Ontario Invests $467,816 in Oxford for Agri-Food Innovation

Investment in new technologies will modernize and strengthen local food production

WOODSTOCK — Today, Ernie Hardeman, MPP for Oxford announced the Ontario government is investing $467,816 through the Agri-Tech Innovation Program in five projects in Oxford. This is part of a $22 million province-wide investment to help the agri-food sector implement new and unique ways to set businesses up for future growth and success while strengthening the food supply chain, creating safer workplaces and making operations more resilient to future disruptions.

“Oxford’s agri-food businesses are always looking for ways to improve efficiencies that help them stay competitive in their sectors,” said MPP Hardeman. “This funding will help them bring in new technology that keeps them innovative and well prepared for future growth.”

This investment will support the adoption of new advanced technology that improves the productivity of farmers and agri-food processing businesses, address the labour shortage, and support the long-term sustainability and growth of the sector.

Locally, the five projects include:

• Norpac Beef, Norwich – $100,000 toward meat processing technology
• Crombez Inc, LaSalette – $67,816 for software to improve ginseng grading processes
• Schep’s Bakeries, Norwich – $100,000 for processing equipment
• H. Kuivenhoven Greenhouses, Otterville – $100,000 toward the cost of equipment to improve processing
• Roelofsen Nursery, Otterville – $100,000 toward autonomous robotic greenhouse technology

“Adapting innovation and technology is key to the success of our agri-food sector,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “This is why we’re investing in innovations that will build a stronger, more resilient sector for years to come. From research to farm production, to food processing, adopting new technologies will help strengthen our food supply chain, create new market opportunities and strengthen the economy.”