Ontario’s food processing plants can get a piece of $3 million in new provincial funds for training, research, expert advice and environmental audits.
Of the funding announced Thursday, $2 million will go to the Alliance of Ontario Food Processors to develop and deliver a program to encourage innovation and productivity.
Funds could go to pay for expert advice on adopting new technologies, skills training or “competitiveness research” for the food sector, including tender fruit and vegetable processing, the province said in a release.
“This funding will kick-start the implementation of our long-term
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sector,” said Jane Graham, executive director of the food processors’ group, in the province’s release.
The other $1 million will go to the Guelph Food Technology Centre, which will carry out environmental and energy audits at food plants. The money will also fund training programs for plant managers to carry out the recommendations from those audits.
“These days, we all need to do our part to conserve energy and reduce
costs,” said Gary Fread, the centre’s CEO, in the province’s release. “This funding will help us help food companies do their part.”
This $3 million pledge comes from a $20 million provincial package announced Dec. 14 for initiatives that benefit the province’s cattle, hog and horticulture sectors, along with $130 million in direct aid for eligible producers in those sectors.
