Guelph, ON (May 12th, 2023) – Bioenterprise Canada Corporation (Bioenterprise) is pleased to announce successful second-round applicants for the FoodShift program. Eight southern Ontario food and beverage processors have been selected to receive funding for the adoption of clean technologies into their operations in support of the transition toward a net-zero future.
The Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), is supporting Bioenterprise with an investment of nearly $2 million to deliver the FoodShift program. The program provides successful applicants with up to $50,000 in non-repayable, project-based, matching funding to lead their clean technology adoption projects.
“Ontario has once again demonstrated its capacity and enthusiasm to innovate and adopt sustainable solutions in food processing. Global demand for more conscientious operations has led us to a series of new partnerships and projects under the FoodShift initiative,” says Dave Smardon, CEO at Bioenterprise. “FedDev Ontario continues to support our progress toward a true net-zero food economy, and our successful projects will bolster not only our sustainability mandate, but also Ontario’s economy and future-ready operations. I anticipate significant impacts from each of our successful applicants!”
As Bioenterprise Canada expands its national membership program, Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine, key regional targeted matchmaking initiatives like the FoodShift program enhance ties between industry and funding. In southern Ontario, the FoodShift program connects clean technology organizations with industrial end-users in food and beverage processing. Ultimate recipients are employing funds to embrace greater automation and integrate technologies that reduce waste and energy consumption while improving process efficiencies throughout the agri-food value chain. FoodShift is intended to act as a catalyst for the transition to a green economy and reduce the sector’s carbon footprint.
“Congratulations to the eight companies that have been accepted into the FoodShift program. By committing to cleaner, more sustainable processes, you are leading the way toward a greener economy that will benefit us all for generations to come,” said the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
“It’s an honour to host Bioenterprise’s FoodShift program in Guelph, and I want to congratulate the named participants on being a part of Round 2! Your efforts continue to grow southern Ontario’s food sector here in southern Ontario,” said Lloyd Longfield, Member of Parliament for Guelph.
We would like to congratulate the following program recipients:
Auvergne Farms (Jakeman’s) (Beachville, ON)
Coke Canada Bottling (Brampton, ON)
Gerber Meats (Millbank, ON)
Glengarry Cheesemaking (Lancaster, ON)
Lou’s Kitchen (Stoney Creek, ON)
PastaCo (Burlington, ON)
Skilcor Food Products (Brampton, ON)
Sleeman Breweries (Guelph, ON)
Join our mailing list for updates on the FoodShift program or contact Bioenterprise Canada today to explore the other programs and commercialization support services being offered nationally.
Media Contacts
Liza Knill, Program Coordinator, Bioenterprise Canada, liza.knill@bioenterprise.ca
Edward Hutchinson, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca
About Bioenterprise Canada
Bioenterprise is Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine. As the country’s national agri-technology focused commercialization accelerator, Bioenterprise uses its 20 years of industry experience and its national and international network of experts, mentors, funders, advisors, researchers, government and industry partners to help small and medium-sized agri-food businesses connect, innovate and grow.
Since its inception in 2003, Bioenterprise has supported over 2,500 innovative ag-tech companies, helped launch 2,000 technologies, generated $285 million in follow-on investment in Canadian agriculture and agri-food, and yielded a 200:1 return on invested dollars. The organization has six locations across Canada and more than 350 members and partners nationwide.
About FedDev Ontario
For 13 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth, and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our pivotal projects, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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