Ontario Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative
The Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative aims to support dairy processors in Ontario with funding for equipment upgrades to enhance processing efficiency and food safety.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJanuary 17, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateNovember 30, 2025
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Ontario
- Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
- Ministry of Agriculture
- Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative aims to provide cost-share support to dairy processors for equipment upgrades that enhance processing efficiencies and improve food safety. Eligible activities include incremental measures specifically required to enhance processing efficiencies and food safety in Ontario facilities. The initiative offers a 50% reimbursement of eligible costs up to a maximum of $200,000 per recipient.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative provides funding for equipment upgrades that create or increase processing efficiencies and improve food safety. To be eligible, applicants must meet several criteria listed below.
- Be a Dairy Processor processing cow, goat, sheep, or water buffalo milk.
- Meet the licensing requirements under O. Reg. 761: Milk and Milk Products for cow or goat milk processors, or the requirements of local Public Health Unit inspectors under the Health Protection and Promotion Act for sheep or water buffalo milk processors.
- Provide a CRA BN, or SIN if the applicant is a sole proprietor and found eligible to receive funding.
- Submit a completed Ministry-approved Application Form.
- 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, labour-related, and tax-related Requirements Of Law, and be in material compliance with all other Requirements Of Law.
- Not be a current or former federal public office holder or federal public servant unless complying with relevant conflict of interest codes and acts.
- Not be a member of the House of Commons or the Senate unless permitted under the Parliament of Canada Act to receive funding.
- Agree that any intellectual property rights arising from the project belong to the applicant.
- Agree that Canada and Ontario may publish information about the applicant and the project.
- Agree to be bound by the terms, conditions, and requirements of the Initiative as set out in the Minister’s Order, the Guidelines, and the Approval Letter.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Yes, there are eligible types of companies for this grant. The Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative is available to dairy processors who meet specific requirements.
- Processors of cow milk
- Processors of goat milk
- Processors of sheep milk
- Processors of water buffalo milk
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Yes, there are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant.
- Companies that do not meet the definition of a Dairy Processor
- Companies that do not comply with environmental-related, labour-related, or tax-related Requirements of Law
- Companies involved in activities not listed under section 4.1.1 of the Guidelines
- Companies that owe a debt to Ontario or Canada and do not have a repayment plan in place
- Companies whose officers, directors, or employees 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
- Companies where any officer, director, or employee is a member of the House of Commons or Senate not permitted under the Parliament of Canada Act to receive funding from Canada under the Sustainable CAP
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant. These expenses include various equipment costs and professional services directly related to modernizing dairy processing facilities.
- Equipment costs to increase cooler/freezer capacity
- Waste management handling/processing costs
- Product handling and food safety equipment
- Equipment costs to incorporate testing for monitoring, surveillance, data collection, lab testing, and analysis
- Equipment costs to improve product traceability
- Engineering/professional services for equipment/processes/first-time food safety audit or certification
- One-time costs to train key personnel on project-related equipment and technology (train the trainer)
- One-time installation costs from third-party service providers and minor building modifications
- Minor equipment or structural upgrades directly linked to installed equipment increasing productivity/capacity/food safety
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant focuses specifically on dairy processors operating within Ontario. All eligible activities and costs must be conducted in Ontario facilities.
- Ontario
grant_single_labels|criteria
The Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative does not explicitly list detailed evaluation and selection criteria. However, the Ministry will review completed applications in the order they are received and evaluate them based on eligible activities and costs as set out in the guidelines.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Download and complete the application form (PDF).
- Step 2: Provide written quotes from third parties for the proposed Eligible Costs.
- Step 3: Ensure the application form is fully completed using Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Step 4: Submit the fully completed application form and quotes by email to SustainableCAP1@ontario.ca between April 2, 2024, and 11:59 p.m. EST on November 30, 2025.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Additional information regarding compliance, conflict of interest, and communications protocols can be essential for successful participation in the Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative. Here is relevant information:
- Amendments to the Guidelines may occur without prior notice; any amendments will not have a retroactive effect.
- Errors and/or omissions in the Guidelines are accepted by Applicants and Recipients.
- The Initiative may be terminated at any time without prior notice.
- Submitting an Application Form does not create a right to participate nor a right to receive an Initiative Payment.
- Initiative Payments may be pro-rated if there is an insufficient amount of money to pay all Claims.
- The Initiative Payment is considered income for tax purposes under the Income Tax Act (Canada).
grant_single_labels|contact
SustainableCAP1@ontario.ca
Apply to this program
Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative
The Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative offers funding to help Ontario dairy processors upgrade equipment to enhance operational efficiencies and improve food safety. This grant covers up to 50% of eligible costs with a maximum funding cap of $200,000, and applications open from April 2, 2024, to November 30, 2025, or until funds are exhausted.
