Ontario — Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative
ON, Canada
The Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative offers financial support to enhance the processing capacity and efficiency of meat plants and abattoirs in Ontario.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateAugust 31, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateJanuary 31, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Ontario
- Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
The Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative aims to enhance processing capacity and efficiency in Ontario's meat processing plants and abattoirs by providing cost-share support for equipment upgrades. Eligible activities include increasing cooler/freezer capacity, waste management, animal handling and hygienic slaughter, and product handling. Grants cover 60% of eligible costs up to $150,000.
grant_single_labels|projects
Projects eligible for this grant include those that enhance the capacity processing capabilities within meat processing plants and abattoirs in Ontario. Eligible activities focus on increasing productivity and efficiency through various specific investments.
- Increased cooler/freezer capacity: equipment costs to increase cooler/freezer capacity, such as reefer trailers and condenser units
- Waste management: equipment and structures to handle, store and dispose of deadstock and SRM
- Animal handling and hygienic slaughter: upgrades and equipment for animal handling/processing areas
- Product handling: costs for processing equipment, conveyor/rail systems, and automated tote washers
- Professional services: costs for engineering/professional services for eligible equipment
- Training: one-time costs to train key personnel on project-related equipment and technology
- Third-party installation: one-time installation costs specifically required for the project
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$57,000
Ottawa
Upgrade of cooler/freezer capacity in small abattoir
$78,000
Mississauga
Implementation of automated tote washers in a meat processing plant
$75,000
Toronto
Installation of modern automated conveyor systems in meat processing plant
$70,500
London
Modernization of animal handling areas in mid-sized meat processing plant
$72,000
Windsor
Upgrading holding pens and hygienic slaughter systems in a rural abattoir
$54,000
Hamilton
Enhancement of waste management systems in a meat processing facility
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for the Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative require applicants to be meat processors with a valid license, in compliance with several legal requirements, and to follow specific application protocols.
- Be a Meat Processor
- Have a valid provincial or federal meat plant operator license
- Provide its CRA BN, or SIN, but only if the Applicant is not eligible to have a CRA BN
- Submit a completed Ministry-approved Application Form to the Ministry
- Undertake an activity set out in section 4.1.1 of the Guidelines
- Have a valid and up-to-date Premises ID Number for the business location(s) where the Project is to take place
- Be in compliance with environmental-related Requirements Of Law
- Be in compliance with labour-related Requirements Of Law
- Be in compliance with tax-related Requirements Of Law
- Be in material compliance with all other Requirements Of Law
- Not be, nor have any of its officers, directors, or employees be, a current or former federal public office holder or federal public servant, unless compliant with the relevant Conflict of Interest laws and policies
- Not be a member of the House of Commons or the Senate, unless permitted under the Parliament of Canada Act to receive funding under Sustainable CAP
- Agree that any intellectual property rights arising from their Project belong to the Applicant
- Agree that Canada and Ontario may publish information about the Applicant and their Project
- Agree to be bound by the terms, conditions, and requirements of the Initiative
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible companies for this grant are those that process meat, including slaughterhouses/abattoirs, with a valid provincial or federal meat plant operator license. They must be involved in activities that enhance processing capacity through equipment upgrades, improving productivity, and efficiency at Ontario facilities.
- Meat Processor
- Slaughterhouse/Abattoir
- Provincial or Federal Meat Plant Operator License
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant has specific eligibility criteria that certain businesses might not meet. Companies not meeting these criteria are not eligible for the grant.
- Businesses that are not meat processors
- Businesses without a valid provincial or federal meat plant operator license
- Businesses not complying with environmental, labour, and tax-related laws
- Businesses owned or operated by current or former federal public office holders or public servants, unless complying with conflict of interest policies
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant, which include costs incurred for activities that enhance the efficiency and productivity of Meat Processor facilities. Only costs incurred between July 26, 2023, and March 1, 2024, are eligible.
