The governments of Canada and Ontarior recently announced that they are teaming up to invest up to $1 million over two years in Ontario's maple syrup sector through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP). This initiative aims to enhance productivity and growth in the maple syrup industry.
The Maple Production Improvement Initiative, a part of Sustainable CAP, will provide eligible maple syrup producers with access to cost-shared funding. This financial support will enable them to undertake various activities that will improve their operations. These activities include equipment upgrades, such as reverse osmosis or remote monitoring systems, aimed at increasing productivity, efficiency, and overall growth. Additionally, the program covers a portion of woodlot management activities, including tree marking and forest plan development, which will benefit eligible businesses.
The program officially launched on April 1, 2023, under Sustainable CAP, with the option for project costs to be applied retroactively. Starting on November 9, 2023, eligible businesses can apply for support through this initiative. It offers up to 50% cost-share funding for eligible expenses, with a project maximum of $20,000.
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, federal minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, expressed optimism about the initiative's impact, seeing it as an investment in the sector's future growth and operational efficiency. Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, acknowledged the resilience and determination of Ontario's maple syrup producers and how this investment aligns with the Grow Ontario Strategy's growth targets for the broader sector.
Under the Maple Production Improvement Initiative, eligible syrup producers can receive up to 50% cost-share funding for eligible expenses, with a maximum of $20,000 per project. The initiative supports the purchase and installation of upgraded production equipment, such as reverse osmosis or remote monitoring systems, to enhance productivity, efficiency, and growth. It also provides funding for woodlot management activities, including tree marking and forest plan development, benefiting eligible businesses.
To be eligible for this initiative, applicants must have a minimum of 1,000 taps in operation as of April 1, 2023, and meet other criteria.
Sustainable CAP represents a five-year (2023-2028), $3.5-billion investment by federal-provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resilience of the agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs designed and delivered by the provinces and territories.