Less Than 2 Weeks Remain to Apply 

Ontario’s Local Food Fund awards 50% grant funding to support projects that increase provincial market “awareness, demand, and access to local (Ontario) foods”.  Funding may be provided for researching, creating, piloting, developing or expanding the distribution, supply chains, networks, production, capacity, provincial markets and sales, education and awareness of local foods.  Eligible third-party costs include engineering and consulting fees, minor equipment, subcontracting, renovations and retrofit expenditures, as well as promotional, training, and administrative costs. The Fund will also contribute to wages of employees specifically hired to work 100% on project-related activities. Export related projects, expenses incurred prior to funding approval, in-kind contributions, salaries, major capital purchases (e.g. land, building, vehicle), leasing, demolition and exterior costs are not eligible for funding. Submissions will be rated on project innovation, application, financial contribution and capability, plus resulting benefits to Ontario’s farmers, economy, employment and agri-food sector. Multi-applicant submissions are preferred and encouraged.