Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector represents one of the country’s major economic opportunities, Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald said following a week-long tour of operations across southern Ontario.
In a statement released Friday, MacDonald said investment in food production, processing, innovation, supply chains, and export markets will be critical to strengthening Canada’s food system and creating new opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses.
The minister’s tour included stops at farms, food processors, manufacturers and industry events across the region. At Arva Flour Mills, he announced Farm Credit Canada’s new $1-billion Agri-food Project Finance Fund, along with $150 million for Velocity Agri-Capital Partners through FCC Capital’s broader investment commitment.
“During my visit to multiple cities across southern Ontario, I saw firsthand how Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector is one of our country’s greatest economic opportunities,” MacDonald said. “By investing in food production and processing, supporting innovation, strengthening supply chains and opening new markets, we can create more opportunities for farmers, producers, and businesses across Canada.”
MacDonald also visited the London Food Bank and Nuhn Industries in Sebringville, a manufacturer serving the liquid manure industry that is seeking to expand its presence in markets across North America, Latin America, Japan, and Africa.
He spoke at the Grain Farmers of Ontario annual meeting in Stratford, toured Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show and addressed a University of Guelph reception. Other stops included Martin’s Family Fruit Farm, Summit Station Dairy, and Collective Arts Brewing in Hamilton.
At Mondelez International’s Hamilton plant, MacDonald discussed investments in processing capacity and the role of domestic food manufacturing in strengthening Canadian food sovereignty.
The minister also announced a $5-million repayable AgriInnovate contribution to Kinghaven Farms to support automation and climate-control technologies at its Haven Greens greenhouse in King City.
