Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 1
The Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative supports growth and productivity in Ontario's agri-food sector through innovative technology and advanced manufacturing.
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $49,999
- 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : June 05, 2024
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
Grant Providers
- Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC)
Status
Open
Overview
The Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative aims to bolster growth and productivity in Ontario's agri-food sector through innovation, advanced manufacturing, food safety, enhanced cybersecurity, and energy efficiency. Eligible activities include deploying or modifying new or commercially available innovative equipment, technology, or machinery for production or manufacturing, with a project cap of $100,000 in eligible costs.
Eligibility criteria
Eligibility for this grant involves supporting the growth and productivity of Ontario producers and processors through the acquisition and deployment of commercially available innovative technology or equipment.
- Producers
- Processors
- Projects with a total eligible cost of less than $100,000
- Deployment of new or modified equipment, technology, or machinery for production or advanced manufacturing
- Activities supporting food safety and traceability, cybersecurity enhancements, and energy efficiency
Who is eligible
The Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative is open to specific types of companies for eligibility. These include producers and processing enterprises.
- Producers
- Processing enterprises
Eligible expenses
Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant as long as they are necessary and reasonable for the completion of the project. The eligible expenses primarily include costs related to new or modified equipment, technology, and machinery for innovation and advanced manufacturing.
- Costs incurred after project approval notice and before September 30, 2027
- Deposits for expenses billed and paid after project approval notice
- Costs reflecting the actual cost to the beneficiary
- New or modified equipment, technology, or machinery available commercially
- Food safety and traceability equipment
- Barcode systems and product identification systems
- Monitoring and analysis equipment
- One-time purchase or update of software
- Costs for modification or modernization of facilities or IT security
- One-time costs for independent experts/services required for the project
Eligible projects & activities
Eligible projects and activities under the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative aim to support the acquisition and deployment of innovative equipment, technology, or machinery that enhance growth, productivity, and advanced manufacturing in the agri-food sector.
- Deployment of new or modified equipment, technology, or machinery for production or manufacturing.
- Deployment of new or modified equipment, technology, or machinery for advanced manufacturing, including automation, robotics, or digitization.
- Purchase of equipment, technology, or machinery to improve food safety and traceability.
- Systems for barcoding and product identification.
- Equipment for monitoring and analysis.
- Modification or modernization of facilities or cybersecurity enhancements.
- Purchase or upgrade of software.
- Engagement of independent experts or services, including engineering services, cybersecurity assessments, software development, staff training, installation, and project management.
Eligible geographic areas
The eligible geographic zone for this grant is Ontario.
- Ontario
Evaluation & 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
- Step 1: 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.
- Step 2: 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.
- Step 3: 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.
- Step 4: 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.
- Step 5: 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
Summary of the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative
The Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative aims to bolster growth and productivity within Ontario's agri-food sector through innovation, advanced manufacturing, enhanced food safety, cyber security, and energy efficiency. This initiative provides up to 50% financial assistance for projects under $100,000, covering the deployment or modification of commercialized innovative technology, equipment, or machinery.
Explaining the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative
The Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative (the Initiative) is designed to invigorate Ontario’s agri-food sector by promoting the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and advanced manufacturing processes. This initiative focuses on increasing growth, enhancing productivity, improving food safety, bolstering cyber security, and maximizing energy efficiency. The goal is to empower producers and processors within the sector to embrace innovation and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
Streams of the Initiative
The Initiative is structured into three distinct streams:
- Stream 1 – Agri-Tech Innovation: This stream targets projects with total eligible costs below $100,000. It offers up to 50% financial assistance for eligible costs, with a maximum of $49,999 per project. This stream encourages the acquisition and deployment of new, innovative, or modified commercial technology, equipment, or machinery.
Who Can Apply
Eligibility is reserved for producers and processors within Ontario's agri-food sector. Applications must demonstrate the project's potential to drive growth and productivity, align with advanced manufacturing practices, or enhance food safety and cybersecurity protocols.
Eligible Activities
Projects must focus on the deployment or modification of innovative technology, equipment, or machinery. Eligible activities include:
- Deployment of new or modified equipment, technology, or machinery for production or manufacturing.
- Adoption of automation, robotics, or digitalization to foster advanced manufacturing practices.
- Enhancing food safety and traceability through new equipment, barcode systems, monitoring, and analysis tools.
- Modernizing facilities or improving cybersecurity infrastructure.
- Engaging experts or independent services such as engineering assessments, software development, and staff training.
Financial Assistance and Eligible Costs
The Initiative offers a maximum financial assistance of 50% for projects with total eligible costs under $100,000. Eligible expenses must be directly tied to the project's execution and include:
- Costs incurred post project approval and before September 30, 2027.
- Actual costs minus any rebates or credits received.
- New or modified commercially available equipment, technology, or machinery.
Non-Eligible Activities and Expenses
Activities and expenses that do not qualify for funding include but are not limited to:
- Costs incurred before project approval or after September 30, 2027.
- General agricultural machinery such as tractors and harvesters.
- Ongoing operational costs, software subscriptions, and employee accommodation.
- Expenses deemed unreasonable or unnecessary for project success.
Application Evaluation
Applications are evaluated based on multiple criteria, including:
- Clear project description and expected outcomes.
- Demonstrated need and justification for the project.
- Quantifiable growth and productivity increases.
- Identified resources, experience, and skills for successful implementation.
- Evidence of advanced manufacturing technology and innovation.
Innovation Criteria
Innovation is a key component of the Initiative. Applicants must provide credible, objective, and independently verifiable evidence demonstrating the innovative nature of their project. This could include:
- Documents from credible academic or industry sources confirming the project's innovative nature.
- Objective and independent market studies or analyses.
Projects are evaluated based on:
- Nouveauté: Equipment or technology that is new to Ontario or North America and is not widely used within the sector.
- Benefits: Substantial advantages for the broader sector, including environmental or social benefits.
- Risk: The level of uncertainty and the extent to which the technology has been tested in relevant conditions.
- Competitiveness: The potential for the innovation to give Ontario companies a competitive edge globally.
The Initiative is a concerted effort to ensure Ontario's agri-food sector remains at the forefront of innovation, embracing the latest technologies to achieve superior growth, productivity, and sustainability. By supporting pioneering projects and encouraging the adoption of advanced technologies, the Initiative aims to create a robust, competitive, and technologically adept agri-food industry in Ontario.
