Ontario — Growing Future Opportunities Initiative
The Growing Future Opportunities Initiative provides up to $8 million over 3 years to help Ontario apple, tender fruit, table grape, and wine grape growers improve quality, production, and marketability.
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $50,000
- 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : May 31, 2024
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Grant Providers
- Agricorp
- Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP)
Status
Open
Overview
The Growing Future Opportunities Initiative offers funding of up to $8 million over 3 years to support apple, tender fruit, table grape, and wine grape growers in Canada. The grant aims to help growers plant new varieties to improve quality, production, and marketability, with 75% of eligible costs covered up to $50,000 for replacing existing varieties. Eligible activities include replanting approved varieties in the same location or block where the previous trees or vines were removed.
Eligibility criteria
Growers can receive funding to replace existing varieties of produce if they meet certain criteria.
- Growers can receive 75% of eligible costs up to $50,000 to replace existing varieties with different varieties of tender fruit trees, apple trees, or table grapes.
- The trees and vines being replaced must have been in commercial production within the last 3 years.
- Growers need to replant in the same location they removed the trees and vines from.
- If application is approved, eligible costs are incurred starting on October 30, 2023.
- Growers can receive 75% of eligible costs up to $50,000 to replace existing wine grape vines with approved varieties like Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, etc.
- The vines being replaced must have been in commercial production within the last 3 years.
- Growers need to replant in the same block or row that the vines were removed from.
- If application is approved, eligible costs are incurred starting on April 4, 2024.
- Eligible applicants can receive a maximum of $50,000 in total funding for all commodity categories.
Who is eligible
Eligible participants for this grant are the apple, tender fruit, table grape, and wine grape growers looking to enhance their productivity and marketability through the replanting of specific, improved varieties. The initiative is focused on supporting these growers with financial assistance for the replacement of existing varieties.
- Apple growers
- Tender fruit growers (pears, peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots, cherries)
- Table grape growers
- Wine grape growers
Eligible expenses
Growers can receive funding to cover 75% of eligible costs up to $50,000 for replacing existing produce varieties within specific conditions. Eligible costs include those incurred for replacing tree or vine varieties in the mentioned vehicle period.
- Replacement of existing varieties with different varieties of tender fruit trees, apple trees, or table grapes.
- Replacement of existing wine grape vines with specific approved varieties.
Eligible projects & activities
Eligible projects under the Growing Future Opportunities Initiative include replacing existing varieties of apples, tender fruits, table grapes, and wine grape vines with approved varieties to improve quality, yield, and marketability.
- Replacing existing apple trees with different varieties
- Replacing existing tender fruit trees with different varieties
- Replacing existing table grape vines with different varieties
- Replacing existing wine grape vines with approved varieties like Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and others
Eligible geographic areas
The grant is available for apple, tender fruit, table grape, and wine grape growers in Ontario, Canada. Eligible applicants are required to replant in the same location or block where the original trees and vines were removed.
- Ontario, Canada
How to apply
- Step 1: Download the application form from the link provided in the guidelines.
- Step 2: Save the application form to your computer.
- Step 3: Complete your application form in advance of the intake period opening.
- Step 4: When the intake opens (10:00am on November 20, 2023, or 10:00am on April 15, 2024), email your completed application form to GFOI@agricorp.com or fax it to 519-826-4118.
- Step 5: Wait for Agricorp to contact you to confirm your eligibility once the intake period has closed. Applications will be reviewed on a first come first serve basis.
Additional information
The Growing Future Opportunities Initiative is designed to support apple, tender fruit, table grape, and wine grape growers in improving their produce quality, production, and marketability through the adoption of new varieties.
- Funding status as of May 28, 2024: Wine grapes (82% open), Apples (99% open), Tender fruits and table grapes (78% open).
- Waitlist available for commodities once funding is fully allocated.
- Funding of up to $8 million over 3 years for the initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
- Eligible costs incurred starting from specific dates: October 30, 2023 (apples, tender fruits, table grapes) and April 4, 2024 (wine grapes).
- Several approved wine grape varieties eligible for replanting funding, including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay.
- Applications reviewed on a first come first serve basis and must be submitted starting from specific intake dates: November 20, 2023, and April 15, 2024.
Contact information
GFOI@agricorp.com
Apply to this program
Growing Future Opportunities Initiative: Funding for Canadian Fruit Growers
The Growing Future Opportunities Initiative is a grant program offering up to $8 million over three years to apple, tender fruit, table grape, and wine grape growers in Ontario, assisting them in planting improved varieties that align with consumer preferences, enhance yields, and increase resistance to environmental challenges. Eligible growers can receive up to 75% of their costs, capped at $50,000, to replace existing varieties if their application is approved, with specific intake dates for submission.
