Minister MacDonald concludes tour of southern Ontario

TORONTO, Sept. 18, 2026 /CNW/ -- This week, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, toured a number of agriculture and agri-food operations in communities across southern Ontario.

To begin his outreach, Minister MacDonald visited Arva Flour Mills, where he announced the launch of Farm Credit Canada's $1 billion Agri-food Project Finance Fund, and $150 million to Velocity Agri-Capital Partners through FCC Capital's $2 billion investment commitment. The $1 billion Agri-food Project Finance Fund, created and delivered by FCC, is a key commitment under the National Food Security Strategy (NFSS) and will help finance mid-market agri‑food infrastructure projects across the country.

By strengthening local economies, supporting infrastructure, and helping Canadian businesses compete around the world, the Government of Canada is building a stronger, more resilient food system for Canadians.

In line with food system resiliency, Minister MacDonald visited the London Food Bank where he learned about their impact across the local community. He also visited Nuhn Industries in Sebringville, an innovative manufacturer in the liquid manure industry looking to increase its market share throughout North America, Latin America, Japan and Africa.

Minister MacDonald spoke at the Grain Farmers of Ontario's annual general meeting in Stratford, toured Canada's Outdoor Farm Show, and addressed attendees at a University of Guelph reception. The Minister had the chance to meet with many producers, processors, and those working in the supply chain throughout his visit to southern Ontario, including Martin's Family Fruit Farm, Summit Station Dairy and in Hamilton, Collective Arts Brewing, where he saw how they use innovative processes and modern technology to bring their products to market.

The Minister also toured Mondelez International's Hamilton plant, where he learned about investments they are making to their facilities and discussed processing capacity, an important area for growth and increased Canadian food sovereignty as identified in the NFSS.

Following the Prime Minister's attendance at the first Canada Investment Summit, the Minister delivered opening remarks and participated in a roundtable discussion on advancing agri-food systems in Canada. The discussion was hosted by John Stackhouse and RBC and led by the World Economic Forum as part of the "First Movers Coalition for Food" initiative.

Minister MacDonald discussed investments in Canadian agriculture and agri-food in areas such as advanced technologies that improve resilience and competitiveness, as well as the importance of foreign investment.

The Minister was also pleased to visit Haven Greens in King City to announce a $5 million repayable contribution to Kinghaven Farms through the AgriInnovate program, used to adopt and customize automation and climate control technologies for its new greenhouse for the production of leafy greens.

To end his outreach, Minister MacDonald spoke at Canada Pork's annual conference in Toronto where he announced a $3.8 million AgriMarketing contribution to Canada Pork that will help promote pork both domestically and in markets such as the Indo-Pacific, South America and Europe.

Quote

"During my visit to multiple cities across southern Ontario, I saw firsthand how Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector is one of our country's greatest economic opportunities. By investing in food production and processing, supporting innovation, strengthening supply chains and opening new markets, we can create more opportunities for farmers, producers, and businesses across Canada. That means a stronger food system, stronger economy and ultimately more choice, more control, more Canada."
          - The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Related products

• Government of Canada announces Farm Credit Canada's $1 billion Agri-food Project Finance Fund and $150 million to Velocity Agri-Capital Partners to strengthen food security and grow the economy - Canada.ca
• Minister MacDonald announces support toward innovative technologies at greenhouse in King City - Canada.ca
• Minister MacDonald announces support for the growth of Canadian pork in international markets - Canada.ca
• National Food Security Strategy - agriculture.canada.ca

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Contacts : For media: Jennica Klassen, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, [e-mail]; Media Relations, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, 613-773-7972, 1-866-345-7972, [e-mail]