Key Takeaways
- Protein Industries Canada has announced a $3 million initiative to support Canadian ingredient manufacturers and food processors.
- The Strengthening the Canadian Supply Chain Program will cover up to 75% of eligible project costs, with a maximum of $200,000 per project.
- Projects must focus on reformulation using Canadian ingredients or commercialization of Canadian food products or ingredients.
- The organization is also increasing reimbursement rates under its Technology Leadership Program, effective retroactively.
- The programs aim to enhance Canada’s domestic food processing capacity amid trade uncertainties with the U.S.
Protein Industries Canada Unveils New Program to Support Canadian Food Processors
Protein Industries Canada has introduced the Strengthening the Canadian Supply Chain Program, a new funding initiative designed to support Canadian manufacturers and processors in developing or reformulating food products using domestically produced ingredients.
The move comes amid ongoing trade uncertainty with the United States, prompting industry leaders to focus more on bolstering Canada’s internal supply chain and processing capacity.
“Now more than ever, it is vital that we support our Canadian ingredient manufacturers and food processors,” said Robert Hunter, CEO of Protein Industries Canada. “This program will help our manufacturers and processors create or reformulate products for the Canadian market, using Canadian ingredients.”
Program Details and Eligibility
The $3 million program will provide funding to eligible companies for projects that include:
- Reformulating existing products with domestically produced ingredients.
- Scaling up and commercializing food products made with Canadian-grown crops for domestic consumers.
- Scaling up and commercializing Canadian-grown ingredients for use by domestic manufacturers.
Eligible projects can receive up to 75% reimbursement on costs, to a maximum total project value of $200,000. Companies must use Canadian feedstocks, including crops such as wheat, oats, barley, peas, soy, and fava beans, with emerging crops like lupin and hemp also being considered.
Expanded Reimbursement Under Technology Leadership Program
Alongside the new supply chain initiative, Protein Industries Canada has announced an increase in reimbursement rates for capital and equipment costs under its Technology Leadership Program.
The change will apply retroactively to all current and in-development projects, aiming to offset the costs of installing commissioned equipment in Canada. This measure is intended to support Canadian companies in expanding processing capabilities domestically.
“Canada can be the preferred ingredient supplier to the world,” Hunter said. “To seize that opportunity we must invest in, and support, our domestic processing capacity.”
Protein Industries’ Strategic Response to Industry Challenges
Protein Industries Canada emphasized that while the Strengthening the Canadian Supply Chain Program is an interim response to current market volatility, it is part of a broader effort to increase value-added processing within Canada.
“In doing so, we will not only secure Canada’s food supply chain, but we will also generate new economic growth and jobs for Canadians,” Hunter added.
Companies interested in applying to the new program can contact projects@proteinsupercluster.ca. Further details and application forms are expected to be available by the end of March 2025.
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