Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative

The Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative offers a structured financing approach to support agri-food processors in enhancing their energy efficiency. This initiative emphasizes sustainable practices through specific funding modalities.

• Eligible recipients can receive 20% of eligible costs with a maximum funding limit of $300,000 per project.
• Total funding allocated for this initiative is up to $10,000,000, with $4,000,000 specifically earmarked for projects in rural communities.
• Only costs approved by the Ministry incurred on or before March 31, 2025, are eligible for funding.

To be eligible to participate in the Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative, the applicant must meet specific criteria related to the profile and operations of their business.

• The applicant must be a Person that is a Processor.
• Provide its Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (CRA BN) or Social Insurance Number (SIN), but only if found eligible to participate and receive payments.
• Submit a completed Ministry-approved Application Form according to the guidelines.
• Possess a valid and up to date Premises ID Number for the business location(s) where the project is to take place.
• Be undertaking an activity set out in section 4.1.1 of the Guidelines (activities that improve energy efficiency).
• Be in compliance with environmental-related Requirements Of Law, labour-related Requirements Of Law, tax-related Requirements Of Law, and material compliance with all other Requirements Of Law at the time of applying.
• The applicant, or its officers, directors, or employees, must not be current or former federal public office holders or federal public servants, unless in compliance with the applicable conflict of interest regulations.
• The applicant, or its officers, directors, or employees, must not be a member of the House of Commons or the Senate unless permitted to receive funding under the Partnership by the Parliament of Canada Act.
• Agree that any intellectual property rights arising from the project belong to the applicant.
• Agree that Canada and Ontario may publish information about the applicant, including project-related details, the amount of funding provided, and project outcomes.
• Agree to be bound by the terms, conditions, and requirements of the Initiative as set out in the Minister’s Order, the Guidelines, and the Approval Letter.

Who is eligible?

The Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative aims to support agri-food processors in their quest to enhance energy efficiency through innovative technologies and processes. To participate, applicants must fulfill specific criteria concerning their legal and operational status.

• Applicants must be recognized as "Processors" and part of the agri-food supply chain including slaughterhouses, food and beverage processors, or bioprocessing companies.
• The applicant must have a valid CRA BN or a SIN if eligible as a sole proprietor or entity without a CRA BN.
• The business must possess a current and accurate Premises ID Number for the project location.
• Participants must actively engage in activities that improve energy efficiency as enumerated in the eligible activities section.
• Applications must adhere to environmental, labor, tax, and other legal requirements.
• No current or former federal public office holder can apply unless compliant with relevant conflict of interest legislation.

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions aim to ensure that funds are directed toward strategic sectors aligned with the grant's objectives.

• Commissary businesses such as ready-to-eat counters.
• Brewpubs.
• Brand owners not involved in processing or manufacturing.

Eligible expenses

The Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative grant facilitates projects that enhance energy efficiency in agri-food processing operations. These projects aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower operational costs through technological and structural advancements.

• Purchase or modification of equipment and technology that improve energy efficiency.
• Purchase or modification of water use equipment and technology that enhance energy efficiency.
• Acquisition of energy monitoring controls and technology.
• Building envelope energy efficiency improvements, including renewable energy, lighting, ventilation, heating, refrigeration, water heating, and cooling.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant targets agri-food processors located in certain regions, as outlined by the funding guidelines. While the focus is on supporting growth, sustainability, and energy efficiency, specific geographical eligibility may center on certain community types.

• Projects that take place in Rural Communities within the Province of Ontario.

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure that funded projects align with the initiative’s objectives of improving energy efficiency and reducing operational costs in the agri-food sector.

• Highlighting Project need or demonstrating alignment with an energy audit, assessment, or plan for energy efficiency.
• Extent to which the Project leads to improvements in energy efficiency.
• Identification of resources, experience, skills, and knowledge necessary for implementation and ongoing successful use of the technology and/or processes.
• Potential of the Project to lead to lower operational costs.