Minister Goodyear Announces Investment to Support Ontario’s Food and Beverage Processors

November 10, 2009

GUELPH, ON  — Ontario’s food and beverage processing sector will benefit from a new $20-million investment announced by the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). FedDev Ontario will now accept applications under the Southern Ontario Development Program (SODP) for projects submitted by small- and medium- sized businesses involved in the manufacturing and processing of food and beverages.

“Our government is committed to providing opportunities for small- and medium-sized businesses in Southern Ontario to innovate and create new jobs,” said Minister Goodyear. “This investment will help food businesses in communities all over the region become more competitive and better able to serve consumers.”
“Innovation in the food and beverage processing sector has grown in leaps and bounds in recent years,” says Craig Richardson, Chair of the Alliance of Ontario Food Processors. “This investment will ensure Ontario food and beverage processing businesses can make the investments they need to remain competitive and keep jobs in Ontario.”

This initiative will help existing food and beverage businesses with a proven track record that are looking to expand, modernize, innovate, and/or improve their competitiveness.

Eligible projects include those that expand capacity, improve technology or equipment, improve the productivity and competitiveness of a business, provide access to new markets, innovate products or services, and promote the commercialization of innovations.

Applications for this intake, which is targeted at food and beverage processors, will be accepted until December 22, 2009. FedDev Ontario will favour projects that can be started quickly and completed by March 31, 2010. Applications will be assessed based on merit and against SODP criteria, adjusted for this specific intake, and will be reviewed as they are received by the Agency.

Launched on October 2, 2009, the SODP builds upon the assets and strengths of communities to create an environment where businesses can thrive, and maximize the potential of Southern Ontario with a focus on economic development, innovation and diversification. 
Overall funding for the SODP is $100 million in 2009-10; of which more than $90 million has now been announced. Other aspects of the program will be announced shortly.


To download an application form, please visit www.southernontario.gc.ca.

The Southern Ontario Development Program was established to promote economic development, economic diversification, job creation and sustainable communities in Southern Ontario. The SODP is just one in a series of initiatives introduced in the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan designed to address the short-term effects of the economic decline on communities across Canada, while preparing our communities for long-term growth.