Labour Force Management Strategies Initiative (LFMSI)
ON, Canada
Funding for agri-food local labour strategies through pilot projects
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateOctober 22, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateSeptember 02, 2025
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Ontario
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Labour Force Management Strategies Initiative provides funding up to a maximum of $40,000 for primary producers and processors, and up to $100,000 for industry organizations or collaborations, to address local labour force challenges in the agri-food sector. Eligible activities include piloting recruitment and retention strategies, and developing human resource policies and programs.
grant_single_labels|projects
This Initiative focuses on innovative approaches to overcoming labour force challenges within the agri-food sector. Eligible activities involve trialing new methods in recruitment, retention, and employee support.
- Piloting incremental worker supports.
- Piloting incremental recruitment strategies in Ontario.
- Development of new or incremental human resource policies and programs.
- Planning for certain on-site amenities for employees.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$30,000
Vancouver
Develop an eco-friendly mobile app to improve waste management practices in the community.
$60,000
Toronto
Install solar panels in educational institutions to promote renewable energy use.
$40,000
Halifax
Create a mentorship program for local artisans to increase market access and business skills.
$50,000
Montreal
Launch a sustainable fashion line focusing on upcycling materials to reduce textile waste.
$75,000
Quebec City
Rehabilitate and preserve historical buildings to enhance cultural tourism.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed project activities.
- The applicant must be either a primary producer, a processor, or an industry organization.
- Projects must involve piloting incremental worker supports, piloting incremental recruitment strategies in Ontario, development of new or incremental human resource policies and programs, or planning for certain on-site amenities for employees.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The grant is specifically aimed at aiding primary producers, processors, and industry organizations within the agri-food sector to manage local labour force challenges through innovative strategies. These eligible entities must focus on implementing pilot projects such as incremental worker supports and recruitment and retention strategies.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant covers expenses related to piloting strategies and developing programs to address labour force challenges in the agri-food sector.
- Piloting incremental worker supports.
- Piloting incremental recruitment strategies in Ontario.
- Development of new or incremental human resource policies and programs.
- Planning for certain on-site amenities for employees.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This initiative is part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, suggesting a specific focus within Canada. Eligibility is likely related to Ontario based on the context provided.
- Companies located in Ontario, Canada.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the Labour Force Management Strategies Initiative are centered on how well the projects align with desired outcomes, benefit the sector, and their potential for successful execution.
- Alignment of intended project outcomes.
- Benefits to the sector.
- Likelihood of success.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Review Initiative Guidelines
- Download and read the Initiative guidelines (PDF) to understand detailed requirements and conditions.
- Step 2: Complete Application Forms
- Download and complete the application form (PDF).
- If applicable, download and complete the collaboration form (PDF).
- Step 3: Gather Required Documents
- Obtain written quotes from third parties detailing the proposed eligible costs for the project.
- If applicable, prepare a collaboration form identifying any additional businesses contributing to the project.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Submit the completed application form, along with all required documents, to SustainableCAP2@ontario.ca.
- Step 5: Confirmation and Application Review
- Receive an acknowledgement email from the ministry within 5 business days of submission.
- If the application is complete, it will proceed to the evaluation phase by ministry staff.
grant_single_labels|contact
SustainableCAP2@ontario.ca
Apply to this program
Enhancing Local Labour Force in the Agri-Food Sector
This grant initiative aims to empower primary producers and processors in tackling local labour force challenges through pilot projects. It supports innovative strategies in employee attraction, recruitment, and retention, specifically tailored for the agri-food sector.
Navigating the Labour Force Management Strategies Initiative
The Labour Force Management Strategies Initiative provides a substantial opportunity for players within the agri-food sector, primarily targeting producers and processors who face labour challenges. With funding stemming from the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, this initiative dedicates up to $4 million over its operational period to support innovation in attracting, recruiting, and retaining skilled labour in the sector. As the global demand for food continues to rise, having a robust labour strategy is crucial for Canada’s economy and the sustainability of its agri-food industry.
Applicants for this initiative can seek substantial financial assistance to instigate pilot projects designed to overcome labour shortages and improve workforce management. This is achieved by identifying and implementing projects that incorporate novel strategies to attract new workers, enhance recruitment efforts, boost retention rates, and formulate new or improved human resources strategies. Additionally, there is an element of planning for amenities that cater to the workforce, thus improving overall job satisfaction and productivity.
The initiative provides up to 50% funding of eligible costs, capped at $40,000 for individual organizations and up to $100,000 for industry groups or collaborations involving multiple businesses. This ensures that a wide variety of projects can be piloted, from modest beginnings to more substantial collaborative initiatives, thereby encouraging a diverse array of solutions to the labour issue. The potential applicants, therefore, have the flexibility to propose a range of projects, whether they're seeking to develop new technologies to manage labour resources or fostering policies that improve work conditions for employees.
One of the defining features of this initiative is its alignment with public-private partnerships and the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s long-term vision. The program also encourages stacking of funds, allowing organizations to maximize available resources as long as the total funding from all sources does not exceed 100% of eligible project costs. This flexibility ensures that projects can leverage multiple funding streams to enhance their output and impact.
With a clear emphasis on collaboration, this initiative not only provides financial backing but also cultivates a cooperative environment among stakeholders. By requiring documented partnerships for collaborative applications, it ensures a committed approach towards solving the labour challenges that individual businesses may not tackle alone. This promotes resource-sharing, collective problem-solving, and strengthens industry-wide resilience.
The submission process is straightforward, with a structured timeline opening on October 22, 2024, and closing by September 2, 2025, or until funds are exhausted. Eligible candidates must comply with defined criteria and demonstrate their project's potential benefits for the sector. Ministry staff will evaluate proposals based on how well projects meet set objectives, sector benefits, and the likelihood of success. This diligent selection process ensures that only the most promising and strategically aligned projects receive financial backing.
Successful applicants must engage in several administrative duties such as signing an approval letter, and register with both Transfer Payment Ontario and Supply Ontario to receive payments. This structured post-approval process is designed to ensure transparency and accountability in the disbursement and use of funds, fostering trust and integrity within the ecosystem.
The Labour Force Management Strategies Initiative offers a profound opportunity for stakeholders within the agri-food sector in Ontario to mitigate workforce-related challenges and sets a precedence for other sectors to follow. By endorsing projects that offer tangible solutions and improvements in worker management, this initiative not only aims to resolve current labour challenges but also lays the groundwork for sustained economic growth within the sector.
