New Programs from OMAFRA to enhance protection of workers health and safety against COVID-19
1. Agri-Tech Innovation Program
Recognizing the importance of keeping Ontario’s agri-food sector strong through the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Agri-Tech Innovation cost-share program will support the modernization of workplaces, by funding projects to implement advanced or innovative technology (such as automation and robotics), that will enhance the protection of workers health and safety against COVID-19, lead to business efficiencies and productivity, and help build the sector’s resilience. Announced in April by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the new $25.5 million merit-based, cost-share program will help farming operations and processor businesses adopt innovative and new technologies to enhance the health and safety of workers and improve the sector’s efficiency and productivity. The first intake runs from May 17 to June 21, 2021.
The Agri-Tech Innovation Program guidelines and application form can be accessed here, and a recording of the May 17, 2021 webinar can be viewed here.
Please contact the Agricultural Information Contact Centre (AICC) with any questions you may have about the Early Adopters Funding Stream – toll-free: 1-877-424-1300 or email ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca.
2. Enhanced Agri-Food Workplace Protection Program
The Government of Ontario is providing continued support to help agri-businesses guard against the spread of COVID-19 in agri-food workplaces so that worker/employee health and safety is protected, and the sector is supported.
Program applications are accepted for eligible items ordered on or after January 1, 2021 and received on or after March 13, 2021. Applications are received and assessed on a continuous basis, while funding is available or until November 30, 2021 at 11:59pm.
For more information on the Enhanced Agri-Food Workplace Protection Program, review the guidelines here. You can also contact OMAFRA directly with any questions about the program at ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca