million from apple sales and nearly $830 million from greenhouse tomatoes, each boasting strong domestic and international sales. However, pests and bacteria can pose a threat to…
Ontario’s agri-food industry continues to experience sustained growth and is an economic leader within the province. In 2015, farming and food processing employed approximately 1 in 9 Ontarians and contributed $36.4 billion in GDP to the province, representing nearly 6% of Ontario’s total GDP. In fact, food processing contributes 15% of the province’s total manufacturing…
As a continued push towards supporting one of Ontario’s pivotal industries, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) announced earlier this year that 24 small and mid-sized agricultural businesses from Barrie and Dufferin Country will receive Ontario government grants. Funding provided to these companies is being awarded from the Growing Forward 2…
Treasure Mills Inc. has been recently announced as recipients of the Growing Forward 2 Ontario government funding program. The company will leverage up to $100,000 in Ontario small business grants to purchase/install automated baking and washing equipment while also improving their drainage and refrigeration systems. The Aurora, Ontario food processor is the latest of many…
British Columbia is emerging as a national leader for innovative technology development within the agricultural industry. To stimulate this growth, the federal and B.C. provincial government have partnered to provide grants to businesses, industry associations, and non-profits who are commercializing or adopting innovative products, processes, or technologies for use in the agri-food industry. The Canada-BC…
For years, Growing Forward 2 (GF2) has provided agricultural producers and processors a critical source of business investment. The Canadian government funding program, administered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), provides farms and food processors with small business grants to become more competitive and innovative. When Growing Forward 2 launched in 2013, the federal contributed…
20 wineries from across Ontario were announced as recipients of government funding during Ontario Wine Week 2016. These 20 growing businesses will receive a total of $856,000 to continue their growth and contribution to the local economy. This investment provided through Growing Forward 2 (GF2) Ontario renews the province’s commitment to aiding the expansion and…
Based in Guelph, Ontario, Wellington Brewery produces micro-brewed small batch beers made from fresh, all-natural ingredients. As Canada’s oldest independently owned microbrewery, the company is known for their award-winning selection of products and friendly team of over 60 employees. Wellington Brewery is determined to continue this success through consistent upgrades to their product selection, and…
Growing Forward 2 Ontario is a 5-year (2013-2018) Ontario government funding program aimed at supporting innovative, competitive projects led by organizations within the province’s agri-food industry. Nearly $4.5 million is provided to Ontario applicants each year to solve industry challenges and enhance their competitiveness, which in turn boosts the province’s economic output. Through these small business…
One of my favourite Saturday morning routines is shopping at my local farmers’ market. Although all markets have their own schedules, my local market is open year-round and provides the ability to stock up on local produce, cheese, meat, and other fresh agricultural goodies. I try to attend the farmers’ market as often as I…