Growing Future Opportunities Initiative: Empowering Ontario's Fruit Growers
Ontario's fruit growers have a unique opportunity to enhance their agricultural productivity and marketability through the Growing Future Opportunities Initiative. This strategic initiative, jointly funded by the Canadian and Ontario governments, aims to support apple, tender fruit, table grape, and wine grape growers in adopting more resilient and market-preferred varieties. Here, we delve into the details of this beneficial grant program, elucidating its objectives, eligibility criteria, application process, and the potential long-term benefits for the agricultural community and beyond.
Funding Overview and Objectives
Launched to bolster the agricultural sector, the Growing Future Opportunities Initiative represents a significant investment of $8 million spread over three years. This funding is specifically earmarked to assist fruit growers in adopting new and improved varieties of their crops. The initiative's primary goals are multifaceted:
- Aligning with Consumer Preferences: By supporting the adoption of varieties that cater to evolving market demands, growers can ensure their produce remains competitive and desirable.
- Increasing Yields: Replacing older varieties with high-yielding ones can result in more abundant harvests, improving profitability and sustainability.
- Improving Cold Hardiness: Newer varieties often possess better resistance to cold temperatures, minimizing crop losses during harsh winters.
- Enhancing Pest and Disease Resistance: Varieties with inherent resistance to common pests and diseases can reduce dependency on chemical treatments, promoting better environmental stewardship and lowering costs.
- Boosting Labour Efficiency: Certain varieties may be easier to manage and harvest, thereby optimizing labour resources and operational efficiency.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for funding, growers must meet specific eligibility requirements tailored to their crop type. Here's a breakdown of eligibility across different commodities:
Apple, Tender Fruit, and Table Grape Growers
- Growers can receive up to 75% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $50,000, for replacing existing trees or vines with new varieties.
- The existing trees or vines must have been in commercial production within the last three years.
- Replacement must occur in the same location as the removed trees or vines.
- Eligible costs are considered starting from October 30, 2023, if the application is approved.
Wine Grape Growers
- Growers can receive up to 75% of eligible costs, capped at $50,000, for replacing current wine grape vines with one of the approved varieties (Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Gamay Noir, Merlot, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc).
- The vines being replaced must have been commercially productive within the last three years.
- Replanting should be conducted in the same block or row where the original vines were removed.
- Eligible costs are counted from April 4, 2024, contingent on application approval.
It is crucial to note that eligible applicants can receive a maximum of $50,000 in total funding, covering all commodity categories including apples, pears, peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots, cherries, and table grapes.
Application Process
Applying for the Growing Future Opportunities Initiative involves several clearly outlined steps to ensure a fair and efficient review process. The application periods are distinctly defined, and growers are encouraged to prepare ahead of time to expedite their submission. Below is a step-by-step guide to the application process:
- Download the Application Form: The application forms for each commodity (apples, tender fruit, table grapes, and wine grapes) are available for download on the Agricorp website.
- Prepare Your Application: Complete the form and save it on your computer. It is advised to fill out the form in advance of the intake period to avoid any last-minute issues.
- Submit Your Application: Email the completed application to GFOI@agricorp.com or fax it to 519-826-4118. Ensure that the submission aligns with the designated intake periods:
- For apples, tender fruit, and table grapes: Submission starts at 10:00 am on November 20, 2023.
- For wine grapes: Submission starts at 10:00 am on April 15, 2024.
- Avoid Premature Submissions: Applications submitted before the specified times will need to be resubmitted once the intake is officially open.
- Confirmation and Review: Agricorp will acknowledge receipt of applications and verify eligibility post the intake period. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Importance of Timely Submission
Given that funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, timely submission of a well-prepared application is crucial. Growers are encouraged to complete their forms in advance and submit them promptly when the intake opens. Missing the specified submission times could result in the need for resubmission or potentially being placed on a waitlist if funding caps are reached rapidly.
Potential Long-term Benefits
Participating in the Growing Future Opportunities Initiative presents numerous long-term advantages for growers, consumers, and the broader agricultural sector. Here are some anticipated benefits:
- Economic Gains: With improved yields and marketable varieties, growers can expect enhanced profitability and market share.
- Environmental Sustainability: Varieties with better pest and disease resistance and cold hardiness contribute to a more sustainable agricultural ecosystem, reducing reliance on chemical inputs and mitigating climate-related risks.
- Consumer Satisfaction: Aligning produce with consumer preferences ensures sustained demand and customer satisfaction, fostering a vibrant market for Ontario-grown fruits.
- Operational Efficiency: Enhanced labour efficiency reduces operational costs, enabling growers to allocate resources more effectively and maximize overall productivity.
Conclusion
The Growing Future Opportunities Initiative stands as a robust support mechanism for Ontario's fruit growers, offering significant financial assistance to adopt better-performing crop varieties. By understanding the eligibility criteria, preparing thorough applications, and submitting them punctually, growers can take full advantage of this opportunity to enhance their productivity, sustainability, and market competitiveness. This initiative not only promises immediate benefits but also plays a pivotal role in shaping a resilient and prosperous future for the Ontario agricultural sector.
