In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, both the Canadian government and the Ontario government have announced financial assistance measures for individuals and businesses, including farm businesses. This resource includes information about existing programs and new financial assistance measures.
Recent funding announcements:
April 21, 2021: OMAFRA news release: Ontario Investing $25.5 Million in Technology to Protect Agri-Food Workers
The Ontario government is launching a modernized cost-share intake as part of a $25.5 million program to increase the adoption of technological innovations within the agri-food sector to enhance the health and safety of workers and improve the sector’s efficiency and productivity.
- More details: The Agri-tech Innovation Program is a new $22-million cost-share program that will help farming operations and processor businesses adopt innovative and new technologies. This intake will support implementation of sector-specific, unique and innovative technologies in the workplace that enhance protection of workers against COVID-19, lead to increased business efficiencies and productivity, and help build the sector’s resilience. The first intake will run from May 17 to June 21, 2021. Watch for detailed program information and application forms.
April 8, 2021: OMAFRA news release: Ontario Helps Farmers and Agri-food Operators Keep Workers Safe During COVID-19
The Ontario government is providing $10 million to allow more farmers and agri-food operators to purchase personal protective equipment, enhance cleaning and disinfection and redesign workstations to better protect workers. This announcement is part of the 2021 Budget, Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy.
Under the new Enhanced Agri-food Workplace Protection Program, farms and agri-food businesses that hire three or more employees will be eligible for funding. Additional businesses and workers will be eligible including corn detasselers, transporters, hatcheries, and primary processing (e.g., cutting, cleaning, packaging, storage and refrigeration of raw plant foods to prevent food from spoiling before it reaches consumers).
- More details:The Enhanced Agri-food Workplace Protection Program is now open. This new, $10 million funding helps more farmers and agri-food operators purchase personal protective equipment, enhance cleaning and disinfection and redesign workstations to better protect workers. The program will also help farmers who experience unexpected costs as a result of a COVID-19 outbreak among on-farm employees. The intake is open from April 22, 2021, and applications are being accepted until the funding has been fully distributed or until November 30, 2021.
Links to more information about existing programs and new financial assistance measures:
OMAFRA: COVID-19: Resources for the agri-food industry
Agricorp: Connecting producers with programs
OMAFRA: Provincial and Federal COVID-19 Financial Supports for Farmers
AAFC: COVID-19 Financial support for farmers and food processors