Addressing the Agriculture Labour Task Force Grant Program — Stream 2
AB, Canada
Enhancing HR skills in agriculture to reduce worker turnover
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJuly 23, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateMarch 31, 2025
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- Agriculture for Life
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The grant program provides up to $30,000 in funding to support primary agriculture and agri-food processing sectors in improving human resource practices, enhancing business skills, and reducing worker turnover. Eligible activities include engaging facilitators to coach business owners on human resources best practices.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant aims to enhance human resources in the agriculture and agri-food processing sectors by providing training and support to improve skills in attracting and retaining workers. The eligible activities focus on developing best practices in human resources management and providing industry-specific consultancy services.
- Engagement of facilitators or consultants to provide training on human resources best practices.
- Coaching sessions for business owners on strategies to reduce employee turnover.
- Workshops or training programs focused on improving human resources skills related to recruitment and retention.
- Hiring third-party consultants to design and implement HR management strategies.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.
- The applicant must be an agri-food processor actively engaged in transforming agricultural commodities into value-added products through physical, chemical, or thermal means, including packaging.
- The applicant may contract to have product(s) processed and packaged on their behalf.
- The applicant must operate a processing facility that markets its products through wholesale distribution channels.
- Primary producers must be responsible for the day-to-day management and work on a farm, producing at least $10,000 worth of agricultural commodities annually.
- Industry organizations must be registered in Alberta and directly represent primary agriculture producers or agri-food processing companies in Alberta.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible applicants for this grant include entities in the primary agriculture and agri-food processing sectors. Specifically, the following groups can apply:1. Agri-food Processors: These are entities actively involved in transforming agricultural commodities into value-added products through physical, chemical, or thermal means, including packaging. They must contract to process and package products on their behalf and operate facilities that market products through wholesale distribution channels.2. Primary Producers: Individuals responsible for the daily management and operations on a farm. They have responsibility for input costs related to agricultural crops or livestock, producing at least $10,000 worth of farm commodities annually. Note that landlords whose only interest is land ownership are excluded.3. Industry Organizations: Registered organizations in Alberta that directly represent primary agriculture producers or agri-food processing companies, such as commodity, industry, and/or producer associations.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant program has specific restrictions to ensure the funding is directed toward the intended agriculture sectors and capacities. Certain activities and company statuses are excluded to align with these objectives.
- Projects targeting recruitment or retention of temporary foreign workers.
- Businesses seeking funds for employee wages, housing, relocation, or training costs.
- Entities that have applied for, or received, funding from the Government of Alberta or the Government of Canada for the same project.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the improvement of human resource practices through training and consultation.
- Consulting fees paid to a third-party consultant to complete eligible activities.
- Training costs to improve human resource business skills specifically tailored to attract and retain workers and reduce turnover.
- Engagement of facilitators to coach business owners on best practices in human resources.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is focused on entities located within Alberta, as it is funded through the Canada-Alberta Labour Market Development Agreement. The eligible applicant categories suggest a strong regional focus on Alberta-based operations.
- Primary agriculture producers operating in Alberta.
- Agri-food processing companies with facilities in Alberta.
- Alberta-based industry organizations representing agriculture or agri-food sectors.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Review the Program Overview document.
- Check the Essential Tips You Shouldn't Miss guide.
- Understand the Terms and Conditions.
- Step 2: Complete Application Form
- Fill out the Application Form completely and accurately.
- Ensure all sections are signed appropriately.
- Step 3: Submit Application
- Gather all supporting documentation required for your application.
- Email the completed Application Form and documents to grants@agricultureforlife.ca.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The funding cannot be used for projects targeting recruitment or retention of temporary foreign workers.
- The funding period for this grant program is defined as July 23, 2024 - March 31, 2025, and all projects must be completed by February 14, 2025.
- Clients who have applied for or received funding from the Government of Alberta or the Government of Canada for the same project are ineligible.
- Clients can receive up to 40% of the funding amount upon acceptance of the approved application, with the balance reimbursed based on project completion and submission of paid invoices.
grant_single_labels|contact
grants@agricultureforlife.ca
Apply to this program
Enhancing Human Resource Practices in Agriculture
This grant offers substantial financial assistance to primary agriculture and agri-food processing sectors aiming to improve their human resource capabilities. It is designed to equip these industries with the skills and knowledge necessary to attract, retain, and reduce turnover of workers effectively.
In-Depth Look into the Grant Aimed at Human Resource Development
The grant operates under a 90/10 cost-sharing financial structure, profoundly impacting the primary agriculture and agri-food processing sectors by facilitating access to essential training and support for human resource development. These sectors are crucial in Canada's economic framework, and this grant plays a pivotal role in ensuring they remain competitive and sustainable. It allows participants to receive up to 90% of eligible expenses, encouraging investment in best practices and the acquisition of specialist knowledge to improve human resource management.
Furthermore, this grant serves a broader objective by supporting industry self-reliance. It encourages applicants to involve external facilitators who can guide business owners through advanced human resource practices, ensuring they possess the expertise to manage workforce challenges effectively. This strategic coaching can cover a range of human resource activities, from workforce planning and development to performance management and leadership training.
Eligible applicants such as primary producers and agri-food processors can utilize the funds to engage with consultants that provide bespoke training tailored to their unique operational challenges. This engagement not only boosts immediate human resource capabilities but also contributes to a long-term growth strategy by embedding these skills within the organizational structure, thus enhancing overall productivity.
A noteworthy advantage is the flexibility offered by the grant, allowing multiple applications from the same applicant, provided that each covers a different project or outcome. This ensures that enterprises can continuously develop their human resource practices in response to evolving market conditions and internal needs. Each approved project ensures that up to 40% of funding is disbursed upfront, aiding in initial project setup and reducing financial burdens for the participants.
Completing projects by the deadline of February 14, 2025, provides a set timeline for participants to implement improvements, ensuring that initiatives progress efficiently while yielding tangible results. The focus not only enhances human resource management but also fosters a stable and skilled agricultural workforce, ultimately propelling industry growth and stability.
This grant, funded through the Canada-Alberta Labour Market Development Agreement, underlines a comprehensive approach to workforce development, emphasizing the need for cohesive and sustained efforts in building human resources capabilities. It highlights the significance of tailored educational resources and support mechanisms that align with the strategic objectives of participating entities.
Ultimately, this grant is an indispensable tool for the agriculture and agri-food sectors, enabling them to thrive amidst the challenges of labour turnover and skills shortages. It represents a dedicated effort to not only enhance immediate HR practices but to embed sustainable HR management practices that will serve the industries for years to come.
