The Agriculture Workforce Equity and Diversity Initiative (AWEDI) received $1.5 million in funding to assist minority groups with starting and building agri-food sector businesses.
The funding will allow AWEDI to grant up to $100,000 to support business ventures by primary agricultural producers and food processors from under-represented groups.
This includes Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, people with disabilities, youth, women and members of French linguistic minority communities.
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Ontario grain farmers continue to face financial risks due to high input costs and low commodity prices, Grain Farmers of Ontario Chair Jeff Harrison said at the organization’s annual meeting at the Craigowan Golf Club north of Woodstock Sept. 9.
Rob Flack, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, said in a release the funding dovetails into the Grow Ontario Strategy to “unlock the full potential of the entrepreneurial talent of our diverse communities to strengthen our $51 billion agri-food sector.”
He added that cultivating new talent in the growing agri-food sector drives long-term prosperity and innovation while creating jobs.
AWEDI will accept applications from organizations, research bodies, municipalities or Indigenous communities from Oct. 8 until Dec. 3. Projects must support under-represented groups with better access to financing, business spaces and equipment to grow or process food products.
“Making sure we have greater diversity in the agriculture and agri-food sector helps to create a more competitive, inclusive and resilient food system,” said Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food, in the release.
Funding is provided by the Sustainable Canadian Partnership.
