Hello Rossana,

Food and Beverage Industry News - September 2023!

The Labour, Trade and Economic Development Branch supports economic growth

across Ontario’s agri-food value chain by helping businesses, rural communities and

organizations to prosper by providing information, resources and programming, as

well as helping to make direct business connections with buyers, suppliers and

investors.

To contact one of our Economic and Business Advisors please send an email to ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca or call 1-877-424-1300.

Edition features:

• Highlight
• Funding programs
• Trade events
• OMAFRA Webinars
• Industry news
• Research and innovation opportunities
• Resources

HIGHLIGHT

Get Recognized! Excellence in Agriculture Awards

Calling all Ontario agri-food producers, processors, Indigenous, northern, women, organizations and youth innovators! The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs wants to recognize your achievements to Ontario’s economic success.

Ontario's 2023 Excellence in Agriculture Awards program is open for applications until September 14, 2023. Click here for application and the program guidelines.

Or contact the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 for more information!

FUNDING PROGRAMS

Ontario Launches Skills Development Fund Training Stream

The Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream offers funding to organizations for innovative projects that address challenges to hiring, training, or retaining workers, including apprentices, to drive Ontario's economic growth.

The SDF Training Stream supports:

• projects that address the labour shortage and stimulate growth in key sectors of Ontario’s economy
• projects that will increase Ontario's long-term economic competitive advantage by creating a sustainable and resilient workforce
• projects helping people with prior involvement in the criminal justice system, at-risk youth, those with disabilities, Ukrainian newcomers, and others facing barriers to employment

Application deadline is November 17, 2023 at 11:59 pm EST. Get more info and application: Skills Development Fund: Training Stream | ontario.ca

Apply for the Meat Processor Capacity Improvement Initiative (MPCII)

Applications to MPCII will be accepted starting on August 31, 2023, and will remain open until January 31, 2024 or until the program is fully subscribed, whichever comes first. A few additional dates to be aware of:

• Eligible project costs can be incurred as of July 26, 2023.
• Eligible projects must be completed with equipment delivered by March 1, 2024.
• Recipients will have until June 28, 2024 to have their equipment installed.

As a licensed facility you can receive up to $150,000 through cost share funding for activities such as: 

• Purchasing new equipment and adopting new technologies and practices that increase efficiencies and plant productivity
• Engaging the strategic services of a third-party provider (consultants + engineers) to plan for future growth

Details regarding this $10M initiative can be found on our website here.

Sustainable CAP is a five-year (2023-2028), $3.5-billion investment by federal‐provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector.

Apply now for the Grow Ontario Market Initiative!

Canada and Ontario are investing up to $6 million in market development efforts under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) to help eligible agri-food businesses and industry organizations expand into domestic and foreign markets.

The Grow Ontario Market Initiative is a new, cost-share initiative that helps food and beverage processors, farm businesses and agri-food sector organizations take actions to reach new markets. Examples of eligible projects could include:



• market analysis and planning
• product development activities
• new market-entry promotional efforts to expand opportunities for Ontario food products

Under the Grow Ontario Market Initiative, applicants can receive up to 50 per cent cost share for eligible costs, to a maximum of $60,000 per business for producers and food and beverage processors, and up to $125,000 for sector organizations. Eligible businesses can apply for support through this program opened on May 19, 2023.

Grow Ontario Market Initiative Guidelines and Application can be found on the website here.

Sustainable CAP is a five-year (2023-2028), $3.5-billion investment by federal‐provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector.

2024 Grains Innovation Fund – Accepting Applications 

The Grains Innovation Fund – Market Development initiative, invites innovators spanning the entire value chain, encompassing participants from the grain handling system, food, and feed manufacturers, bioproduct pioneers, marketers, retailers, and beyond.

Funding is available to support development of new and reformulated products and processes which have the potential to expand the market for Ontario barley, corn, oat, soybean and wheat crops or crop residues. Projects which satisfy the eligibility criteria established for this fund can receive up to 60% of the cost of the project up to a maximum of $75,000.

Applications for the 2024 Grains Innovation Fund must be submitted by email to hmicallef@gfo.ca by 4 p.m. on November 3, 2024.

