An important collaboration between the Canadian and Ontario governments is helping food processing businesses across the province slash energy costs and boost their sustainability. The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) has injected over $16 million through the Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative, supporting 30 projects to optimize energy usage and enhance competitiveness.
Focusing on energy efficiency, the initiative prioritizes investments in new technology, equipment upgrades, and even building modifications. This targeted approach is projected to deliver annual operational cost savings of $3 million for participating businesses, directly impacting their bottom line.
Applicants for the Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative could secure up to 20% cost-sharing, capped at $300,000 per business. With an emphasis on swift implementation, projects must be completed by March 31, 2025.
Here's a glimpse of how the initiative is making a difference:
- Front Road Cellars at Blueberry Hill in Norfolk County secured up to $16,819.61 for installing solar power systems, high-efficiency heat pumps, and radiant heating, paving the way for a more sustainable operation.
- R. Denninger Limited in Hamilton received $6,368.70 to purchase a new pressure washing system, promising reduced natural gas usage and operational expenses.
- Marini Foods Limited in Toronto received up to $165,000 to improve their roofing and HVAC systems, significantly enhancing energy efficiency.
"It's vitally important that we continue to strengthen the agri-food sector in Ontario and right across the country," said the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. "This new funding will help our food processors make their operations more sustainable and energy efficient while protecting their bottom line."
The Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative emerged from close discussions with Ontario's food processing industry, showcasing the government's commitment to supporting the sector's growth. This is further emphasized by the upcoming launch of the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative on February 15, 2024, which dedicates up to $25 million to fuel further innovation and advancement within the industry.
"Ontario is the food processing hub of Canada, and our government is bringing forward a number of programs like the Agri-food Energy Cost Savings Initiative to create the best environment for this sector to continue to grow, produce more food and provide more jobs. Through this Initiative and a host of other actions, we're making significant progress in achieving the ambitious targets set out in our Grow Ontario Strategy," added Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
Sustainable CAP, a comprehensive $3.5 billion investment spanning five years (2023-2028), signifies the combined efforts of federal, provincial, and territorial governments to strengthen the entire agricultural sector. This initiative aims to boost competitiveness, nurture innovation, and build resilience across the entire agricultural, agri-food, and agri-based product landscape.
Highlighting the initiative's impact:
- Boasting over 4,900 businesses, Ontario's food processing sector is a major economic engine, contributing $14.7 billion to the provincial GDP in 2022.
- This initiative aligns with Ontario's ambitious "Grow Ontario Strategy," aiming to boost food production by 30% over a decade and propel agri-food exports by 8% annually.
- Supporting sustainability and innovation within Canada's agriculture and food sector are key objectives of Sustainable CAP, as outlined in "The Guelph Statement" by federal, provincial, and territorial agriculture ministers.