Federal, provincial governments to plump up agribusinesses in Ontario

Support comes as farmers seek to enter new and international markets.

Farmers and agribusinesses in Ontario are getting as much as $14.6m (CA$20m) in government support to help them export local produce from the province.

A collaboration between the federal and provincial governments via the Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative, the funding is aimed at backing Ontario's agribusiness sector in terms of competitiveness and market reach.

Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness Trevor Jones noted: "This investment will help our local farmers and agribusinesses sell more products grown in Ontario to markets around the world.

"Our government is proud to support the farmers and businesses who drive our nearly CA$52b agri-food sector forward each and every day."

According to Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald, the goal is to provide more reliable export opportunities to farmers and food processors in Ontario.

"We are building a stronger, more resilient future for agriculture by improving market access and leveraging our shared strengths," MacDonald said.

Interested Ontario farmers and agribusinesses will have one month from 17 February to submit their project proposals. Funding through the Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative will cover a portion of approved project costs.