OTTAWA, ON – The Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC) welcome today’s announcement from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) on the upcoming launch of the $1 billion Food-Link Fund, a cornerstone of the federal government’s $3.2 billion National Food Security Strategy.
The FVGC has long advocated for the federal government to embed a food lens in government decision making and to safeguard food security for all Canadians. Through investing in critical infrastructure, the Fund will bolster competition and improve Canada’s food distribution network, strengthening the distribution of fruits and vegetables from producers to consumers and providing Canadians with greater access to affordable, healthy, locally grown produce across Canada.
“Food security cannot be taken for granted, and it is critical that Canada maintain a secure supply of home-grown fruit and vegetables,” said Stephen Heckbert, FVGC Executive Director. “Today’s announcement sends a strong signal that the federal government recognizes and supports the need for a resilient, competitive, and sustainable fresh produce sector.”
The two main components of the Food-Link Fund are The Food Terminal Fund and the Foot Hub Program. By supporting the development and expansion of wholesale food terminals, The Food Terminal Fund will provide farmers and food businesses with new marketplaces to sell and source products outside of the supply systems monopolized by large retailers. Through supporting the creation and expansion of regional food hubs across Canada, The Food Hub Program will provide the necessary access to the storage, processing, distribution, and market connections food processors need to supply local food to communities.
“Canadian fruit and vegetable growers face significant strain and are experiencing unprecedented financial and environmental challenges,” said Heckbert. “Our members welcome the Food-Link Fund’s emphasis on strengthening food distribution infrastructure and establishing new connections between producers and markets, while increasing productivity and removing unnecessary costs.”
Opening October 14, 2026, the official application intake period for the Food-Link Fund will be open for eight weeks, closing on December 11, 2026. To be considered, applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest. Upon review, applications that fit the criteria of the Fund’s objectives will be asked to submit a full proposal.
For further information, please contact:
Matthew Perry
Manager, Policy and Communications
Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada
The Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC) represents growers across the country involved in the production of over 120 different types of crops on over 14,000 farms, with a farm gate value of 8 billion. FVGC is an Ottawa-based voluntary, not-for-profit, national association, and, since 1922, has advocated on important issues that impact Canada’s fresh produce sector, promoting healthy, safe, and sustainable food, ensuring the continued success and growth of the industry.