Value Added Agriculture & Manufacturing Sector Support Resource

This page contains links to information and resources to help Value Added and Manufacturing businesses mitigate the economic impacts of COVID-19. As the situation continues to evolve, so does available information. Please check back often for updates.

Guidelines for Workplaces in the Value Added and Manufacturing Sectors

Four non-profit health and safety associations contracted by Ontario’s Ministry of Labour are working to provide employers with reliable guidance on how to keep their workers and workplaces safe. Updated regularly, this resources is the most comprehensive and up-to-date place for employers to look for advice and rules at any time. Click here for updates.

Guidance from health and safety associations

• OVERVIEW: FOOD MANUFACTURING AND PROCESSING HEALTH AND SAFETY DURING COVID-19
• Worker transportation to work sites
• Stock, produce, meat or grocery associates
• Food retail sector
• Agriculture sector
• Agricultural supervisors
• Equipment operators and general labourers
• Quality control engineers and technicians
• Supervisors, production and operations management
• Warehouse workers, forklift operators and material handlers
• Warehousing sector

Workplace postings for Agricultural settings:

• Guidance note
• Poster for employers
• Poster for employees

Workplace postings for Food Processing:

• Guidance note
• Poster for employers
• Poster for employees

Workplace postings for Manufacturers:

• Guidance note
• Poster for employers
• Poster for employees
• Additional sector guidance

OMAFRA's Agri-Food Open for E-Business Initiative – Funding Intake:

The Agri-Food Open for E-Business initiative will help food producers, farmers markets, retailers, garden centres, greenhouses, nurseries, and agricultural associations develop online business, providing consumers with greater access to a wide variety of food and agriculture products.

This targeted application intake features two funding streams:

1. Bring Your Business Online. Eligible organizations and businesses can apply for a grant of up to $5,000 to establish an online e-business and marketing presence. Funding under this stream will be quick and responsive for those needing immediate solutions.
2. Develop Online Business Opportunities. Eligible organizations, businesses and collaborations can apply for cost-share funding of up to $75,000 to implement high-impact projects.

Funding to Address Labour Supply

The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $1 million in new funding to connect workers with in-demand jobs in the agri-food sector to keep the nation's supply chains strong and store shelves stocked during the COVID-19 pandemic. This program would help primary agriculture, food processing companies and grocery retail to recruit and train workers who are important to keeping the essential food supply chain functioning.

Program information is available here: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/cap/labour_supply_training.htm

Program information is available here: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/cap/ebusiness.htm