Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker congratulated Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Ernie Hardeman, on the announcement of this new programming provided through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
The governments of Canada and Ontario are taking action to help Ontario food and agri-product exporters pursue new markets.
The Ontario government is now accepting applications for the Market Access Initiative, a new cost-share funding initiative open to all Ontario food and agri-product exporters to assist them in accessing new markets. The Market Access Initiative will assist with diversification projects and is supported through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
“I’m happy to see the governments of Canada and Ontario taking action to assist farmers in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound and across Ontario confronting market challenges as a result of trade restrictions put in place regarding agricultural imports by China,” said Walker. “Our government stands with Ontario’s farmers and the quality of our pork and beef products.”
Through the Market Access Initiative, sector organizations and businesses can apply for cost-share support for eligible activities that diversify markets for Ontario food products. Eligible projects will include activities such as developing plans to access new international or domestic markets and engaging in new marketing activities to achieve this outcome.
“Through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, we are investing in collaborative and innovative solutions to industry challenges. The government is committed to creating good middle-class jobs by helping our farmers and processors in Ontario and across Canada to compete and succeed in markets at home and around the world,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
“The quality of Ontario’s farm products is and always has been among the best in the world – and trade disputes don’t change this. We’re pleased to apply the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to help expand markets for Ontario’s agri-food industry and to support the sector in its efforts to innovate and be open for business,” said Hardeman.
To date, both the federal and Ontario governments have committed cost-share support to more than 2,000 projects through the Partnership to help eligible farmers, processors, other businesses and sector organizations innovate and grow.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The Canadian Agricultural Partnership in Ontario