Agri-Food Supply Chain Resiliency Analysis Stream

The Agri-Food Supply Chain Resiliency Analysis Stream provides financial assistance to enhance the stability and adaptability of the agri-food sector in Ontario. This funding is aimed at identifying vulnerabilities and improving supply chain resilience.

• Cost-share funding assistance is available up to 50% of eligible costs, with a maximum of $50,000 per project.
• Funding may be provided at the requested amount, percentage, or at a reduced level based on merit assessment and availability.
• Funding supports projects such as supply chain audits, risk management plans, and market research to enhance product diversification and reduce reliance on vulnerable supply chains.

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.

• The applicant must be an Ontario Agri-Food Organization or an Ontario Agri-Food Business.
• For Agri-Food Supply Chain Resiliency Analysis Stream: Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations representing Ontario agri-food businesses.
• For Agri-Food Supply Chain Infrastructure Investment Stream: Eligible applicants include Ontario agri-food businesses such as farms and food processing businesses.
• Farms must gross $7,000 or more annually and have a farm business registration number.
• Applicants must be involved in the production of processed food for human consumption and be located in Ontario.
• The applicant must be able to enter into a funding agreement with the Agricultural Adaptation Council.
• The applicant must be an established entity demonstrating financial ability to cashflow project costs.
• Applicants must provide a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number.
• Collaborations with other Ontario agri-food businesses or organizations are encouraged.
• Each applicant is limited to one application under the program, covering one stream only.

Who is eligible?

Eligible applicants for the Agri-Food Supply Chain Resiliency Analysis Stream include various entities within the Ontario agri-food sector, aiming to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in the supply chain.

• Ontario Agri-Food Organizations that are not-for-profit, representing Ontario agri-food businesses.
• Ontario Agri-Food Businesses such as:
• Farms supplying products to Ontario food processing businesses.
• Farms engaged in both production and on-site agri-food processing activities.
• Food Processing Businesses sourcing significant agricultural inputs from Ontario.
• Collaborations with other Ontario agri-food businesses or organizations within the supply chain are encouraged.

Who is not eligible

This funding opportunity has specific restrictions, excluding certain types of companies and industries based on their main activities and structural status. These limitations are designed to focus resources on strategic areas of the agri-food sector that directly align with the program's aims.

• Companies involved in the production and/or processing of hemp, cannabis, and CBD products.
• Businesses related to nursery and floriculture.
• Equine industry enterprises.
• Companies focusing on fiber and non-food items derived from animals.
• Businesses mainly producing beauty and cosmetic products.
• Nutraceuticals-related organizations.
• Standalone aggregators, distributors, or retailers of Ontario agri-food products, including restaurants and retail storefronts.

Eligible expenses

Eligible expenses for the Agri-Food Supply Chain Resiliency Analysis Stream include costs directly necessary for carrying out the project.

• Cost of third-party service providers for consulting and technical assistance.
• Market research and feasibility studies.
• Communications, translation, or other services for the project.

Eligible expenses for the Agri-Food Supply Chain Infrastructure Investment Stream focus on enhancing production capacity and addressing supply chain challenges.

• Capital improvements for expansion and modifications to facilities.
• Upgrades to utilities such as water, electric, heat, refrigeration, and waste facilities.
• Purchase of livestock intake and storage equipment.
• Procurement of growing, processing, manufacturing, and storage equipment.
• Purchase of packaging and handling equipment such as sealing, bagging, boxing, and labeling equipment.
• Additional warehouse equipment including storage and drying/curing racks.
• Purchase of waste treatment/management equipment.
• Technology investments that increase capacity or enhance business resilience.
• Consulting and technical assistance for engineering, construction, and project implementation planning.
• Leasehold improvements to rented buildings or facilities.
• Cost of goods including supplies and shipping costs.
• Equipment leases and rentals, including principal costs, subject to eligibility assessment.
• Costs to commission new equipment or modify/relocate existing equipment.
• Other direct, incremental and necessary project costs as determined by AAC.

Eligible geographic areas

This program is specifically aimed at businesses and organizations operating within Ontario. All applicants must be located in Ontario, emphasizing alignment with the province's strategic goals.

• Businesses located in Ontario, Canada.
• Organizations operating within Ontario's agri-food sector.

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Agri-Food Supply Chain Resiliency Analysis Stream are conducted based on specific merit assessment criteria to align projects with the stream's objectives.

• Demonstrated need and rationale for the project.
• Direct relationship between use of project funds and alignment with proposed outcomes.
• Impact on strengthening the applicant’s resiliency.
• Extent to which the project will strengthen the applicant’s supply chain and result in broad and positive impact across other Ontario agri-food businesses and building resilience across the Ontario agri-food supply chain.
• Extent to which the proposed outcomes result in more local foods being available to Ontarians.
• Extent to which the proposed outcomes will result in a strengthened and robust food supply for Ontarians to mitigate against the risk of further outbreaks of COVID-19 or other disruptions.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• The Program is a part of Ontario's Grow Ontario Strategy aimed at strengthening food security.
• The funding is administered by the Agricultural Adaptation Council on behalf of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
• The Program includes a significant focus on mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the agri-food sector.
• The Program encompasses two distinct streams: the Agri-Food Supply Chain Resiliency Analysis Stream and the Agri-Food Supply Chain Infrastructure Investment Stream designed to address different aspects of supply chain improvement.
• Insurance requirements stipulate comprehensive general liability insurance coverage for project participants.
• Successful projects must complete activities and incur costs by a specific deadline, March 31, 2024.