On Wednesday, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced an investment of up to $1.9 million to help the Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) develop a digital food innovation hub, which will enhance connectivity among players in Canada's food innovation ecosystem. This project aims to bring together the many individual components of Canada's food ecosystem into an interactive online community, through the development and use of digital technology.

"An impressive body of knowledge is accumulating across the agriculture and agri-food value chain. This investment in the Canadian Food Innovation Network makes it possible to establish links to easily share these resources so that each stakeholder benefits and becomes more efficient," said Bibeau.

The digital food innovation hub will be available around the clock for businesses to access one-on-one mentorship as well as knowledge, research and innovation resources. A key component of this tool will be the role it plays in helping to identify and match entrepreneurs with technical expertise and partnerships to help spur growth.

It will also serve as a collaboration space to share best practices and opportunities among the ecosystem.

"The funding from AAFC is allowing us to solve one of the biggest challenges facing the Canadian food sector – the ability to find and connect with the right partners. This investment will catalyze innovation, facilitate collaboration, enable critical partnerships, and establish Canada as a dynamic food innovation community," commented Joseph Lake, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Food Innovation Network.

Funding is provided through the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program (CASPP), a $50.3 million, five-year investment to help the agricultural sector adapt and remain competitive.