NEWS RELEASE
SIMCOE NORTH MPP JILL DUNLOP
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Ontario is partnering with the federal government to support Scott’s Garden Centre in Orillia.
The company will receive $64,780.80 in funding for a transplanting machine capital expenditure through the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative, which aims to enhance operational efficiencies and productivity.
“Without the Agri-Tech Initiative our company would be years behind in investing in technology such as robotic production. After experiencing years of rising expenses this initiative will immediately allow us to improve our bottom line,” said Alex Scott, president and owner of Scott’s Garden Centre.
“By funding a transplanting machine capital expenditure in Simcoe North, we are driving economic growth in the region,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North. “I look forward to the positive ripple effects this will have throughout our local communities.”
The Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative will support 319 farming and agribusinesses across the province through an investment of up to $22.6 million. Funding will be used to help them invest in innovative technology, equipment or processes that will increase their resiliency, productivity and efficiency.
“Our government knows that supporting innovation in Ontario’s agriculture and food sector is key to it reaching its potential, while securing our collective ability to achieve the ambitious goals in our Grow Ontario Strategy,” said Rob Flack, Ontario minister of agriculture, food and agribusiness. “These investments will allow established and emerging businesses to speed up efforts to optimize their operations and support growth for our agriculture and food sector.”
The Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative was developed following discussions with Ontario’s farming and agribusiness industry. It is part of a series of initiatives the government has implemented to support these businesses and is funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
Under the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative, applicants could receive up to 50 per cent of their eligible project costs, for investments of up to $100,000. For projects requiring a larger investment, applicants could receive up to 35 per cent of their eligible project costs, for up to $100,000 in funding.
For projects that improve energy efficiency at eligible businesses, cost-share percentage and maximum funding available per business was up to 35 per cent cost-share up to $100,000.
Approved projects are to be completed by the end of 2027.
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