- Increased cooler/freezer capacity: equipment costs including reefer trailers, condenser units, seals, air flow upgrades
- Waste management: costs related to handling, storing, disposing of deadstock, SRM, by-products
- Animal handling and hygienic slaughter: costs for barn/holding pen upgrades, animal restraints, kill floor equipment
- Product handling: costs for processing equipment, conveyer/rail systems, packaging, mixers
- Professional services: engineering/professional services costs for related equipment
- Training: one-time costs to train key personnel on project-related equipment
- Third-party installation: one-time specific installation costs for the project
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zones for this grant include Ontario facilities only.
- Ontario facilities
grant_single_labels|criteria
Applications for the Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative are evaluated based on their completeness and adherence to the eligible activities and costs. The Ministry reviews applications in the order they are received and will provide an Approval Letter to successful applicants.
- Completeness of the Application Form.
- Eligibility of activities as per section 4.1.1 of the guidelines.
- Eligibility of costs as per section 4.2.1 of the guidelines.
- Provision of quotes detailing proposed Eligible Costs for the Project.
- Project distinctness and separate expected outcomes for multiple applications.
- Adherence to the requirement for obtaining and providing a Premises ID Number.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Read the guidelines on the grant page to understand the requirements and eligibility criteria.
- Step 2: Download and complete the application form using Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Step 3: Obtain quotes detailing proposed eligible costs for the project.
- Step 4: Ensure that the application form is fully completed and all required information is provided.
- Step 5: Submit the completed application form and quotes by email to SustainableCAP1@ontario.ca.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The grant involves specific eligibility criteria and operations administered by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs for projects to improve meat processing capacities. The initiative is subject to various conditions and compliance requirements, with potential for audits and specific reporting obligations.
- Eligible Applicants must have valid provincial or federal meat plant operator licenses.
- Applicants must submit a Ministry-approved Application Form using Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Applicants can apply multiple times but cannot exceed the maximum funding limit of $150,000 across all projects.
- All eligible activities must promote the efficiency and productivity of meat processing operations in Ontario.
- All claims and final reports must be submitted by March 15, 2024.
- All projects must be completed with equipment delivered by March 1, 2024. Equipment installation and verification can occur up to June 28, 2024, but no costs, including installation costs are eligible beyond March 1, 2024.
- Recipients must maintain comprehensive general liability insurance with a minimum of $2,000,000 coverage.
- The Ministry reserves the right to audit Recipients and all claims submitted.
- Information about Recipients and their projects, including funding amounts, may be published by Ontario and Canada.
- The Initiative may be terminated at any time, with prior claims being honored but subsequent claims not being paid.
grant_single_labels|contact
SustainableCAP1@ontario.ca
Apply to this program
Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative
The Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative offers financial support to eligible meat processing plants in Ontario to enhance their productivity and efficiency. Applicants can receive up to 60% of eligible costs, maxing out at $150,000, to invest in equipment upgrades and technologies that boost their operational capabilities.
Understanding the Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative
The Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative is a targeted program designed to provide vital financial assistance to meat processing facilities in Ontario. Sponsored by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), this initiative aims to bolster the province's meat processing capabilities by encouraging short-term investments in advanced equipment, technologies, and best practices. By doing so, it seeks to enhance operational efficiency and overall productivity, addressing both current and future industry demands.
Purpose and Goals
The main purpose of this initiative is to provide cost-share support for meat processors looking to upgrade their equipment and facilities. The overarching goals are:
- Increase processing capacity
- Enhance productivity and efficiency
- Encourage adoption of advanced technologies and best practices
- Improve waste management systems
- Ensure high standards of animal handling and hygienic slaughter processes
Funding Details
The Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative offers a generous funding model to eligible applicants. Recipients are eligible for up to 60% of eligible costs, with a maximum funding amount of $150,000 per project. The total budget allocated for this initiative is $13,000,000. Funding will be available until January 31, 2024, or until the funds are fully subscribed, whichever comes first.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to participate in the initiative, applicants must:
- Be a registered Meat Processor with a valid provincial or federal meat plant operator license
- Operate facilities within Ontario
- Meet environmental, labor, and tax-related legal requirements
- Provide a valid Canadian Revenue Agency Business Number (CRA BN) or Social Insurance Number (SIN) if the business is not eligible for a CRA BN
- Submit a complete application form with detailed quotes of proposed eligible costs
Applicants can submit multiple applications, but the total funding across all projects for any one applicant cannot exceed $150,000. Every project applied for must have distinct and separate outcomes to be considered eligible.
