The Government of Canada invests in stronger, more resilient and affordable food distribution systems

OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 5, 2026 /CNW/ -- Today, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, announced the upcoming launch of the $1 billion Food-Link Fund, a key component of the $3.2 billion National Food Security Strategy announced by the Prime Minister on June 11, 2026.

The Food-Link Fund will strengthen competition and improve Canada's food distribution network by investing in critical infrastructure that will help food move more efficiently from producers to consumers and give Canadians better access to affordable, locally produced food across the country.

The Food-Link Fund will advance both large-scale and regional solutions through:

• The Food Terminal Fund which will support the development and expansion of wholesale food terminals. Food terminals give farmers, food businesses, and independent retailers a one-stop-shop where they can efficiently sell and source products beyond the supply systems controlled by large retailers. This will mean greater retail competition and more affordable choices for consumers.
• The Food Hub Program which will support the creation and expansion of regional food hubs across Canada. Food hubs will give food producers access to the storage, processing, distribution, and market connections they need to get more local food to communities.

The official application intake period for the Food-Link Fund will open October 14, 2026 and be available for eight weeks until December 11, 2026. Applicants will first submit an Expression of Interest and the applications that align with the Fund's objectives will then be invited to submit a full proposal.

Through the Food-Link Fund, the Government of Canada is taking action to strengthen food distribution infrastructure, improve connections between producers and markets, and build more resilient, competitive, and affordable food systems.

Quotes 

"Strong food supply chains help get more affordable high-quality food to Canadians, no matter where they live. The Food-Link Fund will help build the infrastructure we need to move food more efficiently, open new markets for producers, and give independent grocers more options. We are building a stronger, more competitive food system that helps keep food affordable and accessible for Canadians."
  -    The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"Canadians deserve a food system that is reliable, efficient and affordable. Through the Food Terminal Fund, we are investing in the facilities that help move food more efficiently across Canada, strengthening regional supply chains, and improve access to fresh, affordable food. By building modern food distribution infrastructure, we are helping create more resilient communities and supporting the goals of Canada's National Food Security Strategy."
  -    The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada

"Strong regional food systems are essential to ensuring producers have the connections and infrastructure they need to bring more Canadian food to market. The Food-Link Fund will help strengthen these connections, expand access to storage, processing and distribution, and create new opportunities for producers and food businesses across Quebec and Canada."
  -    Daniel Gobeil, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Chicoutimi--Le Fjord, Quebec

Quick Facts

• On June 11, 2026, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, launched Canada's first-ever National Food Security Strategy, backed by $3.2 billion in investments over 10 years, including the $1-billion Food-Link Fund.
• Taken together, the initiatives in the Strategy will reduce the cost of growing food, streamline supply chains, and remove unnecessary costs. It will drive productivity and innovation, support independent grocers, and create greater competition across Canada's food system to help lower prices for Canadians.
• The Food Terminal Fund will allow for the development and/or expansion of a select number of wholesale markets and distribution centres that support efficient food distribution, supply chain resilience, and competition among buyers and sellers.
• The Food Hub Program aims to address regional gaps in food aggregation, processing, and distribution, particularly in underserved markets and communities. It will support investments in infrastructure, equipment, and logistics capacity that improve supply chain efficiency and strengthen connections between producers and markets. Eligible projects may include cold storage, transportation, food processing and packaging, digital systems, and facility upgrades, creating new opportunities for Canadian producers and businesses.

Associated Links

• National Food Security Strategy
• Prime Minister Carney launches National Food Security Strategy to build a more affordable and resilient food system in Canada | Prime Minister of Canada
• Food-Link Fund

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SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

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