The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $1 million over two years through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) to support productivity and growth in the province’s maple syrup sector.
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The Maple Production Improvement Initiative will provide eligible maple syrup producers access to cost-shared funding to support a range of activities to enhance their operations.
Project costs can be applied retroactively to April 1, 2023, when Sustainable CAP officially launched.
“Ontario’s maple syrup producers continue to deliver exceptional products that are enjoyed here in Canada, and around the world,†said the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, federal minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
“This initiative is an investment in future growth,and will bring more operational efficiency to the sector.â€
Under the Maple Production Improvement Initiative, applicants can receive up to 50 per cent cost-share funding for eligible costs, to a maximum of $20,000 per project.
Eligible businesses can apply for support through this program starting on November 9, 2023.
The initiative will support the purchase and installation of upgraded production equipment for eligible syrup producers, that increase productivity, efficiency and growth, such as reverse osmosis or remote monitoring systems.
It will also provide funding to cover a portion of certain woodlot management activities, including tree marking and the development of a forest plan, to assist the operation of eligible businesses.
This initiative was developed following discussions with sector businesses. It builds on other actions the government has taken to support the overall agri-food sector’s growth, such as a Minister-led agri-food trade mission to Japan and Vietnam in February 2023.
It also follows recent committed investments of up to $6 million through the Grow Ontario Market Initiative and more than $68 million through the Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Initiative.
To be eligible, applicants must have a minimum of 1,000 taps in operation, as of April 1, 2023 and meet other criteria. ■