Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 2
ON, Canada
The Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative supports Ontario's agri-food sector growth through innovation, advanced manufacturing, improved food safety, cybersecurity, and energy efficiency.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateFebruary 15, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateMarch 28, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
The Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative aims to enhance growth and productivity in Ontario's agri-food sector through innovation, advanced manufacturing, and improved food safety. Eligible activities include deploying new or modified commercial equipment and technology to foster innovative production or advanced manufacturing processes such as automation, robotics, and digitization. The initiative offers up to 35% cost-sharing for projects with eligible expenses of $100,000 or more, capped at $100,000 in financial aid.
grant_single_labels|projects
There are several projects or activities eligible for this grant under the different streams provided in the guidelines.
- Implementing new equipment, or modification of equipment, technology, and machinery for production and/or manufacturing that is Innovative or Advances Manufacturing.
- Purchasing and installing new or refurbished equipment, parts, components, and/or technology that improves energy efficiency.
- Facility improvements related to building energy efficiency improvements.
- Purchasing and installing water use equipment and technology that improves energy efficiency.
- Purchasing software or upgrades as part of the Project.
- Hiring third-party expertise/services including engineering services, cyber security assessments, software development, training, installation, and management.
- Supporting costs for food safety and traceability including food safety equipment, barcoding and product identification systems, and testing equipment for monitoring and analysis.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$42,000
Edmonton
Implementing energy-efficient lighting systems in an urban farm
$70,000
Vancouver
Installing energy-efficient heating systems in a dairy processing facility
$87,500
Montreal
Enhancing cybersecurity in an agri-food software development company
$100,000
Toronto
Implementing automated packaging system to enhance productivity and food safety in a bakery
$100,000
Calgary
Purchasing advanced robotics for a vegetable processing plant
$52,500
Ottawa
Upgrading water use technology to improve energy efficiency in a greenhouse
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative, applicants must meet specific criteria related to their location, business type, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Be located in Ontario
- Be a Person capable of entering into a legally binding agreement
- Be a Producer or a Processor
- Provide its CRA Business Number
- Complete an approved Application to the AAC
- Have a valid and up-to-date Premises ID Number for the business location where the Project is to take place
- For Producers applying for Stream 1 or 2, have a valid Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN), an Order from the Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal exempting them from having a FBRN, or an exemption from the income eligibility requirement of the Farm Property Class Tax Rate Program from Agricorp
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative specifies eligible types of applicants under different streams. Generally, applicants can be Producers or Processors with specific criteria for each group outlined in the guidelines.
- Producers
- Processors
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant. Below is a summary of the eligible expenses as outlined in the guidelines:
- Costs that were Incurred after notice of Project approval and before September 30, 2027.
- New or modified equipment, technology, and machinery that is commercially available and Innovative or Advances Manufacturing.
- Costs for food safety and traceability equipment including barcoding, product identification systems, and testing equipment for monitoring and analysis.
- One-time purchasing costs of software or upgrades as part of the Project.
- Costs for facility or cyber security changes, upgrades, or modifications required for the Project.
- One-time costs of third-party expertise/services required for the Project including engineering services, cyber security assessments, software development, training, installation, and management.
- Equipment costs related to the purchase and installation of new or refurbished equipment, parts, components, and/or technology that improves energy efficiency.
- Water equipment costs related to the purchase, installation or modification of water use equipment and technology that improve energy efficiency.
- Facility improvement costs related to building energy efficiency improvements.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible geographic zones for the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative grant include areas within Ontario. Applicants must be based in Ontario to qualify for the funding.
- Ontario
grant_single_labels|criteria
The Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative has specific evaluation and selection criteria for eligible applications, including clear project descriptions, demonstrated need and rationale, and alignment with innovation or energy efficiency goals. Applications are rated on a merit basis and must align well with these criteria to be approved.
