Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 1

Q: How much funding can be received?

Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 1 Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $49999 per project.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Is the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 1 a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 1 is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 1?

Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 1 is funded by Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC)

Q: Who is eligible for the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 1 program?

To be eligible for the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 1 program, you must: • Eligible projects must have total costs less than $100,000.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 1?

You can contact Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC).

Q: Where is the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 1 available?

The Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 1 program is available the province of ON.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

ON, Canada

Supports agri-food growth through innovation and energy efficiency

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $49,999
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : April 10, 2024
Closing date : June 9, 2024

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Closed

Overview

The Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative is designed to bolster growth and productivity in the agri-food sector through innovation, advanced manufacturing, improved food safety, enhanced cybersecurity, and energy efficiency. The program offers funding in three streams, with eligible projects costing $100,000 or greater having no specified maximum funding amount mentioned in the provided context.

Activities funded

Stream 1 of the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative focuses on promoting technological advancements and efficiency in the agri-food sector. Eligible projects aim to foster innovation, improve safety standards, and enhance operational efficiencies.

Implementation of advanced manufacturing processes to increase productivity in agri-food operations.
Development and adoption of innovative technologies to improve food safety measures.
Enhancement of cybersecurity practices to protect against data breaches and cyber threats.
Projects aimed at reducing energy consumption and improving energy efficiency within agri-businesses.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 48,000

Modernization of a greenhouse with automated climate control systems

$ 49,999

Deployment of a new system for real-time monitoring and analysis in an agricultural co-op

$ 49,999

Acquisition and deployment of automated packing machinery for local food processing

$ 49,999

Integration of robotics for meat processing in a local butcher shop

$ 49,999

Upgrade of cybersecurity protocols for a small food delivery service

$ 40,000

Implementation of advanced food traceability systems for a small dairy cooperative

Eligibility

Eligibility for the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative may involve certain requirements based on the applicant's sector focus and project parameters.

The applicant operates within the agri-food sector.
The project involves innovation, advanced manufacturing, food safety, cyber security improvements, or energy efficiency.
The total eligible costs of the project fall within the specified limits for the chosen stream (less than $100,000 for Stream 1 and $100,000 or greater for Stream 2).

Who is eligible?

The available information does not specify the evaluation and selection criteria for the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative projects under the given context. Only details concerning the purpose of the initiative, the streams available, and the application closure were provided, without specific selection or evaluation criteria.

Eligible expenses

The Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative supports projects that enhance innovation, manufacturing, food safety, and energy efficiency in the agri-food sector. Eligible activities under this grant focus on technological advancements, process improvements, and cost-saving measures in agriculture.

Innovation projects that improve manufacturing processes within the agri-food sector.
Initiatives aimed at enhancing food safety through advanced technologies.
Projects that incorporate advanced manufacturing techniques for better productivity.
Activities that enhance cybersecurity measures in agri-food production systems.
Projects focused on energy efficiency and cost savings in agricultural operations.
Development and implementation of systems for improved agricultural data management.
Efforts to integrate smart technologies and IoT solutions for better agricultural outcomes.
Programs supporting sustainable practices and reducing carbon footprint in agriculture.

Selection criteria

Yes, this grant has evaluation and selection criteria. Applications will be evaluated based on the project's description, demonstrated needs and justification, quantifiable growth and productivity, available resources and expertise, and demonstrated advanced manufacturing technology and innovation.

Projects and expected outcomes are well described (5 points)
Demonstrated needs and project justification (15 points)
Extent to which the project quantifies the applicant's growth and productivity increases (15 points)
Identified resources, experience, skills, and knowledge for successful deployment and continued use of the technology or processes (5 points)
Demonstrated advanced manufacturing technology (automation, robotics, or digitization) (30 points)
Provided credible, independent evidence of innovation (10 points)
Aligned with the innovation evaluation criteria (20 points)

How to apply

Review Eligibility Requirements

Content: Ensure your project and organization meet the eligibility criteria outlined in Sections 5.1 and 12.
Implications: Confirm that you are a producer or processing business in Ontario and that your project fits the financial and activity criteria.

Prepare Documentation

Content: Gather necessary documents, including credible, objective, and independently verifiable evidence for your project's innovation.
Implications: Collect market studies, industry reports, and other independent proofs of innovation as described in Section 3.8.

Draft Proposal

Content: Write a detailed application describing your project, its growth and productivity impacts, your resources, and technological innovation.
Implications: Ensure you address all evaluation criteria (Section 3.8) and provide quantifiable evidence of proposed benefits and innovation level.

Submit Application

Content: Submit your completed application along with all the required documentation electronically or as instructed by the grant administration.
Implications: Confirm submission guidelines to avoid any disqualification due to procedural errors.

Await Approval

Content: After submission, wait for the review of your application by the adjudication committee.
Implications: Be prepared for potential follow-up questions or requests for additional information as part of the evaluation process.

Additional information

Here are some additional miscellaneous information about the grant:

The grant targets agri-food sector improvements such as innovation, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and energy efficiency.
There are three specific streams under the Initiative, including Agri-Tech Innovation for projects with eligible costs under $100,000.
Eligibility extends to producers and processing companies located in Ontario.
Project activities must be initiated after receiving an approval notice and must be completed by September 30, 2027.
Projects can include both new equipment deployment or modifications to existing equipment for innovative agricultural production or advanced manufacturing processes.
Additional eligible activities may include food safety and traceability technologies, IT infrastructure upgrades, software updates, and consultancy services.
Non-eligible activities include any expenses incurred before project approval, land or building acquisition costs, and usual operational and maintenance expenses.
Applications are evaluated based on the detailed description of projects and projected outcomes, clearly quantifiable growth and productivity, and demonstrated innovation and advanced manufacturing facets.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 1 Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 1. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.