Future Farmer Program
PE, Canada
Funding to support new farmers
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateNovember 1, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateApril 15, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Prince Edward Island
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Get up to $10,000 to cover up to 50% of eligible expenses to help you prioritize, identify, plan and manage your business goals.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The Future Farmer Program provides a structured funding framework designed to support eligible farm-related activities and expenses. These modalities focus on cost-sharing to enhance business capacity and sustainability.
- 50% of eligible expenses up to $10,000 per project for continuous improvement on-farm project expenses, with eligibility for three projects over the framework period (2023-2028).
- 75% of eligible expenses up to $2,000 per project, with a maximum of $3,000 per recipient for skill development and training expenses over the framework period.
- 75% of eligible expenses up to $3,000 per recipient for business plan expenses within the first year of program acceptance.
- 50% of eligible expenses up to $1,000 per recipient for PEI Analytical Laboratory testing expenses.
- 50% of eligible expenses up to $2,000 per recipient for Business Risk Management expenses over the framework period.
- Projects may be funded below the maximum contribution rate based on an assessment and available funding.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Future Farmer Program is designed to aid new farmers in the development of their businesses by providing support for various growth and skills enhancement activities. The eligible projects aim to improve planning, management skills, and farm operations through targeted assistance.
- Facilitation and coaching assistance by a program advisor.
- Development and implementation of continuous improvement on-farm projects.
- Skills development and training assistance by a third-party.
- Business or succession planning assistance.
- Analytical laboratory testing.
- Participation in Business Risk Management (BRM) Programs like AgriStability and AgriInsurance.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 4,500
Host a series of community workshops on sustainable agriculture practices
$ 4,250
Initiate a digital transformation project by developing a new company website
$ 4,000
Conduct a feasibility study for a new community recycling program
$ 3,250
Upgrade accounting software to improve financial management and reporting
$ 4,250
Develop a marketing strategy for a new eco-friendly product line
$ 4,500
Implement a customer relationship management (CRM) system
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed farm business plan.
- The applicant must be a new agricultural producer and must not have reported farm income for more than 5 years.
- A business or succession plan must be in place, projecting at least $20,000 in annual gross farm sales.
- The business or succession plan must indicate ownership of at least 15% of the common voting shares or a 15% interest in the partnership (for farms with gross sales of $1M or less) or 10% ownership or interest for those with sales exceeding $1M.
- The applicant must be a Canadian citizen or a Permanent Resident.
- The applicant must reside in Prince Edward Island.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This program is open to Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups, as well as agricultural producers who meet certain criteria. To apply for the Future Farmer funding, applicants must:- Be new agricultural producers with no more than 5 years of reported farm income.- Have a business or succession plan in place.- Demonstrate a projected annual gross farm sales of at least $20,000.- For those using a succession plan, they need to own at least 15% of voting shares or 15% interest in a partnership (for farms with gross sales ≤ $1M) or 10% of voting shares or partnership interest (for farms with gross sales > $1M).- Be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.- Reside in Prince Edward Island.- If lacking a business or succession plan, applicants can seek coaching support from the program.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
The Future Farmer Program has specific eligibility requirements, which inherently exclude certain types of businesses or activities. These restrictions are in place to focus the program's resources on new agricultural producers who are most aligned with the program's strategic goals.
- Businesses that have reported farm income for more than 5 years.
- Companies that do not have a farm-related business or succession plan projecting at least $20,000 in annual gross farm sales.
- Organizations or individuals that are not Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents.
- Individuals who are not residents of Prince Edward Island.
- Companies engaging in aquaponic food production, or aquaculture, seaweed, fish, and seafood production and processing, with exceptions only for international marketing and traceability activities for fish and seafood.
- Businesses that incur expenses prior to project application.
- Entities involved in purchasing land and/or buildings, or engaging in normal and ongoing operating and maintenance activities not providing direct benefits to the agricultural sector.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant includes specific expenses that are crucial for the development and permanency of new farm businesses.
- Facilitation and coaching assistance by a program advisor.
- Development and implementation of continuous improvement on-farm projects.
- Skills development and training assistance by a third-party.
- Business or succession planning assistance.
- Analytical laboratory testing.
- Participation in the Business Risk Management (BRM) Programs: AgriStability and AgriInsurance.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This program is exclusively targeted to individuals and entities located within a specific geographical location as determined by the funding body's regional focus.
- Residents of Prince Edward Island, Canada.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to apply for the Future Farmer Program grant:
- Step 1: Gather Necessary Information
- Prepare applicant contact information.
- Prepare business or organization information, including CRA registration number.
- If applicable, gather partnership information.
- Define project start and end dates.
- Identify additional sources of project funding.
- Specify recipient type (e.g., primary producer, agricultural landowner, processor).
- Identify type of industry (e.g., Dairy, potato, beef, grains).
- Step 2: Complete General Application Form
- Fill out the Future Farmer General Application Form.
- Provide residency, citizenship, and demographic information.
- Detail educational background, farm history, and experience.
- Include information about farming income and environmental farm plans.
- Step 3: Complete Additional Appendices
- Depending on the funding categories you are applying for, fill out the relevant appendices:
- - Appendix A: Analytical Laboratory Testing Reimbursement.
- - Appendix B: Business Risk Management Reimbursement.
- - Appendix C: On-Farm Project Application.
- - Appendix D: Training Approval Request.
- Step 4: Submit the Application
- Email the completed application form and appendices to futurefarmer@gov.pe.ca and include the program name in the subject line.
- Alternatively, mail the application to:
- PEI Department of Agriculture
- 11 Kent Street
- PO Box 2000
- Charlottetown PE C1A 7N8
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Recipients who do not have a business or succession plan may qualify for coaching support through the program.
- Projects must align with one of the Sustainable CAP Framework outcomes to be eligible for funding under continuous improvement on-farm activities.
- Funding is available until it is fully allocated for the year.
- All approved projects must be completed within the timeframe specified in the funding agreement.
- Assistance continues as long as funds are available within the designated year.
- Successful recipients must submit a claim form, copies of all invoices, a project report, and photographs or materials funded.
- Additional project funding may be available for projects with demonstrated links to increasing public trust.
- Program evaluation is ongoing to ensure objectives and results are met, with metrics collected regularly.
grant_single_labels|contact
futurefarmer@gov.pe.ca
(902) 368-4880
