How much funding can be received?

The grant offers a maximum funding amount of CAD 100,000 aimed at supporting projects that enhance technological innovation and improve operational efficiencies within Canadian SMEs. Eligible activities include research and development, technology adoption, and process improvement initiatives.

Eligible projects & activities

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 10,000

Introducing a solar-powered irrigation system for small farms

$ 10,000

Creating a pollinator garden network to boost crop yields

$ 10,000

Evaluating climate resilience of new wheat varieties

$ 10,000

Developing a bio-friendly pesticide to tackle crop diseases

$ 10,000

Innovative techniques for pest management in maple syrup production

$ 10,000

Launching a new agri-based organic skincare line

Eligibility criteria of the Agriculture Research and Innovation — Applied Research (Agribusiness and Academic Institutions) program

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the type of recipient.

Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups.
Agricultural producers.
Small to medium-sized agri-businesses.
Agriculture industry organizations, clubs, and associations.
Public, private and academic research bodies.
Municipal and provincial governments.
Others as approved by the relevant review committee.

Who is eligible?

Eligible recipients for the Agriculture Research and Innovation Program include:1. Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups.2. Agricultural producers.3. Small to medium-sized agri-businesses.4. Agriculture industry organizations, clubs, and associations.5. Public, private, and academic research bodies.6. Municipal and provincial governments.7. Other groups as approved by the Applied Research Review Committee.

Who is not eligible

There are certain types of activities restricted from eligibility in this grant program, focusing on ensuring that the projects provide direct benefits to the agriculture sector. The restrictions specify non-eligible activities related to specific industries and operations.

Activities related to aquaponic food production or to aquaculture, seaweed, fish and seafood production and processing (except international marketing and traceability activities for fish and seafood).
Businesses engaging in non-arms-length transactions.
Organizations involving activities that provide tax credits or rebates.
Companies focused on the development and enforcement of regulations.

Eligible expenses

This grant supports activities in agriculture aimed at improving competitiveness and productivity through research and technological advancement. Eligible projects focus on research trials, pest management, and the adoption of innovative technologies.

Variety and/or crop research trials including yield evaluations and pest resistance improvements.
Crop and livestock development research for on-farm diversification and commercialization.
Pest management research to quantify problems and evaluate control measures.
Research addressing challenges associated with climate change.
Projects targeting new clean technology opportunities.
Innovative projects for on-farm diversification of crops and livestock.
Evaluation and demonstration of new technologies in agriculture.
Support for adopting on-farm best management practices.
Adapting existing equipment or technologies for innovative use on Prince Edward Island.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant focuses on enhancing agriculture research and innovation; however, the specific eligible geographical areas are not currently available based on the provided information.

Eligibility criteria of the Agriculture Research and Innovation — Applied Research (Agribusiness and Academic Institutions) program

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The criteria include:

Economic feasibility of the project
Impact on job creation
Innovation and competitiveness of the proposal
Alignment with government priorities
Ability to deliver results within the specified timeline

How to apply to the Agriculture Research and Innovation — Applied Research (Agribusiness and Academic Institutions) program

Review Eligibility and Guidelines

Ensure your organization falls within eligible recipients such as agricultural producers, small to medium-sized agri-businesses, and public or private research bodies.
Verify that your proposed activities align with the program's eligible expenses, such as variety and crop research trials or technology adoption projects.

Prepare Application Materials

Develop a detailed project proposal, including objectives, methodologies, expected outcomes, and cost estimations.
Organize supporting documents such as project timelines, budgets, and any relevant endorsements or partnerships.

Application Submission

Email your completed application to ARIP@gov.pe.ca, ensuring the program name is included in the subject line.
Alternatively, mail your application to:

Confirmation and Follow-Up

Wait for confirmation of receipt from the PEI Department of Agriculture after submission.
Prepare to provide supplementary information if requested by the Program Officer.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Approved projects must include an information sharing or knowledge transfer component.
First come-first serve basis alongside merit and impact assessment are used for application approval.
All incurred costs remain the responsibility of the recipient if the project is not approved.
Public trust-linked projects might be eligible for additional funding.
Regional collaboration projects beneficial to multiple Atlantic provinces may qualify for regional funding.
Evaluations are planned to ensure program objectives and relevance are met.