Ontario opens second intake of $2M food safety funding for small agri-food producers
The Ontario Food Safety and Growth Initiative is accepting applications from small agri-food businesses seeking up to $75,000 per project to upgrade food safety systems and equipment.
Govgrant newsroomOctober 11, 2026 · 1 min read
- Funding available
- Up to $75,000 per project
- Total investment
- $2 million across Ontario
- Who can apply
- Small agri-food businesses with fewer than 100 employees at the project location
- Application opens
- October 19, 2026
- Application deadline
- March 1, 2027 or until funding is fully committed
- Delivered by
- Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness with federal support
What was announced
The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing $2 million through the Food Safety and Growth Initiative to help small agri-food businesses across the province modernize operations and strengthen food safety practices. This marks the second intake of the program, which builds on a successful first round in 2024 that supported 90 projects and generated more than 70 full- and part-time jobs.
Who can apply
Eligible businesses must operate in the agri-food sector, producing, processing, or servicing specific products such as bagged salads, cheese, and ice cream. A key requirement is that the business must have fewer than 100 employees at the project location. The source notes that eligibility requirements may differ from the first intake, so applicants should verify specific criteria on the official program page.
How funding can be used
Grants of up to $75,000 per project can be directed toward a range of food safety and operational improvements. Eligible uses include investments in food safety equipment and technology, food traceability systems, and process improvements designed to increase efficiency and help businesses meet evolving consumer and market demands.
Key dates and next steps
The second intake officially opens on October 19, 2026, with applications accepted until March 1, 2027, or until all available funding is committed. Businesses interested in applying should visit Ontario.ca to review program details and full eligibility requirements before submitting an application.
Frequently asked questions
Can a business with more than 100 employees apply?
No. Eligible businesses must have fewer than 100 employees at the project location where the improvements will be made.
What types of businesses qualify under this program?
Small agri-food businesses that produce, process, or service specific products such as bagged salads, cheese, and ice cream are eligible. Check Ontario.ca for the complete list of qualifying product categories and other eligibility details.
See which grants fit your business.
Free to start. Ten minutes to your first matches.
