With global supply chain disruptions and rising food costs posing risks to Canadian families, the Government of Canada is taking concrete action to help give Canadians access to affordable and healthy food.
Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, announced the launch of the Strategic Response Fund (SRF) call for proposals, inviting Canadian organizations and industry partners to apply for transformative investments that will strengthen the nation's food supply chains and industrial capacity.
Through the SRF, the government is making up to $350 million available to advance Canada's National Food Security Strategy and fund eligible projects with between $10 million and $50 million each. This initiative will support companies and organizations in food and beverage manufacturing, packaging, industrial systems, and critical input production across the country. The SRF will help businesses expand capacity, modernize their operations and build the resilient infrastructure Canadians need.
This investment is part of the National Food Security Strategy, announced by the Prime Minister on June 11, which aims to strengthen domestic food production and improve access to affordable, nutritious food for Canadians. The National Food Security Strategy also supports the growth and commercialization of Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises, while strengthening domestic manufacturing and supply chains across the country. Investments through the SRF aim to help create new and expanded production and processing capacity, update and innovate within existing operations, and enhance supporting infrastructure such as advanced packaging, storage and supply chain technology. This will contribute to helping our food systems evolve to be more resilient and efficient and will equip them to better meet the needs of Canadians now and in the future.