Unlocking Efficiency and Safety in Canadian Dairy Processing: The Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative Explained
The Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative is a strategic funding program designed to bolster the efficiency and food safety standards of Ontario's dairy processors. With the primary goal of supporting equipment upgrades, this initiative aids businesses in optimizing their operations while adhering to high standards of food safety. Below, we delve into the comprehensive details of the grant, guiding potential applicants on eligibility, application procedures, and the benefits of participating in this initiative.
Purpose of the Initiative
The initiative aims to provide substantial financial support to dairy processors for upgrading their equipment. The upgrades are intended to create or enhance processing efficiencies and improve food safety. By facilitating these improvements, the initiative helps dairy businesses remain competitive and compliant with evolving safety regulations.
Timeline and Application Deadlines
The grant intake opens on April 2, 2024, and will continue to accept applications until 11:59 p.m. EST on November 30, 2025, or until the allocated funding is depleted. Prospective applicants are encouraged to prepare and submit their applications promptly to ensure consideration.
Funding Details
The initiative offers a cost-sharing model where the grant covers 50% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of $200,000 per recipient. The total funding allocation for this initiative is up to $8,000,000, sourced from the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
Eligible and Ineligible Activities
Eligible activities under the initiative include incremental efforts specifically required to enhance processing efficiencies and improve food safety within Ontario facilities. Examples of qualifying activities include upgrading cooling and freezing systems, waste management improvements, and investing in advanced food safety technologies.
Ineligible activities encompass a broad range of costs not directly linked to the specific upgrades outlined in the initiative. Ordinary business operating expenses, costs associated with applying for the grant, and any expenses incurred before April 1, 2024, or after February 15, 2026, are not covered.
Eligible and Ineligible Costs
Eligible costs must be essential to completing the recipient's project and reflect actual expenses, minus any rebates or refunds. Examples include equipment costs for increasing cooler/freezer capacity (such as condenser units and airflow upgrades), waste management handling/processing (e.g., wastewater holding tanks), and food safety enhancements (e.g., clean-in-place systems).
Ineligible costs include application-related expenses, leasing costs, transportation expenses, and any costs related to new building construction or vehicle purchases.
Eligibility Requirements
- The applicant must be a licensed Dairy Processor in Ontario, processing cow, goat, sheep, or water buffalo milk.
- An active Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (CRA BN) or Social Insurance Number (SIN), if applicable.
- A completed application form, including third-party quotes for proposed eligible costs.
- Compliance with all environmental, labour, and tax-related laws, without any outstanding debts to the government.
Application Procedure
Applicants must complete a Ministry-approved application form using Adobe Acrobat Reader. The fully filled-out form, along with written quotes from third-party providers, must be submitted via email to SustainableCAP1@ontario.ca within the specified application period. Applicants can submit multiple applications, provided the total requested funding does not exceed the $200,000 cap across all projects.
Review and Notification Process
The Ministry will review complete applications in the order received. Successful applicants will receive an approval letter detailing project specifics, cost-sharing amounts, and submission deadlines. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified via email with a brief explanation for the denial.
Submitting Claims
Recipients must submit claims through the Ministry’s Claim Portal, accompanied by official invoices and proofs of payment. Claims should be complete, reflecting only eligible costs, and submitted by the specified deadline in the approval letter.
Loss of Eligibility
Eligibility may be revoked for willfully providing false or misleading information, negligent submission of incorrect information, abusive conduct toward Ministry staff, outstanding debts, or failure to comply with grant terms.
Additional Terms and Conditions
- No Conflict of Interest: Projects must be carried out without any conflicts of interest. Any potential conflicts must be reported immediately to the Ministry.
- Compliance: Recipients must adhere to all requirements outlined in the approval letter and all relevant laws.
- Insurance: Recipients are required to maintain appropriate commercial general liability insurance until the project’s completion.
- Indemnification: Recipients must indemnify and hold harmless the government against any claims or losses related to the project.
Communications and Publications
Recipients must coordinate all communication about the project with the Ministry, adhering to the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership Graphic Standards Guide. Communication materials must appropriately credit both the Canadian and Ontario governments.
Record-Keeping and Audits
Recipients are required to maintain financial records related to the initiative for seven years. The Ministry reserves the right to audit these records, and recipients must facilitate access to any necessary documents.
Conclusion
The Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative offers a pivotal opportunity for Ontario's dairy processors to modernize their facilities, enhancing both efficiency and food safety. By providing substantial funding support, the grant encourages businesses to undertake important upgrades that can drive competitive advantage and compliance with stringent safety standards. Interested applicants should thoroughly review the guidelines, prepare their applications diligently, and ensure they submit all required documentation on time to leverage this vital funding opportunity.
