MPP Dunlop Announces that Governments are Strengthening theLocal Food Supply Chain in Simcoe North

The governments of Canada and Ontario are supporting two local agri-food businesses through the Biosecurity Enhancement Initiative, which aims to help agri-food businesses and contributors enhance their biosecurity capabilities and long-term resilience.

Approved local projects include:
• Up to $5,949.65 to implement cattle traceability equipment in the Township of Tiny
• Up to $10,370.99 to purchase and install a new cattle handling chute and handheld reader in the Township of Severn

“This initiative, supports the strength and resilience of Ontario’s agri-food businesses by investing in the latest biosecurity practices and measures critical to protecting our food supply, safeguarding animal health, and ensuring that our local farms and food businesses continue to thrive. We are empowering our producers with the tools needed to face today’s challenges and keep Ontario’s agri-food industry at the forefront of innovation and safety.”

The Biosecurity Enhancement Initiative (BEI) will support 365 projects across the province through an investment of up to $7.5 million. Funding will help farmers, food processors, and other essential farm-supporting agribusinesses protect their operations against disease, enhance operational resilience and improve public trust in our food supply system.

Under the initiative, farmers, processors, and other farm-supporting agri-food businesses were eligible for cost-share funding ranging from 35 per cent to 50 per cent, depending on the project category. Supported activities include the implementation of technologies that reduce the spread of animal and pest diseases and capital upgrades that enhance food safety (such as constructing isolation facilities and wash bays).

“The government is committed to working with our agriculture and food sector to ensure it has what it needs to maintain, strengthen and grow the supply of safe, quality foods for consumers both at home and abroad,” said Rob Flack, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “Through initiatives such as this, we are boosting the resilience of Ontario’s food supply chain and maintaining its place as a trusted source of agri-food products.”

This initiative was developed following discussions with agri-food sector businesses and organizations. The BEI is part of a series of initiatives the government has implemented to enhance food safety in the sector and is funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

The Sustainable CAP is a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s 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 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.