Ottawa, Ont. (Rural Roots Canada) – The federal government has announced the upcoming launch of the $1 billion Food-Link Fund, which it says will strengthen competition in the grocery sector and get more Canadian food from producers to consumers.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald and Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson announced Monday that the Food-Link Fund will be a key component of the $3.2-billion National Food Security Strategy announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney in June.

The fund will support two programs: the Food Terminal Fund and the Food Hub Program.

The Food Terminal Fund will support the development and expansion of wholesale food terminals, which provide farmers, food businesses and independent retailers a place to sell and source products outside supply systems controlled by large retailers.

The Food Hub Program will support the creation and expansion of regional food hubs, providing producers access to storage, processing, distribution and market connections.

Related: Ottawa unveils first National Food Security Strategy with $3B investment

“Strong food supply chains help get more affordable high-quality food to Canadians, no matter where they live,” said MacDonald.

“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.”

Robertson said the investment will strengthen regional supply chains and improve access to fresh food.

“Canadians deserve a food system that is reliable, efficient and affordable,” he said.

The application intake opens Oct. 14 and will remain open for eight weeks, closing Dec. 11. Applicants will first submit an expression of interest, with those aligned with the fund’s objectives invited to submit a full proposal.

Photo credit: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Facebook page