Ottawa-The Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) has received a $50 million investment to strengthen domestic food processing, Industry Minister Melanie Joly has announced.

The funding comes from Strategic Response Fund (SRF) and the National Food Security Strategy (NFSS) to strengthen domestic food-processing capacity, accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies and support innovation in the sector, Joly said.

“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 CFIN 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.”

Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald said the NFSS “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.”

CFIN is an industry‑led not‑for‑profit that helps food and beverage companies access the expertise, partners and technologies they need to innovate and grow.

The additional funding will enable CFIN to expand its services, helping more food and beverage processors, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, adopt and implement automation, artificial intelligence, digital manufacturing and other advanced technologies.

Through this support, companies will be able to improve productivity, strengthen domestic processing capacity and accelerate the commercialization of Canadian-developed innovations.

With this funding, CFIN is expected to support more than 200 enterprises and expand its national network to 20,000 members through its established collaborative online platform and targeted programming.

Through its network, CFIN is expected to facilitate up to $200 million in follow-on investment, create approximately 300 new jobs and support over 450 total full-time equivalent positions.

This investment contributes to the NFSS’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. A strong Canadian food sector is fundamental to building a strong, united Canadian economy.

CFIN CEO Dana McCauley said, “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’s support, we can help our food sector produce more here at home and compete with the best in the world.”

Since its creation in 2021, CFIN has built a national network of more than 9,500 members, supported more than 104 projects valued at approximately $43.4 million, facilitated over $140 million in follow-on investment, supported more than 1,000 jobs and contributed to more than 200 intellectual property applications.

With more than 9,500 members from across the food value chain, including manufacturers, processors, distributors, operators, technology companies, funders and innovators, CFIN connects companies to new ideas, partners and technologies that help them grow and innovate.

Building on existing investments, the strategy also aims to increase domestic production capacity, including controlled environment agriculture and help reduce Canada’s reliance on imports.