- Project and outcomes are well-described
- Demonstrated need and rationale for the Project
- Extent to which the Project quantifies increased growth and productivity for the Applicant
- Resources, experience, skills, and knowledge necessary for implementation and ongoing successful use of the technology and/or processes are identified
- Demonstrated Advanced Manufacturing technology (streams 1 and 2)
- Demonstrated Innovation (streams 1 and 2)
- Innovation Evidence provided (streams 1 and 2)
- Alignment with the Innovation Rating Criteria
- Alignment with an energy audit, assessment, or plan for energy efficiency (stream 3)
- Extent to which the Project leads to improvements in energy efficiency for the Applicant (stream 3)
- Extent to which the Project leads to operational cost saving for the Applicant (stream 3)
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Online Registration
- Create one account per Producer/Processor for AAC’s online application system.
- Select one person to create the account; additional users can be added after initial account creation.
- Authorize an Authorized Representative if desired.
- Step 2: Online Submission
- Follow the instructions in AAC’s online application system to apply for the desired stream (Stream 1, Stream 2, or Stream 3).
- Select and enter the North American Industry Classification System Code (NAICS Code) that best describes the Project outcomes.
- Submit the application before the intake closes on 11:00 a.m. EST on Thursday, March 28, 2024. Late applications will not be accepted.
- If no confirmation email is received within two Business Days, contact AAC at info@adaptcouncil.org or call 1-800-769-3272.
- Step 3: Application Eligibility Requirements
- Ensure the applicant is located in Ontario and meets eligibility criteria as either a Producer or Processor.
- Provide a CRA Business Number, valid Premises ID Number, and for Producers, a valid Farm Business Registration Number or exemption.
- Step 4: Application Submission Requirements
- Ensure the application form is fully completed.
- Provide quotes detailing proposed Eligible Costs related to the Project.
- Ensure all sources of funding for the proposed project are disclosed, and total assistance does not exceed 100% of total Eligible Costs.
- Step 5: Application Review Process
- Applications will be reviewed after the intake closes, not on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Applications will be reviewed using merit-based and Innovation rating criteria review process for Streams 1 and 2, and a merit-based rating criteria for Stream 3.
- Eligible and complete applications will be reviewed by AAC staff and may involve external third-party reviewers.
- Step 6: Funding Decision Notifications
- Applicants will be notified by email once an application has been reviewed and a decision has been made.
- If approved, the applicant must enter into a Funding Agreement with AAC and comply with its terms and conditions.
- If declined, the applicant will receive a brief explanation for the decision.
- Step 7: Project Implementation and Claims Submission
- Complete all Projects no later than September 30, 2027.
- Submit Claims to AAC through the online application system including copies of all paid invoices, proof of payment, completed reporting, and photos of completed activities.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative provides financial aid to Ontario producers and processors for the integration of innovative equipment and technology to enhance productivity, growth, and energy efficiency in the agri-food sector.
- Up to $25 million allocated from the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
- Three funding streams with different cost-share percentages and funding limits.
- Eligible project start date is the day the funding notification is provided.
- Applications are reviewed based on eligibility and merit criteria after the intake period closes.
- Projects must be completed by September 30, 2027.
- Producers and Processors must submit evidence of innovation, alignment with advanced manufacturing, and potential growth.
- Recipients are required to maintain assets and comply with terms and conditions such as insurance, indemnification, and compliance with laws.
grant_single_labels|contact
info@adaptcouncil.org
Apply to this program
Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative Grant Overview
The Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative is a funding program designed to support growth, productivity, food safety, advanced manufacturing, and energy efficiency in Ontario's agri-food sector. With a total allocation of $25 million from the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, this initiative offers three streams of cost-share funding to help producers and processors enhance their operations.
Detailed Explanation of the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative Grant
The Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative is a dedicated funding program aimed at boosting the agricultural and agri-food sector in Ontario through strategic investments in innovative technologies, advanced manufacturing processes, and energy-efficient solutions. This initiative, funded by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), is designed to foster growth, productivity, and sustainability within the sector over a five-year period from 2023 to 2028.
