Ontario provides $3 million for industry programs

Jan 31, 2008, Ont. – The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) has announced it will provide The Alliance of Ontario Food Processors with $2 million to design and deliver a program to encourage innovation and productivity in the food processing sector. Program components could include expert advice on adopting new technologies, and skills training and competitiveness research for the food sector.

Jan. 31, 2008, Ont. – The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) has announced it will provide The Alliance of Ontario Food Processors with $2 million to design and deliver a program to encourage innovation and productivity in the food processing sector. Program components could include expert advice on adopting new technologies, and skills training and competitiveness research for the food sector.
The Guelph Food Technology Centre will also receive $1 million to conduct environmental and energy audits at food plants, and to offer training programs for plant managers to implement the changes recommended in the audits.
“We want to ensure that food manufacturers have access to the latest
technology and skills,” said OMAFRA Minister Leona Dombrowsky. “We are working to put the sector on a more stable foundation for the future.”
“This funding will kick-start the implementation of our long-term strategy, which is aimed at encouraging greater competitiveness throughout the sector,” said Jane Graham, executive director of the Alliance of Ontario Food Processors.
“These days, we all need to do our part to conserve energy and reduce costs,” said Gary Fread, president and CEO of the Guelph Food Technology Centre. “This funding will help us help food companies do their part.”
The funding is part of $150 million in assistance announced in the 2007 Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review to increase food industry competitiveness and help hog, horticultural and cattle farmers.
(Source: CNW Group)