Grain Farmers of Ontario has identified specific themes that are a priority for investment, though all project proposals that meet the fund criteria will be considered:

• Food processing projects that have the potential to utilize large volumes of commodity grains and oilseeds for novel uses
• Projects focused on next generation bio-economy grains-based solutions such as renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel and bio-based materials like compostable plastics
• Projects for the feed industry that maximize the potential for Ontario grains in animals’ diets
• Projects that will support new, scalable, value-added processing opportunities in Ontario
• Projects with significant market reach that promote Ontario grain- and oilseed-based products in a positive manner that can demonstrably increase customer awareness and demand

For more information on the program and application details, please visit the Grain Farmers of Ontario website. 

Strategic Energy Management Program - Apply Now!

Applications are being accepted now!

Save on Energy recently launched a new program for industrial, commercial, and institutional organizations in Ontario. This Strategic Energy Management (SEM) Program places organizations within a cohort of peers to receive coaching, training, peer support, and financial incentives to help meet their energy reduction goals.

Given the importance of the food and beverage sector in Ontario, the program plans to build a dedicated Food & Beverage Cohort to address specific energy challenges and opportunities in the sector and support efforts to reduce utility costs and improve sustainability. We encourage you to join your peers and take part.

Program Highlights:

• Earn up to $5000 towards energy management tools
• Earn up to $100,000 in performance incentives per year (at $0.02 per kWh saved)
• Participate in facilitated activities to identify energy-saving opportunities at your facility and Identify gaps in your energy management practices
• Work with experts to develop a facility baseline model to monitor energy performance

To connect directly with the SEM Program team, schedule a 15 minute zoom call with an SEM Coach. 

Funding to Adopt New Technologies through CDAP

The Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) offers funding to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt new digital tools in order to stay competitive.

CDAP comprises two separate funding components:

• Grow your Business online grants will help businesses adopt e-commerce technologies are eligible for this $2,400 micro-grant.

• Boost your Technology funding helps SMEs that want to further improve their productivity and be competitive in the digital marketplace. Applicants can receive 90% up to a maximum cost of $15,000 or an interest free loan of up to $100,000.

More information can be found on the website.

TRADE EVENTS

Global Showcase - International B2B Program

Taking place in Toronto, on Wednesday, October 25^th, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) invites you to register for an exclusive, international business-to-business program.

Meet global retail buyers from destinations such as the US, Mexico, Europe and Southeast Asia. Your company will meet with these international buyers in a pre-scheduled one-on-one, business-to-business (B2B) setting.

Register Now!

You will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Exhibit in the Ontario Pavilion at Grocery Innovations Canada!

Exhibit in the Ontario Pavilion at GIC tradeshow to increase your visibility and get a turn-key booth package for the discounted rate of $2,050 – a savings of $900!

When: October 24^th-25^th, 2023

Where: Toronto Congress Centre

To register your booth please contact Rolster Taylor, rtaylor@cfig.ca or by phone at (416) 492-4878.

Connect and grow your business and sales with the direct route to grocery shelves across the province and the country! Participate in the must attend industry B2B event, Grocery Innovations Canada with over 5,600 of the nation’s leading grocery retailers and decision-makers! Buyers, wholesalers, distributors and foodservice and restaurant representatives are in attendance to discover the thousands of innovations at the exhibition.  

For more information visit the GIC Tradeshow Website.

The Canadian Health Food Association Natural Organic Wellness (CHFA NOW) Conference and Trade Show is coming to the Exhibition Place! Visit the OMAFRA booth #303 from Sept 23-24th to gain industry insights, network, and more! For more info, visit: chfanow.ca/toronto

CHFA NOW is a must attend event for anyone who works in the natural, organic and wellness industry in Canada.

You can reach Stephen Smith, OMAFRA’s Economic and Business Advisor at Stephen.p.smith@ontario.ca

OMAFRA WEBINARS

Webinar: How to Pitch Your Food and Beverage Products, September 20th

On September 20th at 9:30 am EDT join the Government of Ontario in collaboration with Innovate by Day for a free webinar to learn more about how to pitch your food and beverage company to international buyers. This free webinar will provide insights on how to prepare a capabilities statement, preparing your website for international clients, and best practices for pitching your food and beverage company to buyers.

