The federal government is investing $50 million in the Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) to help food and beverage processors adopt advanced technologies, increase domestic production capacity and strengthen Canada's food supply chain.
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly announced the funding recently in Peterborough, Ont., saying the investment through the Strategic Response Fund and Canada's National Food Security Strategy is intended to improve productivity and competitiveness in the domestic food sector.
The funding is expected to help CFIN support more than 200 small and medium-sized enterprises and expand its national network from more than 9,500 members to 20,000. The initiative is also projected to facilitate up to $200 million in follow-on investment, create approximately 300 new jobs and support more than 450 full-time equivalent positions.
The announcement comes as the federal government identifies rising costs, shifting global trade patterns, conflicts and climate change as challenges affecting food supply chains and household affordability.
"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."
— The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Focus on technology adoption
CFIN is an industry-led, not-for-profit organization established in 2021 to encourage innovation across Canada's food sector. It connects food and beverage companies with expertise, partners and technologies intended to help them develop and commercialize new products and processes.
The additional funding will allow the organization to expand its services, particularly for smaller processors seeking to adopt automation, artificial intelligence, digital manufacturing and other advanced technologies. The government said the support is intended to help businesses improve productivity, strengthen domestic processing capabilities and bring Canadian-developed innovations to market more quickly.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald said the investment aligns with the federal government's broader food security objectives.
"Our National Food Security Strategy reflects our commitment to growing Canada's agri-food sector and strengthening our food system for the future. By investing in innovation and advanced technologies, we're helping Canadian food processors improve productivity, expand domestic processing capacity and bring more Canadian-made food to market."
— The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
The National Food Security Strategy was launched by Prime Minister Mark Carney on June 11, 2026, with $3.2 billion in investments over 10 years, including the $1 billion Food-Link Fund. Its objectives include increasing domestic food production, improving access to affordable and nutritious food, and reducing reliance on imports.
Network's previous investments
Since its establishment in 2021, CFIN has supported more than 104 projects valued at approximately $43.4 million, facilitated more than $140 million in follow-on investment, supported more than 1,000 jobs and contributed to more than 200 intellectual property applications, according to the government.
Its network includes food manufacturers, processors, distributors, operators, technology companies, funders and innovators. The new funding is intended to extend the organization's reach and help more businesses incorporate technologies into their operations.
Peterborough MP Emma Harrison pointed to the role of local agricultural research in supporting the food sector, citing the Trent Farm Research Centre's work in research, hands-on learning and community partnerships.
"A strong food system starts right here on our local farms. The Trent Farm Research Centre is helping improve how we grow food through research, hands-on learning and community partnerships. CFIN takes that innovation to the next level by helping food processors adopt new technology, grow and produce more efficiently. This $50 million investment will support good jobs and help build a stronger, more affordable food system for families across Canada."
— Emma Harrison, Member of Parliament for Peterborough
Food 4.0 initiative
CFIN chief executive officer Dana McCauley said the investment would support the organization's Food 4.0 plan, which focuses on helping food manufacturers and processors adopt automation, artificial intelligence and digital tools developed in Canada.
"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."
— Dana McCauley, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Food Innovation Network
The Strategic Response Fund supports large-scale projects intended to help Canadian industries adapt to changes in the global economy, strengthen supply chains and protect jobs. The government said the investment in CFIN will contribute to the national strategy's goals of improving food affordability, expanding domestic processing and making Canada's food system more resilient and competitive.