August 2022
PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT

Second Round of the Ontario Agri-Careers Support Initiative Now Open
The Ontario Agri-Careers Support Initiative (Initiative) is aimed at growing the labour market for food processing businesses by either enticing people to become employed by food processors or remain employed by food processors. The Initiative has been designed to support innovative pilot projects that are tailor-made to address specific needs of employees at a community-based level so food processors can attract and retain workers.

Eligible applicants are Ontario-based food processors that have over 50 employees at the time of application. Food processors include operational businesses that are manufacturers and currently directly involved in the transformation of agricultural commodities, foods, beverages or agri-based bio-products in Ontario that:

  • are heavily impacted by labour shortages; and
  • have the capacity to pilot innovative solutions to attract and retain employees.

Businesses can apply on their own or as a business collaboration.The maximum cost-share funding assistance available through the Initiative is:

  • up to 70 per cent of total eligible project costs to a maximum of $80,000 for applicants that only have one business associated with the application, or
  • up to 70 per cent of total eligible project costs to a maximum of $200,000 for applicants that have more than one business associated with the application

Further information can be found in the Program Guide and the application materials are available on the AAC website.