On September 27, 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 create welcoming communities for international agri-food workers (IAWs) in Ontario and improve access to services during their stay.

Through the International Agri-food Workers (IAW) Welcoming Communities Initiative, funding will be provided to non-profit organizations and municipalities to foster independence of IAWs, improve access to community services and support an inclusive and welcoming environment for the attraction and retention of IAWs in communities across Ontario.

This initiative provides 75 per cent cost-share funding of eligible costs up to $100,000. If there is a demonstrated financial need, a cost-share of up to 85 per cent of eligible costs up to $100,000 may be approved. This is a merit-based funding initiative.  

The application intake for the IAW Welcoming Communities Initiative opens on October 8, 2024 and closes on November 19, 2024 at 11:59pm.

Attend an Information Session Webinar 

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness will be offering 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.

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

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