The initiative is segmented into three distinct streams, each targeting different aspects of the agri-food sector’s needs. These streams are focused on providing the necessary financial support to implement new technologies, improve production processes, and achieve significant energy cost savings. Let's delve into the specifics of each stream, eligibility criteria, and the application process to give you a comprehensive understanding of how this grant can help transform your agri-food business.
Stream 1: Agri-Tech Innovation for Projects Under $100,000
Stream 1 is tailored for smaller scale projects with total eligible costs of less than $100,000. Under this stream, applicants can receive up to 50% of the total eligible costs, with a maximum funding amount of $49,999. The primary focus of this stream is to support the acquisition and implementation of new or modified commercially available equipment, technology, or machinery that promotes growth and productivity. This includes advancements in food safety and traceability, facility or cyber security improvements, and the integration of new software or third-party services essential for the project.
Stream 2: Agri-Tech Innovation for Projects $100,000 and Over
Stream 2 is designed for larger projects with total eligible costs of $100,000 or more. Applicants can receive up to 35% of the total eligible costs, with a maximum funding amount of $100,000. Like Stream 1, this stream aims to enhance growth and productivity through advanced manufacturing technologies which may involve automation, robotics, or digitization. Eligible activities include implementing innovative equipment, technology, or machinery modifications that can significantly improve production efficiency and output. Supporting activities parallel those in Stream 1, ensuring comprehensive support for successful project implementation.
Stream 3: Agri-Tech Energy Cost Savings
Stream 3 specifically targets energy cost savings projects for processors, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the implementation of energy-efficient equipment and technology. This stream offers up to 35% of total eligible costs, with a cap of $100,000 in funding per project. Eligible activities under this stream include purchasing or installing new or refurbished energy-efficient equipment, improving facility energy efficiency (e.g., lighting, ventilation, heating), and installing water use technologies that enhance energy efficiency. This stream also covers expenses for third-party expertise required to implement these improvements effectively.
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in any of the funding streams, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements:
- Applicants must be located in Ontario.
- Applicants must be capable of entering into a legally binding agreement.
- Producers and processors are eligible for Streams 1 and 2, while only processors can apply for Stream 3.
- Applicants must provide a CRA Business Number.
- Applicants must have a valid and up-to-date Premises ID Number for the location where the project will be executed.
- Producers must provide a valid Farm Business Registration Number or equivalent documentation.
Application Process
The application process is managed through the Agricultural Adaptation Council’s (AAC) online application portal. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Register an account with the AAC’s online application system, ensuring you select an appropriate representative for creating and managing your account.
- Submit a completed application form through the portal, ensuring all required documentation, including detailed budget and quotes, is provided.
- Applicants may only submit one application per funding stream. Producers and processors applying for multiple streams must operate under different business numbers.
- Select the correct NAICS code that best aligns with the project outcomes.
- Submit the application before the intake close date of March 28, 2024, 11:00 a.m. (EST).
Review and Notification
Applications are reviewed after the intake period. Complete and eligible applications will undergo a merit-based assessment to determine alignment with the initiative’s goals. Successful applicants will be notified within approximately 60 business days of the intake closure. Upon approval, recipients must sign a funding agreement with the AAC and comply with all terms and conditions outlined in the agreement.
Claim Submission and Payment
Recipients must complete their projects by September 30, 2027, and submit claims for reimbursement through the AAC’s online system. Claims must include all necessary documentation, such as invoices, proof of payment, and interim reports if applicable. Reimbursement is processed based on the approved cost-share percentage and paid by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).
The Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative represents a significant opportunity for Ontario’s agri-food sector to embrace innovation and achieve sustainable growth. By leveraging this funding, businesses can modernize their operations, improve productivity, and contribute to environmental sustainability through energy-efficient practices.
