Ontario Agri-food Research Initiative
ON, Canada
Funding for Ontario agri-food research and innovation projects
grant_single|update March 21, 2025
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateOctober 2, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateDecember 4, 2024
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 Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative provides funding for agri-food research and innovation projects in Ontario, with several streams such as applied research, pilot and demonstration, knowledge translation and transfer, and commercialization, although the maximum funding amount is not explicitly provided. Eligible activities include scientific investigation, prototype development, knowledge mobilization, and scaling innovative technologies for commercial use.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
This grant supports various streams aimed at driving innovation within the Ontario agri-food sector by providing funding that aligns with the research priorities of each stream.
- Funding is provided through multiple streams including applied research, pilot and demonstration, knowledge translation and transfer, and commercialization.
- Funding targets activities ranging from the research and development stage to market-ready commercialization projects.
- The specific financing structure varies according to each stream, and is guided by the Technology Readiness Levels applicable to the project.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative provides funding for projects that contribute to research and innovation within Ontario's agri-food sector. Eligible projects focus on creating new knowledge, technologies, products, or practices to address industry challenges and enhance market opportunities.
- Applied research activities generating new knowledge and experimental proof-of-concept at early Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) up to level 5.
- Pilot and demonstration projects developing models or prototypes of new technologies at TRL 6.
- Activities in knowledge translation and transfer (KTT) to transform research knowledge into practice through synthesis, exchange, and dissemination.
- Commercialization efforts for scaling innovative technologies, products, and services to market through market validation and product development, advancing technologies through TRL 7-9.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements that applicants must meet in order to qualify for funding.
- The lead applicant must be located in Ontario.
- The applicant must demonstrate their capacity to perform quality research and innovation activities.
- The applicant must be part of one of the following organizations: a university or college, a research organization, institute or foundation, an industry organization or business, a non-government organization, or a municipal or indigenous government or government agency.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible applicants for this initiative include universities, colleges, research organizations, institutes, industry organizations, businesses, non-government organizations, municipal or indigenous governments or agencies located in Ontario. Applicants must demonstrate their capacity to perform quality research and innovation activities in the agri-food sector. However, federal and provincial government researchers, researchers from outside Ontario, and those with outstanding progress reports from previously funded projects are not eligible to apply as lead applicants, although they may collaborate.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Certain applicants are not eligible for this grant based on their status or location. The restrictions are intended to ensure that funding aligns with the initiative's aims and eligibility criteria.
- Federal and provincial government researchers, unless collaborating with an eligible lead applicant.
- Researchers and organizations outside of Ontario, unless collaborating with an Ontario-based lead applicant.
- Researchers with outstanding progress reports for other projects funded by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant covers expenses directly related to research and innovation activities in the agri-food sector.
- Personnel costs specifically for project-related research roles.
- Equipment and materials required for research and development activities.
- Costs of pilot or demonstration project development.
- Knowledge translation and transfer activities, including dissemination and engagement.
- Expenses related to market validation and product development for commercialization.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available to organizations located in specific geographical areas as mandated by the eligibility criteria. Eligible organizations must be based within Ontario, Canada, aligning with the provincial focus of the initiative.
- Organizations based in Ontario, Canada.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative evaluates projects based on a series of criteria to ensure they meet the strategic objectives of the grant program.
- Relevance to the research priorities outlined in the specific stream intake guidelines.
- Capacity of the lead applicant to perform quality research and innovation activities.
- Potential for the project to enhance the resiliency and sustainable growth of the agri-food sector.
- Effectiveness of the proposed knowledge translation and transfer strategies.
- Viability of developing prototypes and models for pilot and demonstration projects.
- Market readiness and potential for commercial success in commercialization projects.
- Adherence to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenization in the project approach.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Ensure your organization is located in Ontario and falls under an eligible category such as a university, college, or research organization.
- Step 2: Choose Appropriate Funding Stream
- Identify the relevant stream for your project based on the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and project objectives (e.g., applied research, pilot and demonstration, knowledge translation and transfer, or commercialization).
- Review the research priorities outlined in the specific stream intake guidelines to ensure alignment.
- Step 3: Understand the Guidelines
- Download and read the 2024 guidelines (PDF) for your chosen stream to understand the detailed requirements and criteria.
- For applied research, pilot and demonstration, and knowledge translation and transfer streams, access the guidelines via the Ontario government website.
- Step 4: Prepare Application
- Compile all necessary documents and information required by the guidelines, including project descriptions, budgets, and timelines.
- Draft your application ensuring it addresses the funding criteria and research priorities.
- Step 5: Submit Application
- For applied research, pilot and demonstration, and KTT streams, log in to the Research Management System (RMS) to submit your application.
- If applicable, contact RMS support at RMS@ontario.ca for assistance.
- For the commercialization stream, visit the Bioenterprise website to submit your application.
- Step 6: Attend Information Sessions (Optional)
- Register for the virtual information session on October 29, 2024, for insights into the applied research, pilot and demonstration, and KTT streams.
- Attend the Bioenterprise event on October 16, 2024, to learn more about the commercialization stream.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The initiative adheres to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenization.
- The Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative is jointly funded by the Governments of Canada and Ontario under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
- The Grow Ontario Accelerator Hub provides mentoring and advisory services, growth planning, and investment readiness supports on a continuous intake basis.
- Researchers with outstanding progress reports for other projects funded by OMAFA must submit these reports to be eligible for new funding.
- A virtual information session will be held for several streams to provide an overview and answer questions about the application process.
