How much funding can be received?

The RCIA's program, "Unraveling: Sustainable Practices in the Food Sector," offers up to 70% funding, with a maximum of $25,000 per applicant, to support food and beverage manufacturers in evaluating and implementing strategies for reducing their carbon footprint and enhancing sustainability in operations, such as waste management, energy efficiency, and eco-friendly packaging. Eligible activities include engaging a third-party consultant to conduct assessments and develop action plans in specific sustainable practices areas.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant supports projects that focus on enhancing sustainability in the food and beverage manufacturing sector. Eligible activities prioritize the evaluation of current operations and the implementation of eco-friendly practices to improve business sustainability.

Waste reduction initiatives targeting input (ingredient) waste or waste resulting from the production process.
Efforts to minimize the use of non-recyclable plastics in operations or products.
Energy consumption evaluation within facilities or processes, assessing high-energy use equipment such as boilers, condensers, ovens, burners, and refrigeration systems.
Greenhouse gas emissions or carbon footprint evaluation to identify significant reduction opportunities.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and project criteria.

The applicant must be a member of the RCIA (membership is free).
The applicant must be a food or beverage manufacturer with at least two years of operation.
The applicant must be located in one of the Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador, and the project must occur at a facility within one of these provinces.
The applicant must be ready to engage an external provider to develop and implement a strategy related to waste reduction, energy efficiency, sustainable packaging, or another eligible greening activity and provide a quote from a selected vendor.
The applicant must be able to complete all program activities by December 31, 2024.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

This grant specifically targets manufacturers of food or beverage products located in the Atlantic provinces who are seeking to improve the sustainability of their operations.

Applicants must be members of the Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN), which is free to join.
They should be established manufacturers with at least two years of operational history.
Eligible applicants must operate within New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador, and the proposed project must take place in one of these provinces.
Applicants must be ready to engage with an external provider to implement sustainability strategies and provide a quote from a selected vendor.
All proposed program activities must be completed by December 31, 2024.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant does not specify the types of companies or industries that are not eligible based on status or main activity. All exclusions are based on non-compliance with the eligibility criteria outlined in the program guide.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers expenses related to consultancy and subcontractor fees necessary for sustainable and ecological evaluations and implementations within eligible projects.

Consultant or subcontractor fees related to the project.
Travel expenses incurred by consultants or subcontractors.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is specifically targeted towards manufacturers operating in the Atlantic provinces of Canada. Eligible applicants must conduct their projects within one of these designated regions to qualify for funding.

New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island
Newfoundland and Labrador

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.

The applicant has identified a specific area of focus for their evaluation and provided a justification for their work in this area. (10 points)
The consultant’s proposal covers all required activities: conducting an operational evaluation and establishing a baseline, creating an action plan, including cost calculations and return on investment, and delivering a final report. (10 points)
The selected consultant has previous performance and qualifications in food waste, packaging, or energy efficiency, as applicable. (10 points)
The applicant has described the work they have done so far related to sustainable operations. (10 points)

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to apply for the "Démêler: les pratiques durables dans le secteur alimentaire" grant:

