The application deadline has also been extended to Feb. 1.
“The health and wellbeing of the workforce in the agri-food sector is, and always has been, a priority for our government,” said Ontario Agriculture Minister Lisa Thompson.
Eligible expenses for the 60 per cent cost-sharing cap will increase from $15,000 to $50,000 from $15,000 per farm.
“By expanding the funding and eligibility, the EAWPP is helping enhance health and safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace, keeping workers and employers protected, and ensuring Ontario’s food supply chain remains strong,” said Thompson.
The expanded eligibility covers food and beverage processors with three or more employees, agri-food industry organizations and associations, as well as poultry catchers, vaccinators and professional barn cleaners.
Susan Fitzgerald, executive director of the Poultry Service Association, said the group is pleased that the changes cover all poultry handling companies.
“Previously, the program specified chicken catching companies, which excluded other types of poultry catching and loading and also vaccinators,” said Fitzgerald.
“Professional barn cleaners are another integral part of the poultry service sector, which were not included in the previous program.”
Gordon Stock, senior policy advisor with the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, said growers will welcome changes such claims for extraordinary costs related to the mandatory 14-day quarantine for workers that are now expanded back to April. 23.
“It’s welcome news that the programs are being opened up to include more costs,” Stock said.
“It’s been a difficult fall, and it’s been challenging for farmers to find the time to do (applications) as the original deadline was Nov. 30, 2021.”
