Canadian A2 Milk, Loretto $78,000

Haanview Farms, will produce, sell and market A2 milk - a niche milk product that will be the first of its kind in Canada. A2 milk differs from regularly consumed and conventionally produced A1 milk due to its easier digestible protein properties that reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.

Haanview Farms will invest in milking system which identifies their A2 cows, and storage equipment to separate their A2 and A1 milk. Partner Sheldon Creek Dairy will process the milk into a variety of products.

Exploring Agronomic Practices for a Local Tigernut Industry, Guelph $22,000

The University of Guelph will conduct five small plot research trials to evaluate agronomic best practices for growing tiger nuts. The work will involve Chufa Company, an Ontario based food and beverage company, interested in supporting the development of locally grown tiger nuts to replace imports used in their food and beverage products.

Premium Organic Meats Aggregation and Marketing Hub Feasibility Study, Guelph $37,500

The Organic Council of Ontario will assess the feasibility and marketability of a premium organic meat aggregation, processing and marketing hub in Bruce/Huron. Several farmers in this region currently exceed organic standards but are selling their meat as conventional with its associated lower prices. A hub would enable the aggregation and provision of their high-end products to markets currently taken up by imports.

Tools of the Trade - Enhancing Agri-Technology for Local Producers, Elora $15,000

AgSights will help local food producers and processors expand their market access through increased uptake of enhanced online traceability tools. They will launch a redesigned Go360 bioTrack system with farmers (beef, sheep, goat, veal, poultry and dairy) and an enhanced bioLinks system with processors, enabling better documentation and tracking of production protocols.

Ottawa Food Hub Expansion, Ottawa $25,000

Mountain Path and Just Food will expand the capacity of the Ottawa food hub by investing in refrigeration equipment upgrades and by implementing a customized online portal to their existing website in order to better connect the hub’s producers and customers.

Investing in Packhouse/Food Hub Equipment, Wilsonville $105,000

Procyk Farms will invest in an automated packaging process for local bell peppers, zucchinis, and tomatoes. Procyk expects to work with seven new farmers and increase local food sales by more than $1 million through sales at major retailers, Loblaw's, Sobey's, and Metro.

Increasing Market Access for Ontario Tree Fruit and Fresh Grape Farmers, St. Catharines $250,000

The Tender Fruit Growers, Ontario Fresh Grape Growers and Ontario Apple Growers will work in partnership to help transition their farmers to plant new varieties that are of higher value, have higher disease tolerance and that can be planted closer together. This project will establish best practices and increase profitability for local fruit farmers; making growers more competitive.

Value Added Cider Products, Hampton $10,000

Geissberger Farmhouse Cider will work towards monetizing the pulp waste from Ontario cider by creating two new value added products, apple cider vinegar gummies for consumption, and pelletized pulp for use in feed and other purposes.

Good Grains Grow in Ontario, Fergus $28,000

The purchase of a delivery truck and other equipment will allow 1847 Stone Milling to pilot providing their flour in bulk to the University of Guelph Foodservices, who has agreed to purchase and showcase the product. To capitalize on the increased exposure and to prepare for possible sales to other institutions, 1847 Stone Milling will produce a short documentary video on their flour’s unique production process.

Cross-Regional Co-operative Value Chain Coordination Project, Warren $40,000

Local Food and Farm Co-ops (LFFC) will strengthen ties between northern producers and food hubs to better access markets in northern and southern Ontario. LFFC will facilitate connections amongst 3 distribution partners, 2-3 processing partners, 10 market partners, and 5 food hubs/coops; promote training materials and engage northwestern Ontario partners in a regional beef branding initiative.