Grassroots Growth Program

## Summary: ### Grassroots Growth Program The Grassroots Growth Program (GGP) in Ontario provides funding to initiatives that support the agri-food sector and rural communities, focusing on public engagement, safety practices, youth involvement, and rural development. ## Detailed Explanation: ### Grassroots Growth Program Overview: The Grassroots Growth Program (GGP) offered in Ontario is a funding initiative aimed at enhancing opportunities and benefits for the agri-food sector and rural communities within the region. The program prioritizes initiatives that align with government objectives such as promoting the growth of Ontario’s agri-food sector, ensuring the sustainability of agriculture, and fostering vibrant rural economies. By providing financial support, the GGP aims to facilitate activities that increase public engagement, enhance safety and risk management practices, strengthen public trust in Ontario’s agri-food systems, and encourage positive outcomes for agri-food and rural development. ### GGP Funding Focus Areas: The GGP provides funding for projects and initiatives that address key focus areas crucial to the development and sustainability of the agri-food sector and rural communities. These focus areas include: #### 1. Increasing Public Engagement and Support for Agriculture: Projects that aim to enhance public awareness, engagement, and support for the agriculture industry, local food production, and the overall development of rural communities are eligible for funding under the GGP. Initiatives focused on promoting the importance of agriculture in daily life, encouraging consumer education about food sources, and showcasing the value of rural businesses fall within this category. #### 2. Building Youth Leadership Capacity in Agri-Food Sector: The GGP places emphasis on initiatives that empower youth in the agri-food sector by nurturing leadership skills, providing educational opportunities, and facilitating youth involvement in industry-related activities. Programs that mentor young individuals, offer training in agricultural practices, and promote career development in the sector are encouraged to apply for funding. #### 3. Enhancing Safety and Risk Management Practices: Safety and risk management are critical aspects of agricultural operations. The GGP supports projects that focus on improving safety practices, implementing risk management strategies, and enhancing overall operational safety within the agri-food sector. Initiatives aimed at reducing workplace accidents, promoting health and safety standards, and implementing sustainable farming methods qualify for funding. #### 4. Strengthening Public Trust in Agri-Food Systems: Maintaining public trust and confidence in the agri-food systems is essential for the industry's sustainability. The GGP funds projects that contribute to building transparency, promoting ethical practices, and educating the public about Ontario’s agri-food systems. Initiatives that enhance traceability measures, implement quality assurance protocols, and foster positive relationships with consumers are eligible for funding. #### 5. Encouraging Agri-Food and Rural Development Outcomes: Promoting agri-food and rural development is a core objective of the GGP. The program supports initiatives that drive positive outcomes for the agri-food sector, contribute to rural economic growth, and facilitate sustainable development practices. Projects focusing on community development, agricultural innovation, and economic diversification in rural areas are encouraged to apply for funding. ### Grassroots Growth Initiative Guidelines: Applicants interested in securing funding through the GGP should review the program guidelines to understand eligibility criteria, project requirements, available funding opportunities, and the application review process. The guidelines outline who can apply for funding, the types of projects that are eligible or ineligible, allowable and non-allowable costs, as well as the communication protocols to be followed during the application and project implementation phases. ### Agricultural and Horticultural Grant Initiative: In response to the economic impact of COVID-19 on agricultural and horticultural societies, a one-time grant payment is being offered to eligible societies under the Agricultural and Horticultural Organizations Act. The funding is based on the society’s most recent grant payment received, aimed at supporting and protecting agricultural and horticultural societies during these challenging times. ### Contact Information: For further inquiries or assistance regarding the Grassroots Growth Program, interested parties can reach out to the program administrators via the provided contact details: - Toll-Free Number: 1-877-424-1300 - Email: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca By aligning with the objectives of the Grassroots Growth Program, organizations and individuals can access funding support to drive impactful initiatives that contribute to the growth, sustainability, and prosperity of the agri-food sector and rural communities in Ontario.