Ontario — Growing Future Opportunities Initiative

The Ontario Growing Future Opportunities Initiative provides a structured financing framework designed to empower Grape and Tree Fruit producers by facilitating their project funding. The modalities are crafted to maximize project efficiency and fund utilization.

• The Initiative offers cost-share support with a recipient reimbursement of up to 75% of eligible costs.
• There is a maximum funding cap of $50,000 per recipient across all commodity categories.
• Total funding of up to $8 million has been allocated for the Initiative, sourced from the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
• Payments are made post-completion of approved activities, as aligned with approved claims and reporting.
• Funding may be pro-rated if the total claims exceed the allocated Initiative budget.
• Eligible project timelines extend until December 31, 2026 for Apples and Tender Fruit, and until September 30, 2027 for Wine Grapes.

The eligibility criteria for the Ontario — Growing Future Opportunities Initiative address the requirements that applicants must meet to be considered for funding.

• Applicants must be Grape and Tree Fruit producers in Ontario.
• Applicants can apply to each Commodity Category once under the Initiative.
• Applicants must not have previously received funding for the project through the Sustainable CAP.
• Projects must have a completion date no later than December 31, 2026 for Apple and Tender Fruit projects, and September 30, 2027 for Wine Grapes.
• Applicants must not owe a debt to Ontario or Canada without a repayment plan in place.

Who is eligible?

The Growing Future Opportunities Initiative is designed to support Ontario's grape and tree fruit producers, specifically those involved in the cultivation of apples, tender fruits, and wine grapes. Eligible applicants must be actively engaged in the production of these commodities and willing to undertake projects that involve replanting to enhance competitiveness and agronomic benefits.

Who is not eligible

The Growing Future Opportunities Initiative restricts eligibility based on specific conditions related to the status and prior funding of projects. These limitations are designed to prevent duplication of benefits and ensure efficient resource usage.

• Applicants attempting to receive funding for a project already funded through Sustainable CAP.
• Individuals or entities without a valid Premises ID Number.

Eligible expenses

This grant assists apple, tender fruit, table grape, and wine grape growers in Canada with projects aimed at enhancing their operations. The eligible projects focus on replanting specific varieties to improve crop quality and resilience.

• Replacing existing apple, tender fruit, and table grape varieties with new varieties to boost production and marketability.
• Replanting wine grape vines with approved varieties such as Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Chardonnay to improve quality and pest resistance.

Eligible geographic areas

This initiative provides funding for primary producers in Ontario, aiming to support local grape and tree fruit growers through replanting incentives.

• Companies based in Ontario, Canada.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• The Initiative offers a cost-share support of 75% for eligible costs with a cap of $50,000 across all commodity categories.
• Funding is facilitated by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, with an allocated budget of $8 million.
• Each project must be completed by specified deadlines: December 31, 2026, for Apple and Tender Fruit projects, and September 30, 2027, for Wine Grapes.
• Applicants can only apply once per commodity category and must not have received other Sustainable CAP funding for the same project.
• All claims must be submitted with detailed proof of purchase and payment within specified deadlines after cost-incurrence.
• The Initiative requires compliance with various legal and operational terms, including environmental, tax-related, and labor laws.