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…
Ontario agri-food processors will soon have another opportunity to apply for the Growing Forward 2 Ontario program. These Ontario government grants provide up to 35-50% of eligible project expenses to a maximum $350,000 to promote innovation, access new markets, and tackle key industry issues preventing long-term sustainability. As part of this funding amount, applicants can…
The Greenbelt Fund is a not-for-profit organization who advocates for the consumption of locally farmed and manufactured agricultural products. Financed by the Government of Ontario, the Greenbelt Fund administers government grants to organizations that increase the accessibility or consumption of local food. Ontario businesses and not-for-profit organizations may receive 50% of eligible project expenses. Not-for-profits…
Milton, Ontario business, Chudleigh’s Ltd., produces and processes high quality dessert food products. Their 100-acre apple farm and 82,000 sq. ft processing facility provides Chudleigh’s with the ability to deliver fresh, locally-sourced food to consumers in Canada and across the world. Chudleigh’s most successful and recognized product, the Apple Blossom®, is a favourite among both…
The Organizations and Collaborations stream of Growing Forward 2 (GF2) Ontario is specifically designed to address challenges faced by the agriculture and agri-food industry within Ontario by supporting key partnerships across the province. Not-for-profits (such as industry organizations) and collaborations (partnerships involving at least two organizations, or organizations and industry or academic partners) can apply…
Ontario’s agri-food industry is one of the country’s fastest growing and highest performing sectors. In 2014, Ontario food and beverage processors accounted for 41% for the country’s processed food and beverage products. The industry continues to grow, and in doing so, has increased provincial gross domestic product (GDP), exports, and job creation in recent years….
The Greenbelt Fund is an Ontario not-for-profit (NFP) organization which works with a variety of food producers, processors, and government organizations to increase the amount of locally grown and processed food options available to Ontario consumers. In doing so, Greenbelt Fund has provided Ontario government funding to over 111 projects which has assisted in more…
Growing Forward 2 Ontario (GF2) is a $400 million government initiative funded through the Government of Ontario and administered by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Farming, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). The program has three streams tailored to address the needs of Ontario agricultural businesses, including a stream for Organizations and Collaborations. Through this specific stream,…
Released in 2013 as a five year, $400 million agri-funding initiative, Growing Forward 2 Ontario (GF2) provides Ontario small business grants to encourage innovation, competitiveness, market development, adaptability, and industry sustainability. Agricultural and agri-food businesses can receive up to 35-50% of project costs related to innovation, strengthening supply chains, productivity, assurance systems, and other key…