Deadline Date: March 17, 2026
Ontario’s Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative supports primary producers and processors in strengthening their presence in domestic and international markets while fostering new market opportunities.
The Initiative focuses on market diversification, trade resiliency, attracting business investment, and creating jobs within Ontario’s agriculture sector.
The Initiative’s priorities include supporting primary producers engaged in crop, livestock, or controlled environment agriculture such as greenhouses and vertical farms, beekeepers, biomass producers, and owners of fruit tree nurseries or packing houses; assisting processors involved in food processing, slaughterhouses, pet and livestock food production, and brand ownership (with exceptions for certain equipment and technology projects); supporting aquaculture and fish or seafood processors specifically for international marketing activities; and funding projects that enhance market development and diversification planning and implementation for products produced or processed in Ontario.
Funding under the Initiative is structured according to project categories. For Market Development and Diversification Implementation Planning, projects that are not exclusively United States-focused can receive 35% of eligible costs up to a maximum of $50,000, while exclusively United States-focused projects can receive 25% of eligible costs up to $50,000. For Implement Market Development and Diversification, non-U.S.-focused projects are eligible for 35% of costs up to $70,000, and U.S.-focused projects are eligible for 25% of costs up to $50,000. For Implementation of Equipment and Technology, applicants can receive 25% of eligible costs up to a maximum of $499,999. The total funding available through the Initiative is up to $20 million provided by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
Eligible applicants must have fewer than 500 employees at the project location, provide a valid CRA Business Number or SIN if eligible, maintain up-to-date Premises ID Numbers, and comply with environmental, labour, tax, and other legal requirements. Primary producers must also hold a valid Farm Business Registration Number, an exemption order, or other recognized eligibility documentation, and beekeepers must have a certificate of registration under the Bees Act. Applicants must submit completed Ministry-approved application forms and supporting documents for activities specified under the Initiative.
For more information, visit Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.
