Assurance Systems Program

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.

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.