Guelph, ON (August 25, 2023) – Bioenterprise Canada Corporation (Bioenterprise) is pleased to announce the successful applicants for the third and fourth round of the FoodShift program. Thirteen (13) southern Ontario food and beverage processors have been selected to receive funding to lead clean technology adoption projects to integrate technologies that will help significantly reduce their carbon footprint and transition towards 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.
“Carbon continues to be a priority for the Government of Canada as we seek to answer global questions about food security and sustainability across the food and agricultural sectors,” says Dave Smardon, CEO at Bioenterprise. “This round of projects supported through FedDev Ontario leads us closer to a net-zero food economy, and to the growth and leadership of Ontario’s sustainable technologies on a global stage. Congratulations to our innovative recipients and the teams continuing to show the economic impact of a future-focused ecosystem.”
As Bioenterprise 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. Successful applicants 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.
“I would like to congratulate the 13 companies that have been accepted into the FoodShift program. You are joining a group of companies that have committed to a cleaner, more sustainable future for all Canadians. The Government of Canada is happy to support you as you work to reach your potential and contribute to a green economy.”
The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
“Guelph is a city full of potential in the food sector, and proudly home to Bioenterprise. I want to congratulate the named participants on being a part of this round in the Bioenterprise’s FoodShift program! Southern Ontario’s food sector is growing and will thrive as a result of your hard work,”
Lloyd Longfield, Member of Parliament for Guelph.
We would like to congratulate the following program recipients:
- Asian Legend To Go Inc. (Markham, ON)
- Delmar Foods (St. Mary’s, ON)
- EarthFresh Farms Inc. (Burlington, ON)
- Fresh City Farms (Toronto, ON)
- Real Food For Real Kids (Etobicoke, ON)
- Thornbury Craft Co. (Thornbury, ON)
- Dunrobin Distilleries Ltd.(Vankleek Hill, ON)
- Ippolito Fruit and Product Ltd. (Burlington, ON)
- Mackinnon Brewing and Distilling Ltd. (Bath, ON)
- Maple Leaf Foods Inc. (Mississauga, ON)
- Tillsonburg Custom Foods (London, ON)
- Unilever Canada Inc-Rexdale (Etobicoke, ON)
- Village Juicery Inc. (Mississauga, 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.
