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
This initiative is available to meat processors operating in specific geographical areas as determined by the provincial government. Eligible locations are constrained to those within Ontario, ensuring the funding aligns with regional agricultural strategies.
- Facilities located within the province of Ontario.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$57,000
Upgrade of cooler/freezer capacity in small abattoir
$78,000
Implementation of automated tote washers in a meat processing plant
$75,000
Installation of modern automated conveyor systems in meat processing plant
$70,500
Modernization of animal handling areas in mid-sized meat processing plant
$72,000
Upgrading holding pens and hygienic slaughter systems in a rural abattoir
$54,000
Enhancement of waste management systems in a meat processing facility
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's status and compliance with regulations.
- The applicant must be a Meat Processor.
- The applicant must hold a valid provincial or federal meat plant operator license.
- A CRA Business Number (BN) or SIN must be provided, with a SIN applicable only if the applicant cannot obtain a CRA BN and is eligible to participate in the Initiative and receive an Initiative Payment.
- A completed Ministry-approved Application Form must be submitted in accordance with the guidelines.
- The applicant must undertake an activity set out in section 4.1.1 of the Guidelines.
- A valid and up-to-date Premises ID Number for the business location(s) is required.
- The applicant must be in compliance with environmental, labour, and tax-related legal requirements and overall material legal compliance at the time of application.
- Officers, directors, or employees must not be federal public office holders or servants, members of the House of Commons or the Senate, unless in compliance with relevant Acts and Codes addressing conflicts of interest.
- Neither the applicant nor its officers, directors, or employees should owe a debt to Ontario or Canada without a repayment plan in place, or be in non-compliance with such a plan.
- The applicant must agree that any intellectual property rights arising from their project belong to them and that Canada and Ontario can publish specific information about the applicant and the project.
- Agreement to the terms, conditions, and requirements as set by the Minister’s Order, Guidelines, and Approval Letter is mandatory.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible applicants for the Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative include businesses that meet the following criteria:- Must be a Meat Processor operating in Ontario.- Must hold a valid provincial or federal meat plant operator license.- Must possess a valid and up-to-date Premises ID Number for the location(s) where the Project is to take place.- Must be in compliance with environmental, labour, tax laws, and other legal requirements at the time of application.- Must not have any current or former ties with federal public office holders or servants that conflict with the Conflict of Interest Act and other relevant Canadian legislation.Applicants must participate in eligible activities that enhance the productivity and efficiency of their meat processing operations, as outlined in the guidelines. Eligibility is subject to limits on funding and applicants must submit a completed application form with necessary supporting details by the specified deadline.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant's ineligibility criteria specify particular conditions related to debt, employment status, and compliance that companies must meet. These restrictions ensure proper fund allocation and compliance with the Initiative's objectives.
- Companies or individuals who owe a debt to Ontario or Canada without a repayment plan.
- Applicants that are current or former federal public office holders or federal public servants not in compliance with the Conflict of Interest Act, the Conflict of Interest Code for Members of the House of Commons, the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector, or the Policy on Conflict of Interest and Post-employment as applicable.
- Entities not in compliance with environmental, labour, tax, and other applicable laws at the time of applying.
- Applicants without a valid provincial or federal meat plant operator license.
- Companies involved in abusive behavior toward Ministry staff.
- Applicants who willfully or negligently submit false or misleading information.
- Businesses not having a Premises ID Number for the project location.
- Entities not meeting any specific legal entity definition required for participating.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative supports various activities aimed at enhancing the capacity and efficiency of meat processing facilities in Ontario. Eligible projects focus on equipment upgrades and process optimization to increase productivity.
- Increasing cooler/freezer capacity with upgrades to equipment such as reefer trailers, condenser units, and airflow systems.
- Improving waste management systems for handling and processing by-products and deadstock, including equipment for SRM storage and disposal.
- Enhancing animal handling and hygienic slaughter processes with upgrades to barn and pen facilities and slaughterhouse equipment.
- Optimizing product handling and processing through installation of new machinery like conveyor systems, packaging tools, and mixers.
- Engaging professional services for engineering related to eligible equipment in the project.
- Providing training for personnel on the operation of new equipment and technologies.
- Utilizing third-party services for the installation of project-specific equipment.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible expenses for the grant are costs directly related to increasing the efficiency and productivity of meat processing facilities in Ontario.
- Increased cooler/freezer capacity, including equipment like reefer trailers, condenser units, seals on cooler/freezer doors, and air flow upgrades in coolers/freezers.