Eligible and Ineligible Costs
The initiative covers a variety of costs categorized as eligible and ineligible. Here’s a breakdown:
Eligible Costs:
- Incremental costs to increase efficiency and productivity incurred on or after July 26, 2023, and before March 1, 2024
- Increased cooler/freezer capacity (equipment costs like reefer trailers, condenser units, seals, and air flow upgrades)
- Waste management equipment and structures (handling, storing, and disposing of deadstock and by-products)
- Animal handling and hygienic slaughter equipment (improvements to barns, holding pens, knock boxes, and kill floors)
- Product handling equipment (processing machines, conveyer systems, and packaging technologies)
- Professional services for project-related engineering or equipment
- Training costs for personnel on new equipment and technologies
- Installation costs specifically required for the project
Ineligible Costs:
- Costs incurred before July 26, 2023, and after March 1, 2024
- Ordinary business operations and day-to-day expenses
- Startup costs for new businesses or facilities
- Costs for multi-use items like computers and printers
- Leasing of equipment
- Purchases unrelated to productivity or efficiency enhancements
- Transportation, meal, and hotel costs
- In-kind costs and costs for goods/services obtained from non-arm’s length parties
- Costs related to alcohol, hospitality, or gifts
- Expense reports submitted after the due date
- Vehicles, mobile material handling equipment, and construction/agricultural machinery
Application Process
Applicants must follow a detailed process to submit their applications for funding. The steps include:
- Read the guidelines and download the application form from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs website.
- Fill out the application form using Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Ensure the form is fully completed and include quotes for the proposed eligible costs.
- Email the completed application form and supporting documents to SustainableCAP1@ontario.ca.
Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis until the deadline on January 31, 2024, or until funds are depleted. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Review and Approval
The Ministry will review completed applications to ensure they meet all eligibility criteria and include all required documentation. Applicants will be notified via email if their application is approved or denied. Approved applications will receive an approval letter outlining the project details, funding amount, eligible costs, and submission deadlines for claims and final reports.
Claim Submission and Payment
Recipients must submit claims through the Ministry’s Claim Portal, including copies of paid invoices and proofs of payment. Eligible costs will be reimbursed only after equipment installation and verification have been completed. All claims and final reports must be submitted by March 15, 2024, and equipment must be delivered by March 1, 2024. Installation and verification of equipment can occur up to June 28, 2024, but costs incurred after March 1, 2024, are ineligible.
Terms and Conditions
Recipients must adhere to several terms and conditions as stipulated in their approval letter and the guidelines. These include:
- Maintaining commercial general liability insurance
- Complying with all relevant laws and regulations
- Retaining assets purchased under the initiative for at least two years
- Submitting requested information and documentation for audits
- Providing notice of ownership changes or control within five business days of discussions
- Avoiding conflicts of interest
Termination and Amendments
The initiative may be terminated at any time without prior notice. Claims submitted before termination will be honored if eligible, but those submitted afterward will not be funded. The guidelines may be amended without prior notice, and any amendments will be posted on the official website. Participants should regularly check for updates to ensure compliance.
Participating in the Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative presents a valuable opportunity for meat processors in Ontario to improve their operations, increase productivity, and ensure they are well-equipped to meet industry demands. Adhering to the application process and meeting all eligibility requirements is crucial for securing funding and making the most of this initiative.
