Ottawa – A $1 billion Food Link program will be launched by the government

as part of the National Food Security Strategy (NFSS), Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald has announced.

The Food-Link Fund will invest in critical food security infrastructure through the Food Terminal Fund, which will support the development and expansion of wholesale food terminals, and the Food Hub Program, which will support the creation and expansion of regional food hubs across Canada.

Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald said, “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 Food Terminal Fund will support the development and expansion of wholesale food terminals to 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 will support the creation and expansion of regional food hubs across Canada. The 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 run to Dec. 11. 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.

Ron Lemaire, president of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association, said “The Food-Link Fund is an important step toward building a stronger and more resilient fresh produce supply chain.”

“Strategic investments in food terminals and regional food hubs will create new opportunities for businesses across the supply chain and support more efficient access to fresh fruits and vegetables for Canadians.”

Over the past year, CPMA has been advocating for federal support for the Ontario Food Terminal and regional food hubs. The investments being made are a strong reflection of these key CPMA recommendations for government action to prioritize food production as a cornerstone of its Build Canada economic strategy.

“CPMA has consistently advocated for investment in the food system infrastructure needed to move fresh produce efficiently across Canada,” Lemaire said.

“We look forward to continuing working with the government and industry members across the fresh produce supply chain to support the successful implementation of the Food-Link Fund and the broader National Food Security Strategy.”

The Food-Link Fund intends to 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.

MacDonald said “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 Food-Link Fund will produce action to strengthen food distribution infrastructure, improve connections between producers and markets, and build more resilient, competitive, and affordable food systems.