SEAFORTH – The Ontario government has announced $2 million in funding over two years in the Fertilizer Accelerating Solutions and Technology Challenge.
The announcement was made in Seaforth on Friday, Sept. 23.
According to a release from the province, the funds will support “made-in-Ontario solutions to increase the availability of fertilizer options, alternatives and technology, ensuring farmers have the tools they need so that Ontarians can rely on a safe and stable food supply.”
“We have heard from farmers that action must be taken to increase the domestic supply of fertilizer options. Our government has listened and is introducing an initiative that will generate made-in Ontario alternatives to help farmers secure the inputs they need to succeed, and to support innovative, technology-based solutions to grow the agri-food sector,” said Lisa Thompson, Huron-Bruce MPP and minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs.
“Ensuring that farmers have the tools and products they need to grow good food is vital to the sustainability of Ontario’s food security and keeping the province as a world leader in food production.”
The province is launching the Challenge following consultations with farmers and the agri-food sector. The cChallenge is described as “a competitive opportunity for agri-businesses and organizations that will focus on investing in projects, such as new solutions like biofertilizers, that can help reduce dependency on imported products.”
Details on the Challenge and project guidelines are available at Ontario.ca and on the Bioenterprise website. Applications for eligible applicants will be accepted beginning on Oct. 5, until Nov. 2.
The Challenge will be delivered by Bioenterprise Canada, a national non-profit business accelerator that engages Ontario-based companies in funding opportunities that will bring new and innovative products to market, helping Ontario’s food supply chain and agricultural practices become more efficient and resilient.
It is estimated that Ontario farmers spent more than $1.2 billion on commercial fertilizers and lime, which was applied to more than 6.8 million acres of farmland. The cost of commercial fertilizers and lime increased in 2022 and is expected to stay high.