Register here to attend the Webinar

For more information contact Guru Bhatia, Economic and Business Advisor at Guru.bhatia@ontario.ca

Join Us for the First Session of the 2023-2024 Teeny Tiny Summit on September 26th!

The 2023-2024 Teeny Tiny Summit series kicks off on September 26th at 9:30 am, featuring the renowned Peter Kenyon from the Bank of IDEAS, who will share stories of communities building from within, and the role that local leaders can take in mobilizing and connecting community assets. 

Mark Your Calendar: September 26th, 9:30 am for this free virtual event

This virtual event is your chance to connect, learn, and collaborate with like-minded individuals who share a passion for Ontario’s Teeny Tiny places. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a community leader, or a rural volunteer, the Teeny Tiny Summit is right for you.

To sign up for this free virtual event visit this link. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Webinar: US Natural Foods Market October 18^th at 1:00pm

Free Webinar: US Natural Food Market – Oct 18, 2023, 1pm-2pm EDT. Join us and Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) to explore trends, opportunities, upcoming events, and COTA's services.

Register here

Topics will include:

•  Natural Products Trends and Opportunities in the US
• Canada Organic Trade Association
• Upcoming industry events in North America

Webinar: Maximizing Plant Effectiveness – November 7^th at 10:00 am EST

On Tuesday, November 7^th at 10:00 am EST, join the Ontario Government, and Food and Beverage Ontario, for a free webinar exploring pathways to manufacturing plant efficiency. This webinar provides an overview of OMAFRA’s publication, The Food Manufacturers’ Playbook, a tactical guide to efficient processes and environmental performance.

Register here

Learn:

• How unplanned downtime, utility use, labor productivity, yield on inputs and the cost of waste management are connected 
• What variables interact and can be managed to improve margins and environmental performance
• When to improve uptime and output with fewer inputs
• Where communication and data management connect
• Why the game plan for action is a sequence of actions

Webinar: E-Commerce for Canadian Exports – December 4^th at 10:00 am EST

E-Commerce is transforming the landscape for Ontario food suppliers, allowing them to reach a larger, more diverse audience. The US is the largest and most accessible market for Ontario suppliers and for Ontario online retailers selling across the boarder is a logical first step.

On Monday, December 4th at 10:00 am EST, join the Government of Ontario and the Trade Commissioner Service from Washington D.C. for a free webinar webinar on E-Commerce for Canadian Exports.

Topics include:

• Overview of the US market
• Logistical considerations for exporting
• How to leverage e-commerce platforms for export success
• 
  

Register here!

INDUSTRY NEWS

Join Meat & Poultry Ontario for the Meating Place Conference in Muskoka, Oct 20 & 21

Join Meat and Poultry Ontario at the beautiful JW Marriott Muskoka for a one-of-a-kind event dedicated to inspiring and bringing together leaders in the meat industry. The Meating Place Conference is back, and this year, they are taking their theme to new heights with “Revive and Thrive.”

Are you ready to harness the power of leadership and drive your organization towards unparalleled success? Then mark your calendars for October 20 – 21 and secure your spot at this premier gathering of industry professionals, thought leaders, and visionaries. Register to attend by September 22!

Looking for Qualified New Hires or Young Talent?  

Visit Food and Beverage Ontario's CareersNOW! for easy access to free resources and services designed for food and beverage industry employers, hiring managers and HR professionals. Participate in an upcoming virtual job fair, post a job, or hire a college or university student with specific skills and receive wage subsidies.

Start here!

Hire a University of Guelph Co-op Student for Winter 2024

It's quick and easy to find the ideal candidate to help with your recruitment needs. Hire a student from +60 programs for 4 or 8 months. Interviews begin on September 22 and continue throughout the semester. Get more information on the University of Guelph website.

New DEI Training for Food & Beverage Employers 

Food Processing Skills Canada is now offering new DEI training starting with "The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Conscious Organization". This e-course has been designed for employers, senior leaders, and HR professionals to gain insights on DEI principles of fairness, respect and collaboration, and to learn strategies on how to create an inclusive workplace. The course's expert-led modules guide learners in navigating workforce challenges, enhancing employee engagement, and increasing productivity. Broaden your leadership skills and make workplace culture improvements that will drive a welcoming and cohesive organization. 

