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

The Agriculture Research & Innovation Program is designed to enhance the productivity, profitability, and competitiveness of Prince Edward Island's agriculture industry through applied research, innovation, and technology adoption. By supporting farm-level projects, this program aims to address industry challenges and foster economic benefits while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

The Agriculture Research & Innovation Program is a strategic initiative aimed at elevating the agricultural sector of Prince Edward Island (PEI) through innovative and applied research projects. This grant program targets key stakeholders within the agricultural community, including Mi'kmaq First Nations, agricultural producers, small to medium-sized agri-businesses, agriculture industry associations, public, private and academic research bodies, and various levels of government. By strengthening research capabilities and promoting technological advancements, the program aspires to increase the overall competitiveness, productivity, and profitability of PEI’s agriculture industry. The program is structured into two pivotal sub-programs: the Applied Research Sub-Program and the Agriculture Technology Advancement Sub-Program. Each serves a distinct purpose in supporting the agriculture sector. The Applied Research Sub-Program emphasizes conducting short-term research focused on generating economic benefits. It offers financial backing for a variety of projects including crop and livestock research, pest management studies, and new production method trials. Such research benefits producers by filling information voids and contributing to data-driven decisions. Projects under this sub-program must incorporate an information-sharing or knowledge transfer element, ensuring that successful methods and findings are disseminated across the sector to enhance collective knowledge and practice. Eligible recipients benefit from funding covering a significant portion of expenses, providing financial ease to execute research that might otherwise be inaccessible. Conversely, the Agriculture Technology Advancement Sub-Program focuses on integrating modern technologies and best management practices within the sector. It encourages the adoption of innovative techniques that drive efficiency and increase profit margins. Eligible activities under this sub-program include the demonstration and evaluation of new technologies, adaptation of existing tools for novel uses, and implementation of forward-thinking practices. The funding model for this sub-program supports expenses related to innovative projects and allows for a higher funding cap should the technology be deemed innovative or transformative for the region. Integral to both sub-programs is the claims process, which mandates recipients to maintain accurate expenditure records. Upon project completion, recipients must submit a formal claim, provide evidence of payment, and deliver a comprehensive report on project outcomes. This structured approach ensures accountability and enables evaluators to assess projects’ success in meeting objectives and providing tangible benefits to the agricultural sector. Applicants should be stringent in adhering to the outlined terms and conditions, ensuring eligibility criteria are met and applications are thoroughly completed. Projects are assessed on their merit and impact and are subject to fund availability within the fiscal year. Potential applicants are encouraged to submit their applications promptly as assistance is provided on a first-come-first-served basis. Additionally, the program underscores the importance of public trust and regional collaboration. Projects enhancing public trust through tangible benefits to the community or environmental stewardship may qualify for additional funding. Moreover, projects showcasing benefits that extend beyond PEI, impacting other Atlantic provinces, have the potential for regional funding, underscoring the program's commitment to collaborative growth. In crafting the Agriculture Research & Innovation Program, a key guiding principle was inclusivity. The program is consciously designed to cater to the diverse needs of Canada's population, with particular attention given to under-represented groups such as Indigenous peoples, women, youth, and persons with disabilities. Overall, the Agriculture Research & Innovation Program serves as a catalyst for PEI’s agricultural growth. By facilitating research and technological adoption, it empowers local farmers, producers, and businesses to innovate and excel, fostering a sustainable future for the agriculture sector on Prince Edward Island. As such, it represents a concerted effort to not only enhance agricultural productivity but also ensure that the island remains competitive and resilient amidst evolving global agricultural challenges.