Feds invest $50M in Canadian Food Innovation Network
Ottawa has committed $50 million to the Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN).
CFIN said the funding—provided through the Strategic Response Fund (SRF) and Canada’s National Food Security Strategy—will enable it to expand its services.
The not-for-profit helps food and beverage companies access the expertise, partners and technologies they need to innovate and grow.
CFIN said the investment will help more food and beverage processors adopt and implement automation, AI, digital manufacturing and other technologies.
“Canada’s food processors are working hard to keep prices in check, but many are doing it with equipment and systems that haven’t kept pace with their global competitors. Food 4.0 is CFIN’s plan to close that gap by helping manufacturers and processors adopt Canadian-made automation, AI and digital tools and by backing the homegrown companies that build them. With the Government of Canada’s support, we can help our food sector produce more here at home and compete with the best in the world,” said Dana McCauley, CEO of CFIN, in a statement.
The organization is expected to support more than 200 SMEs and expand its national network to 20,000 members thanks to the funding.
It also expects to facilitate up to $200 million in follow-on investment, create approximately 300 new jobs and support over 450 total full-time equivalent positions.
The federal government said the investment contributes to the National Food Security Strategy’s goals, including strengthening domestic food production, improving access to affordable, nutritious food, and advancing Canadian-developed technologies that make the food system more resilient and competitive.
“Canada has the talent, the resources and the determination to produce more here at home. Through the Strategic Response Fund, we are helping Canadian food companies harness innovation, automation and AI to boost productivity and competitiveness. Our investment in the Canadian Food Innovation Network will strengthen domestic processing capacity, support Canadian-made solutions and help ensure Canadians have access to a stronger, more affordable and more secure food system,” said Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, in a press release.