Learn More about the DEI e-course!

Temporary Foreign Worker Program Recognized Employer Pilot (REP)

Canada Employment and Workforce Development has launched a three-year pilot meant to help to address labour shortages and reduce the administrative burden for repeat employers participating in the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program who demonstrate a history of complying with program requirements. Employers who become recognized will gain access to Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) validity periods of up to 36 months, and, if required, simplified LMIA applications to hire additional workers in the future.

REP will be rolled out in two stages:

• Stage one begins in September 2023, when employers in the Primary Agriculture stream will be able to apply in time for the 2024 season
• Stage two begins in January 2024 and opens intake to all other industry sectors

 Applications for both streams will be accepted until September 2024.

To participate in REP, employers must have a minimum of three positive LMIAs for the same occupation over the past five years from a list of occupations that have been designated as in-shortage and supported using Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) data.

Falls from Under 3-metres can be Fatal: How to Prevent Them

After a worker died from a fall under 3 metres, an Ontario manufacturer was fined $325,000. Learn why they were charged and how to prevent this tragedy in your workplace. Find out how WSPS can help.

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION OPPORTUNITIES

The Centre for Research & Innovation (CRI) offers funding and free project consultation to grow your agri-food business!

CRI is a leading food innovation research facility that specializes in nutritional and shelf-life testing for product development and validation.

Services include:

• nutritional labeling
• shelf-life testing
• bioextraction of plant materials
• batch and continuous fermentations
• analysis of proteins, fats and carbohydrates
• analysis of minerals (iron, calcium, etc.)

Funding up to $100,000 per eligible project is available. For a free project consultation, contact Andrew Kaszowski at a_kaszowski@fanshawec.ca

Learn more about their capabilities and successes: fanshawec.ca/research

Get Ready for Retail: R&D Support Available at George Brown College

The Food Innovation & Research Studio works with companies of all sizes to tackle food science challenges and get you ready for retail. FIRSt offers support in product development, optimization, shelf-life testing, nutritional analysis, consumer sensory feedback and much more from our lab at George Brown College in downtown Toronto. The team of food scientists, chefs, and industry professionals are ready to be your R&D experts.

Find out about who we are and what we do at our website!

Aiming to launch a new beverage product? Niagara College’s HACCP Certified Beverage Pilot Plant can help!

Niagara College helps you to be market-ready by focusing on getting the food safety and quality parameters right at the initial stages of development so you can prove your concept in the market, and be confident in your next steps of scaling to commercial co-packing/manufacturing. They de-risk the product launch process and plug in where you need support most by helping to:

• develop, reformulate, and initial scale-up new (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) beverage products
• provide GMP food safe small batch processing from 50 L to 1,000 L
• de-risk process and formula optimization through pilot trials and scale-up feasibility studies
• conduct food safety risk assessments, shelf-life studies, beverage formulation, mixing, carbonating, bottling/canning, and pasteurization
• ensure peace of mind by being HACCP Certified, CFIA Licenced under Safe Food for Canadians Act and Approved for Inter-provincial Trade, and AGCO compliant
• provide fee-for-service rates and funding options that can offset applied research project costs subject to eligibility criteria

Click here to contact Niagara College and get the conversation started!

Conestoga Food Research and Innovation Lab (CFRIL) is your partner in applied food research

With Conestoga College's research network integrating the expertise of their industry experts at the Institute of Food Processing Technology, School of Hospitality & Culinary Arts and Packaging Technology they offer support from concept to finished product. From their 8,000 sq ft pilot plant to culinary arts labs they can test at a scale that best suits your current business needs. Their pilot plant offers end-to-end beverage, retort, vegetable processing and bakery lines, along with vertical flow wrapping, tray sealing and vacuum sealing.

Reach out to Nicole Detlor at ndetlor@conestogac.on.ca to discuss how they can collaborate or check out their website to learn more about their capabilities.

Foodpreneur Advantage -Introductory Workshops

Foodpreneur Advantage offers a collection of entrepreneurial food related programming. They provide introductory workshops for any food related business and comprehensive programs for scalable food and beverage manufacturing ventures that produce consumer packaged goods (CPG).

Explore the seminars and programs profiled here.