Step 1: Gain Membership
Join the Réseau canadien d’innovation en alimentation (RCIA) by signing up at www.cfin-rcia.ca.
Step 2: Preliminary Review
Ensure eligibility by verifying that your organization meets the prescribed criteria such as geographical location, industry, and operational history.
Step 3: Prepare Documentation
Collect the necessary documents including at least two years of financial statements and a quotation from your chosen service provider.
Draft a comprehensive proposal detailing the statement of work, costing calculations, and the experience of the service provider.
Step 4: Access the Application Portal
Visit the RCIA application portal at https://cfinrcia.smartsimple.ca/ to start your application.
Step 5: Complete the Application
Fill out all sections of the application form including project overview, applicant details, and description of the proposed project and services.
Answer all pre-screening eligibility questions to ensure basic eligibility criteria are met.
Upload supporting documents such as your service provider’s proposal and financial statements.
Step 6: Final Review and Submission
Review your application for completeness and accuracy.
Submit your application through the portal before the funds are fully allocated.
Step 7: Confirmation and Follow-Up
Receive an email confirmation that your application has been submitted successfully.
Keep track of your application status through the portal and respond to any additional information requests from RCIA promptly.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Members can benefit from the interactive online platform YODLMC for networking and resources.
The program requires a final copy of the evaluation report and successful implementation verification for payment.
The funding covers third-party evaluations, not internal evaluations by company staff.
Applicants will be informed of the decision within 40 working days after the application deadline.
Projects are expected to start within 2 months of approval and complete evaluations within 4 months (120 days).
Applicants must submit financial statements for the past two years with their applications.
A non-refundable project management fee of 5% of eligible costs will be charged.
Projects must be completed no later than December 31, 2024.
The program is not cumulative with other government funding programs.
The RCIA reserves the right to require additional information to support the application review process.

grant_single_labels|contact

innovation@cfin-rcia.ca.

Apply to this program

Exploring Canadian Innovation in Sustainable Food Practices

The new grant from the Canadian Food Innovation Network aims to support companies in the food and beverage sector that are focused on enhancing sustainability in their operations. This initiative is part of a larger effort to improve Canada's global competitiveness in food innovation by tackling operational challenges related to carbon footprint, food waste, energy consumption, and eco-friendly packaging.

Embracing Sustainability in the Canadian Food Sector

The 'Unraveling: Sustainable Practices in the Food Sector' grant program, a significant part of the Canadian Food Innovation Network's agenda, is set to boost the environmental sustainability efforts of food and beverage manufacturers in the Atlantic provinces. This initiative, backed by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, aims to expedite the evaluation and enhancement of sustainable practices across all manufacturing operations. Specifically, it targets pressing challenges like carbon footprint reduction, energy efficiency improvements, food waste minimization, and sustainable packaging solutions.

Eligible companies, primarily those operating for at least two years and based in the Atlantic provinces, can access up to 70% of the funding for consultancy fees to conduct thorough environmental analyses. The scheme encourages the engagement of third-party consultants to carry out new evaluations, ensuring that recommendations are grounded in unbiased assessments. These assessments are pivotal for the formulation of effective action plans aimed at achieving sustainable operational improvements. Such a strategic approach not only aids in the immediate realization of energy savings and waste reduction but also aligns with broader economic and environmental goals.

The funding initiative ensures that recipients engage in projects which contribute meaningfully to the region's environmental health. A crucial part of the requirement is the completion of all funded activities by the end of 2024, promoting swift and decisive action. This timeline ensures that businesses not only plan but implement significant changes within a constrained timeframe, thus emphasizing tangible results and accountability. The process also involves submitting comprehensive reports post-project completion to demonstrate achieved advancements in sustainability.

Projects under this program can greatly benefit from access to the YODL platform, part of the Canadian Food Innovation Network's resources, which facilitates deeper networking, information acquisition, and growth opportunities for participating businesses. This platform is an invaluable asset for sharing knowledge on emerging technologies and innovative solutions, thereby highlighting collaboration as a core component of achieving sustainability goals. With free membership, YODL presents an inclusive space for engaging with new partners and accessing essential financial and strategic resources.

Furthermore, the grant's application process is streamlined through a dedicated online portal, ensuring straightforward submission of proposals. Eligible projects receive a comprehensive review based on specific criteria, including the project's operational focus and consultant selection. The rigorous selection process ensures that only projects poised for significant impact in sustainable development are chosen, thereby maximizing resource use efficiently.

Overall, the 'Unraveling' program represents a comprehensive endeavor to bolster sustainable practices in the Canadian food sector, offering a clear path towards reducing environmental impact while enhancing the global standing of Canada's food and beverage industries. Organizations participating in this initiative are not only reinforcing their competitive edge but are also contributing to a more sustainable economic future for the Atlantic provinces and beyond.