
Assurance Systems Program
Last Update: January 24, 2025
Charlottetown, PE
Funds for risk management on Prince Edward Island farms
Assurance Systems Program at a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Continuous Intakes
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
Grant Providers
- Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP)
- Government of Prince Edward Island
- Department of Agriculture and Land (PEI)
Status
Open
Overview of the Assurance Systems Program program
Cost-shared funding for implementation of assurance systems on-farm, in food processing enterprises, and/or post-farm agri-food enterprises, that help improve anticipation, mitigation and response to risks.
Financing terms and conditions
This grant involves collaborative financing between eligible recipients and the Department to support the implementation of assurance systems. The funding is tailored to the project's needs and subject to approval by the Assurance Systems Program Review Committee.
- Cost-sharing between eligible recipients and the Department.
- The level of support and total contribution is determined by the Assurance Systems Program Review Committee.
Eligible projects & activities
This grant supports activities that enhance assurance systems in the agricultural sector, focusing on safety, security, and traceability. The initiatives are aimed at supporting recognized systems through technical assistance, education, and infrastructure development.
- Awareness and outreach activities to promote assurance systems.
- Provision of training and education for effective implementation of assurance systems.
- Technical assistance to facilitate system integration.
- Support for pre-audit and first audit processes.
- Maintenance and enhancement of premises identification and traceability systems.
- Management of premises identification programs.
- Implementation costs related to equipment and infrastructure investments.
- Consulting work to improve system efficiencies.
- Emergency management planning and preparedness initiatives.
- Surveillance projects addressing industry-specific needs.
- Initiatives focused on antimicrobial resistance management.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 8,000
Developing a pest management system for an urban farm
$ 16,000
Implementing a traceability system for organic farm products
$ 24,000
Automation of quality control in a meat processing plant
$ 12,000
Upgrading hygiene protocols in a dairy cooperative
$ 15,000
Installing a temperature monitoring system in a food processing plant
$ 12,000
Implementing biosecurity measures on a poultry farm
Eligibility criteria of the Assurance Systems Program program
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to recipients and their capacities.
- The applicant must be a Mi’kmaq First Nation or another Indigenous group.
- The applicant can also be an agriculture industry organization, club, or association.
- Public, private, and academic research bodies are eligible to apply.
- Other recipients may be recognized as eligible by the Assurance Systems Program Review Committee.
Who is eligible?
The Assurance Systems Program is available to a broad range of eligible recipients primarily focused on improving risk management in the agri-food sector. Eligible applicants include Mi'kmaq First Nations, other Indigenous groups, agricultural industry organizations, public and private research bodies, and other parties the program committee deems eligible.
Who is not eligible
Certain companies and industries are not eligible for this grant due to the specific nature of their operations. These restrictions ensure that the funding aligns with the program's core objectives and sectoral focus.
- Companies involved in core provincial government activities, such as on-going inspection services.
- Organizations focused on activities promoting animal welfare advocacy or involving companion animals.
- Industries related to the pari-mutuel sector.
- Businesses engaged in aquaponic food production or aquaculture, except for fish and seafood international marketing and traceability activities.
- Entities seeking funding for activities that focus on emergency response and recovery costs.
- Companies whose primary operations are related to reinforcing regulations or subsidizing identification device purchases.
- Businesses involved in developing and enforcing regulations or seeking tax credits or rebates through this funding.
- Organizations whose activities do not provide a direct benefit to the agricultural sector.
Eligible expenses
The Assurance Systems Program provides funding support for activities that enhance safety, traceability, and animal welfare within the agriculture sector. Eligible projects aim to implement recognized assurance systems and improve emergency management and surveillance.
- Awareness and outreach initiatives related to assurance systems.
- Training and education programs for implementing assurance systems.
- Technical assistance for on-farm and post-farm enterprises.
- Pre-audit and first audit assistance for businesses adopting assurance systems.
- Maintenance and enhancement of provincial premises identification and traceability systems.
- Management of premises identification programs.
- Funding for implementation costs, including necessary equipment and infrastructure.
- Consulting services related to assurance system implementation.
- Emergency management, mitigation, and preparedness planning.
- Surveillance initiatives to monitor risks in the agri-food chain.
- Projects addressing antimicrobial resistance challenges.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is specifically targeted at regional collaboration, particularly among Atlantic provinces. Projects demonstrating benefits to multiple provinces in this area may have added eligibility or funding opportunities.
- Atlantic provinces of Canada, which may include New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
How to apply to the Assurance Systems Program program
1
Determine Eligibility
- Ensure your organization meets the eligibility criteria set out in the program guidelines.
- Identify if your project aligns with eligible activities and does not fall under ineligible activities outlined in the program description.
2
Prepare Application Materials
- Compile all necessary information and documents required to support your application.
- Prepare a detailed project proposal including objectives, expected outcomes, and a budget plan.
3
Complete Application Form
- Fill out the application form provided by the PEI Department of Agriculture.
- Ensure all information is accurate and complete before submission.
4
Submit Application via Email
- Send your completed application to assurance@gov.pe.ca.
- Include the program name "Assurance Systems Program" in the subject line of your email.
5
Submit Application via Regular Mail
- Mail your completed application to:
- PEI Department of Agriculture,
- 11 Kent Street, PO Box 2000,
- Charlottetown PE C1A 7N8.
- Ensure your application arrives before the funds are totally allocated.
6
Confirmation and Monitoring
- Wait to receive confirmation from the department regarding the status of your application.
- Maintain an accurate record of expenditures if your project is approved to facilitate the claims process.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Projects that demonstrate links to increasing public trust may be eligible for additional funding.
- Collaborative projects benefiting more than one Atlantic province may qualify for regional funding.
- A comprehensive evaluation of the program will be conducted to ensure objectives are met.
- The program strives to address the needs of under-represented groups, including Indigenous Peoples, women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
Contact Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP)
assurance@gov.pe.ca
(902) 368-4880
Apply to this program

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