Agriculture Research and Innovation — Applied Research (Agriculture Industry Associations)

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific categories of recipients who are engaged in the agriculture sector.

• 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 (only for specific sub-programs).
• Municipal and provincial governments (only for specific sub-programs).
• Others as approved by the respective Review Committee.

Who is eligible?

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain activities and sectors from obtaining funding, focusing the resources on land-based agricultural innovation and research. The restrictions outlined specify non-eligible activities and unrelated sectors that cannot apply for this grant.

• Activities related to aquaponic food production.
• Activities related to aquaculture, seaweed, fish, and seafood production and processing, except international marketing and traceability activities.
• Activities that provide tax credits or rebates.
• Development and enforcement of regulations as part of the project.
• Activities that do not provide a direct benefit to the agriculture sector.
• Normal and on-going operating and maintenance activities.
• Academic institution overhead fees.
• Non-arms-length transactions.

Eligible expenses

The Agriculture Research and Innovation Program supports a diverse range of projects aimed at enhancing the PEI agriculture industry's competitiveness and productivity. Eligible projects and activities focus on both applied research and technological advancements.

• Variety and crop research trials including yield evaluations, climatic suitability analysis, pest resistance, and improvements in pollination.
• Crop and livestock development research for on-farm diversification.
• Research supporting commercialization of new agri-based products.
• Pest management research to quantify pest problems and evaluate control measures.
• Research addressing challenges associated with climate change.
• Short-to-medium term projects targeting gaps in scientific knowledge and clean technology opportunities.
• Innovative projects leading to on-farm diversification of crops, livestock, and alternative agricultural product uses.
• Demonstration and evaluation of new technologies.
• Support for adopting on-farm best practices considered innovative for the sector.
• Adapting existing equipment or technologies innovatively for use on Prince Edward Island.
• Information sharing and knowledge transfer activities.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is focused on the PEI agriculture industry, implying eligibility for applicants located within Prince Edward Island. The geographical eligibility is based on the grant's objective to benefit the regional agriculture sector.

• Businesses and organizations located in Prince Edward Island, Canada.

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The main criteria include innovation, potential impact on the Canadian economy, feasibility, and alignment with program objectives.

• Innovation
• Potential impact on the Canadian economy
• Feasibility
• Alignment with program objectives

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• All projects must include an information sharing or knowledge transfer component.
• Projects approved for funding that have ties to increasing public trust may be eligible for additional funding.
• Projects with demonstrable benefits to more than one Atlantic province may receive regional funding.
• A complete program evaluation is planned to ensure the achievement of objectives and relevance for renewal.
• Program metrics are collected and reported ongoingly.
• Projects may be funded below the maximum contribution rate based on assessment and fund availability.
• Assistance is provided until the yearly funds are fully allocated.
• If not approved, all incurred project costs are the responsibility of the applicant.
• Applications are assessed on a first-come, first-served basis, considering merit and impact.