On September 24, 2024, the governments of Canada and Ontario announced an investment of up to $1.5 million, through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), to help members of underrepresented groups start and grow businesses in the agri-food sector.  

Through the Agricultural Workforce Equity and Diversity Initiative funding will be provided to industry organizations, research bodies, municipalities or Indigenous governments or communities to support projects that help to address barriers for  business ventures in the industry led by members of underrepresented groups including Indigenous peoples, 2SLGBTQI+ people, persons with disabilities, youth, women or members of French linguistic minority communities. 

Projects that support access to equipment, spaces to grow or process agri-food products or resources to help with financing will be considered.

Successful projects are eligible to receive 70 per cent of eligible costs in cost-share funding, up to a maximum of $100,000 per project. Applications demonstrating financial need may be eligible for a higher level of cost-share funding. 

The intake for the Agricultural Workforce Equity and Diversity Initiative opens on October 8, 2024 and closes on December 3rd, 2024 at 11:59pm.  

Attend an Information session webinar:  

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agri-business will be holding webinars for interested applicants about the initiative. Staff will provide an overview and discuss the process for applying to the program. Please bring your questions as there will be a Q&A period.  

Webinar dates and time:  

REGISTER HERE   

To read the guidelines and download an application form visit the website. 

Should you have any questions about this or other programs supporting our agriculture, food and agribusiness, please call 1-877-424-1300.