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Discover how Canada and Ontario are joining forces to sweeten the pot for maple syrup producers, with up to $1 million in investment through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP). This initiative aims to enhance productivity and growth in Ontario’s maple syrup industry, benefiting farmers, agronomists, agricultural engineers, farm owners, and scientists in the agricultural sector.
The governments of Canada and Ontario have recently announced an exciting initiative aimed at boosting the production and growth of Ontario’s maple syrup sector. This initiative, known as the Maple Production Improvement Initiative, is set to receive up to $1 million in funding over two years through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP). It’s a development that holds immense promise for the region’s maple syrup producers, and it has caught the attention of everyone involved in agriculture.
Government Support for Sweet Success
The Maple Production Improvement Initiative is designed to provide eligible maple syrup producers with access to cost-shared funding, supporting a variety of activities to enhance their operations. This investment is poised to bring operational efficiency to the sector and drive future growth. The federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, notes that this initiative is a strategic investment in the industry’s future.
Lisa Thompson, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, also recognizes the resilience and determination of maple syrup producers in Ontario. She believes that this investment through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership will not only increase production but also support growth targets outlined in the Grow Ontario Strategy.
Under this initiative, eligible businesses can receive up to 50 percent cost-share funding for eligible costs, with a maximum cap of $20,000 per project. Eligible businesses can apply for support starting from November 9, 2023. The funding will support the purchase and installation of upgraded production equipment, such as reverse osmosis or remote monitoring systems, that increase productivity, efficiency, and growth. Additionally, it will provide financial assistance for woodlot management activities, including tree marking and forest plan development, aimed at helping eligible businesses operate more effectively.
A Sector on the Rise
This initiative was developed in consultation with sector businesses and aligns with other government actions to support the growth of the agri-food sector, such as trade missions and substantial investments through various initiatives. To be eligible for funding, applicants must have a minimum of 1,000 taps in operation as of April 1, 2023, and meet other specified criteria.
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a substantial five-year investment aimed at strengthening the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based products sector. This partnership, running from 2023 to 2028, involves a $3.5-billion commitment by federal, provincial, and territorial governments. It includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities, with the remaining $2.5 billion being cost-shared between federal and provincial/territorial governments for programs tailored to each region’s needs.
Quick Facts:
The Maple Production Improvement Initiative will be managed by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA), with more details available online via the OSCIA website.
Eligible costs will be retroactive to April 1, 2023.
Applicants must also have or be enrolled in specific registrations or programs to be eligible.
In 2022, the maple industry value chain in Ontario contributed over 1,000 jobs and nearly $42 million in gross domestic product (GDP).
The Sustainable CAP prioritizes building sector capacity and growth, aligning with the goals set forth in The Guelph Statement.
The governments of Canada and Ontario are making significant investments in Ontario’s maple syrup sector, aiming to sweeten the deal for maple syrup producers. The Maple Production Improvement Initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership promises to enhance productivity, efficiency, and growth in the industry, benefiting maple syrup farmers and the broader agricultural community. With substantial financial support and a commitment to maple tree production, this initiative is poised to create a sweeter future for Ontario’s maple syrup sector.
