Government of Canada announces $50 million federal investment in Natural Products Canada to strengthen Canada’s agri-food sector

“Canada’s future prosperity depends on our ability to produce more of what we need here at home. Through the National Food Security Strategy, we are strengthening Canada’s food system, improving our resilience across our supply chains and helping ensure Canadians have reliable access to affordable and nutritious food. Our investment in Natural Products Canada will help turn Canadian innovation into Canadian solutions by accelerating the commercialization of homegrown agri-food and bio-based technologies, creating well-paying jobs and further strengthening Canada’s food security.” – The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

“Farmers and agri-food businesses are key to a stronger Canadian economy and a more secure food supply. Our government is committed to investing in innovation across the agriculture and agri-food sector, to meet the needs of producers and processors and keep healthy and affordable food within reach for all Canadians.” – The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“Prince Edward Island has long been a leader in innovation, agriculture and food production, and Natural Products Canada is a great example of that leadership in action. This investment will help Canadian innovators bring new agri-food and bio-based technologies to market, create good jobs, strengthen our food supply chains and support economic growth here at home. I am proud that Charlottetown is home to an organization that is helping build a more resilient, competitive and food-secure Canada for generations to come.” – Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

“Canada’s economic security depends on building a strong, domestic base of natural and bio-based innovators, and that is exactly what NPC exists to do. This $50 million investment provides the continued opportunity to evaluate, support and provide capital to those companies, while providing the resources necessary to strengthen Canada’s bioeconomy and food security initiatives, building on a decade of impact that includes investment in over 100 companies, generating $622 million in follow-on capital, and contributing $900 million to Canada’s GDP.” – Shelley King, Chief Executive Officer, Natural Products Canada

• Natural Products Canada (NPC) was established in 2015 and initially funded under the Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research program.
• In 2021, NPC transitioned to the Strategic Response Fund (SRF) network, receiving approximately $25 million in federal support toward total project costs of around $52 million. This latest initiative builds on NPC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Canada’s agri-food sector.
• NPC is a national innovation network that helps Canadian companies commercialize and scale food and bio-based products and technologies by connecting them with funding, expertise, strategic partners and investors.
• NPC has worked with over 1,800 early-stage Canadian companies and directly invested in over 100 companies to date.
• The SRF supports large business-led projects and innovation networks in areas where Canada has a demonstrated advantage. These networks bring together businesses, universities and research institutes from across the country. Funding is distributed by the network’s lead applicant to partners and project recipients.
• The National Food Security Strategy sets out a comprehensive approach to strengthening Canada’s food system so that Canadians have more choice, more control, and better access to more affordable, locally produced food. By addressing structural barriers across the supply chain, the sStrategy aims to improve the way food is grown, processed, moved, and sold by reducing unnecessary costs and increasing efficiency.
• Building on existing investments, the Strategy supports innovation, increases domestic production capacity—which includes controlled environment agriculture—and helps reduce Canada’s reliance on imports. Together, these actions will strengthen supply chain resilience, support economic growth, and help ensure a more sustainable, competitive, and reliable food system for all Canadians.

Gabrielle Landry Deputy Director, Media Relations Office of the Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions gabrielle.landry@ised-isde.gc.ca

Media Relations Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada media@ised-isde.gc.ca