Funding grows York's agricultural sector

YorkRegion.com
Aug. 16, 2016
By Lisa Queen

A $2.5-million investment by the federal and provincial governments is helping to sprout 50 food and agricultural-related projects in York Region.

The funding, through a program called Growing Forward 2, is aimed at improving innovation, competitiveness and market development in Canada’s agri-food and agri-products sector.

Thornhill will receive the bulk of the funding, at more than $1.4 million.

York-Simcoe is receiving $484,335, Richmond Hill is getting $252,746 and Oak Ridges-Markham’s share will be $132,640.

Meanwhile, Newmarket-Aurora is receiving $117,915, Vaughan is getting $79,219 and Markham-Unionville’s share is $77,064.

York’s MPPs praised the investment.

“By making strategic investments in food and beverage processing companies in our local communities, we are strengthening our agri-food sector, creating jobs in our communities and growing Ontario’s economy all at once,” Oak Ridges-Markham MPP Helena Jaczek said in a statement.

The funding will boost market opportunities in York Region, Richmond Hill MPP Reza Moridi said.

The funding will add jobs and boost a growing industry, Newmarket-Aurora MPP Chris Ballard added.

Launched in 2013, the program has seen the federal and provincial governments invest more than $44 million in almost 850 projects across Canada.