- Waste management handling/processing costs, covering equipment and structures to handle, store and dispose of deadstock and processing by-products, and specified risk materials.
- Animal handling and hygienic slaughter costs, including barn/holding pen upgrades, animal restraints/knock boxes/upgrades, and kill floor/evisceration room equipment.
- Product handling/processing costs, such as those for processing equipment, conveyer/rail systems, winches, hydraulics, skinning beds/cradles, automated tote washers, scales, vacuum and other packaging, mixers, carcass spray equipment, acid applicators, and steamers.
- Costs for engineering/professional services for eligible equipment.
- One-time training costs for key personnel on project-related equipment and technology.
- One-time third-party installation costs required for the project.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with an emphasis on meeting eligible activities and costs requirements outlined in the guidelines.
- Applications will be evaluated against eligible activities and Eligible Costs as outlined in the guidelines.
- Completed Application Forms will be reviewed in the order they are received, emphasizing timeliness in submission.
- Projects must demonstrate clearly distinct and separate expected outcomes, especially if multiple submissions are from the same Applicant.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Review Guidelines
- Read the Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative Guidelines thoroughly.
- Step 2: Download Application Form
- Access the official website to download the application form in PDF format.
- Step 3: Complete Application Form
- Fill out the application form using Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Ensure all required fields are accurately completed.
- Step 4: Provide Necessary Documentation
- Gather quotes detailing proposed eligible costs for your project.
- Step 5: Submit Application
- Email the completed application form and supporting documents to SustainableCAP1@ontario.ca.
- Ensure submission is made by 11:59 pm EST on January 31, 2024, or while funding is available.
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
Enhance Meat Processing Capacities with Targeted Funding
The Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative is a crucial funding opportunity designed to provide financial assistance to meat plants and abattoirs in improving their operational efficiency and productivity. Despite the high demand leading to current full subscription, the initiative underlines the importance of enhancing meat processing capacities within Ontario's meat processing industry.
In-depth Overview of the Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative
Launched under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative aims to transform Ontario's meat processing landscape by enabling plants and abattoirs to streamline operations through state-of-the-art equipment and technological advancements. This initiative, with a funding pool of $13,000,000, stands as a testament to the commitment of the province and federal stakeholders in bolstering agricultural efficiency and economic resilience.
The initiative offers cost-share support—covering up to 60% of eligible costs up to a maximum of $150,000—for short-term investments in technological upgrades. These investments are specifically targeted toward enhancing meat handling capacities, waste management systems, and product processing activities, thereby leading to an overall increase in productivity and profitability for the facilities.
Eligible projects under this initiative must focus on incremental activities that demonstrably increase the efficiency of meat processing facilities. This focus includes a broad array of activities such as upgrading cooler/freezer capacities, implementing advanced waste management systems, improving animal handling and hygienic slaughter processes, and optimizing product handling and packaging procedures.
With environmental compliance, labor laws, and tax regulations as essential prerequisites, applicants must showcase their adherence to these legal obligations and present a comprehensive, Ministry-approved application to participate. Incomplete or non-compliant applications will not be accepted, emphasizing the significance of meticulous preparation and clarity in project proposals.
While applications for the initiative were set to be accepted until January 31, 2024, the overwhelming response highlights the pressing demand for support within the sector. The current halt in application intake demonstrates the initiative's popularity and underscores the necessity for such funding programs to sustain and enhance industrial capacities amidst evolving market challenges.
An essential factor contributing to the initiative's appeal is its comprehensive coverage of eligible project costs. Costs incurred for equipment and technology upgrades post-July 26, 2023, until March 1, 2024, are included within the eligibility criteria, offering financial relief and incentivizing swift action on process improvements. The costs covered extend to essential areas such as professional services for equipment, training for key personnel, and third-party installations, thereby providing a holistic approach to supporting capacity improvements.
Successful applicants can benefit significantly from this initiative, not just in immediate financial support but also in aligning with strategic operational improvements that can drive long-term sustainability and competitiveness. By fostering advancements in the meat processing sector, the initiative opens avenues for increased market readiness and international competitiveness for Ontario's meat products.
Overall, the Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative represents a critical lever in the province's economic development toolkit. It supports meat processing entities in adapting to modern demands while ensuring that they remain at the forefront of technological advancements and efficiency standards. Through this initiative, Ontario is poised to enhance its agricultural output, contributing significantly to the broader Canadian economy and food supply chain resiliency.
