Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 3

Q: How much funding can be received?

Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 3 Funds up to 35% of admissible expenses, capped at $100000 per project.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Is the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 3 a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 3 is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 3?

Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 3 is funded by Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC), Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP)

Q: Who is eligible for the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 3 program?

To be eligible for the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 3 program, you must: • Projects must aim to improve energy efficiency in the agri-food sector.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 3?

You can contact Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC).

Q: Where is the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 3 available?

The Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 3 program is available the province of ON.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

ON, Canada

Supports growth through agri-food innovation and efficiency

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $100,000
Up to 35% of project cost

Timeline

Closing date : March 28, 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 boost growth and productivity in the agri-food sector by supporting innovation, advanced manufacturing, improved food safety, enhanced cybersecurity, and energy efficiency, with projects eligible for funding up to $100,000 depending on the stream. The program is delivered through three streams focusing on varying scopes of innovation and energy cost savings.

Activities funded

This grant is intended to enhance energy efficiency within the agri-food sector by supporting projects that focus on optimizing energy use and reducing energy costs. The eligible projects aim to integrate advanced technologies that lead to substantial energy savings.

Implementation of energy-efficient technologies in agricultural operations.
Installation of renewable energy systems to power agri-food facilities.
Retrofitting existing equipment to improve energy efficiency.
Development of automated systems for energy management.
Research into innovative energy-saving techniques within the agri-food sector.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 75,000

Implementing a CIP system using cold water to enhance energy efficiency at a bakery

$ 100,000

Installation of an energy-efficient refrigeration system for dairy processing at a facility

$ 85,000

Energy efficiency improvement through building insulation upgrades at a fruit processing firm

$ 80,000

Introducing water-efficient technologies to reduce consumption at a brewery

$ 100,000

Enhancing building energy efficiency with advanced HVAC systems at a poultry farm

$ 90,000

Upgrade the lighting system to energy-efficient LEDs in a food processing plant

Eligibility

Eligibility for the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative requires specific criteria related to the applicant's operations and project scope.

The applicant must be part of the agri-food sector.
The proposed project should focus on areas such as innovation, advanced manufacturing, improved food safety, enhanced cyber security, or energy efficiency.
The project must fit into one of the three streams defined by the Initiative based on total eligible costs.

Who is eligible?

The Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative targets entities within the agri-food sector that aim to enhance innovation, productivity, food safety, cybersecurity, and energy efficiency.

Agri-food businesses that develop or implement innovative technological solutions.
Companies involved in advanced manufacturing processes within the agri-food industry.
Organizations focused on improving food safety measures.
Entities that enhance cybersecurity within the agri-food sector.
Businesses that aim to improve energy efficiency in agri-food operations.

Eligible expenses

This initiative aims to boost the agri-food sector's growth and productivity by promoting technological advancements and operational improvements. Eligible projects encompass efforts in innovation, advanced manufacturing, food safety, cyber security, and energy efficiency.

Development and implementation of innovative agri-tech solutions to enhance productivity.
Adoption of advanced manufacturing techniques to improve output quality and efficiency.
Upgradation of food safety measures to meet current regulatory standards and consumer trust.
Enhancements in cyber security protocols to protect sensitive agri-food data.
Initiatives focused on reducing energy consumption and improving energy efficiency within agri-food operations.

Selection criteria

The evaluation and selection criteria for the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative's energy cost reduction segment (Volet 3) are designed to assess projects based on clear descriptions, alignment with energy efficiency evaluations, necessary resources, and potential impact on energy efficiency and operational costs.

Projects and the expected outcomes are well described (15 points)
Demonstrated alignment with an energy efficiency audit, evaluation, or plan, or demonstrated need and justification for the project (25 points)
Resources, experience, skills, and knowledge necessary for the deployment and continuous use of the technology or processes are described (15 points)
Extent to which the project will improve the applicant's energy efficiency (25 points)
Extent to which the project will reduce the applicant's operating costs (20 points)

How to apply

Assess Eligibility

Ensure your business is located in Ontario.
Confirm your business type (Producer or Processing Business).
Have or obtain a valid Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency.
Ensure you have a valid and up-to-date Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN) for each business location where the project will take place.

Create Online Account

Go to the AAC application portal:
Create an account for your producer/processing business.

Complete Application Form

Fill out the approved application form available online.
Ensure the application is complete and aligns with submission criteria.

Provide Supporting Documentation

Submit quotes related to eligible expenses for the project.

Submit Application

Submit the completed application and supporting documents before 11:00 AM (EST) on Thursday, March 28, 2024.

Wait for Decision

Wait for an email notification about the decision, which should be received within 60 business days after the application period closes.

Additional information

This grant provides support for agricultural technology advancements in Ontario, focusing on energy cost reduction, growth, and productivity. It includes financial aid up to 35% of eligible costs for specific energy-efficient projects.

Up to $100,000 funding per project, with a total project cost of $285,715.
Eligible activities include purchasing and installing new or refurbished energy-efficient equipment and technologies.
Independent expert services for project management and staff training are also eligible.
Applications are accepted via the AAC’s online portal and must be submitted by March 28, 2024.
Projects must be completed by September 30, 2027, with reimbursement requests submitted periodically.
Eligibility requirements include being an authorized entity in Ontario with a valid business number and enterprise identification number.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 3 Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 3. 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.