The federal and Ontario governments are jointly investing up to $1.5 million to support diversity in the agriculture and agri-food sectors through a new initiative aimed at helping under-represented groups build businesses.
The Agricultural Workforce Equity and Diversity Initiative (AWEDI) will provide grants of up to $100,000 to assist minority groups, including Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, persons with disabilities, youth, women, and members of French linguistic minority communities, in establishing or expanding their agri-food ventures. The funding is made available through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), a five-year investment program designed to strengthen the industry’s competitiveness and innovation.
“Making sure we have greater diversity in the agriculture and agri-food sector helps to create a more competitive, inclusive, and resilient food system,” said Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “This initiative will help folks from under-represented groups get started and succeed, while making the sector even stronger.”
Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, Rob Flack, emphasized the economic benefits of fostering diverse entrepreneurial talent. “A priority of our Grow Ontario Strategy is to unlock the full potential of the entrepreneurial talent of our diverse communities to strengthen our $51 billion agrifood sector,” Flack said. “Our government is confident that cultivating new talent in the growing agri-food sector will drive long-term prosperity and innovation while creating good paying agri-food jobs.”
The AWEDI program will accept applications starting on October 8, 2024, with the deadline for submissions set for December 3, 2024. Applications are open to a variety of organizations, including municipalities, research bodies, Indigenous communities, and other entities looking to support under-represented groups in the agriculture sector. Successful projects will focus on providing access to spaces and equipment for growing or processing agri-food products, as well as resources for financing.
The funding is part of Sustainable CAP’s broader $3.5 billion national program, which includes $1 billion in federal initiatives and a $2.5 billion commitment from provincial and territorial governments. This collaboration is designed to enhance the competitiveness and resilience of Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector.
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness will oversee the delivery of the AWEDI program. This initiative aligns with Ontario’s goal of increasing agri-food employment by 10 per cent by 2032, as part of the province’s Grow Ontario Strategy.
Further details on eligibility and application procedures for the program will be available online.
