Organic Industry Development — Certified Organic Land Conversion
PE, Canada
Funding to convert agricultural land in Prince Edward Island
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Prince Edward Island
- Department of Agriculture and Land (PEI)
- Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
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Get up to $10,000 to help mitigate risks associated with converting conventional farmland to certified organic farmland.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is specifically designed for support within Prince Edward Island, as indicated by the focus on the organic agriculture sector in this region. Companies and organizations operating within Prince Edward Island are eligible to apply for this program.
- Prince Edward Island, Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$10,000
Introduce organic cranberry farming techniques on our farm
$7,000
Establish organic herb farming practices at our cooperative farm
$9,000
Execute organic vineyard conversion project for our wine cooperative
$8,000
Upgrade soil health to achieve organic certification for our vegetable farm
$8,000
Transform an apple orchard to organic standards
$9,000
Convert 10 acres of farmland to organic for a dairy operation
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The Organic Industry Development Program has specific eligibility criteria depending on the sub-program being applied for.
- Eligible recipients include Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups, agricultural producers, small to medium-sized agri-businesses, agri-processors, and agriculture industry organizations, clubs, and associations.
- Recipients must have current Organic Certification or have made an application to an Organic Certification Body and have participated in an organic certification inspection.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant program is designed to enhance the organic agriculture sector in Prince Edward Island by supporting a diverse range of eligible participants throughout the industry.
- Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups involved in organic agriculture.
- Agricultural producers who are either currently certified organic or are in the process of certification.
- Small to medium-sized agri-businesses engaged in organic production or processing.
- Agri-processors working with organic products.
- Agriculture industry organizations, clubs, and associations focused on organic agriculture.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant program has specific restrictions regarding the eligibility of companies and industries, especially concerning their main activities. These restrictions are in place to ensure the funds support only those directly involved in the qualified areas of organic agriculture.
- Companies involved in aquaponic food production, aquaculture, seaweed, fish, and seafood production and processing, except those focusing on international marketing and traceability of these products.
- Industries seeking support for activities that offer tax credits or rebates.
- Organizations proposing activities relating to the development and enforcement of regulations.
- Entities focused on BRM-type activities or normal ongoing operating and maintenance activities.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Organic Industry Development Program targets the growth and enhancement of the organic agriculture sector through strategic projects. Eligible projects focus on improving competitiveness, efficiency, and strategic capacity of organic producers and stakeholders.
- Acquisition and implementation of technology to meet certified organic market requirements and improve operational efficiency.
- Modification of facilities to conform to certified organic standards.
- Development of new organic products or access to new organic markets.
- Purchase of specialized equipment such as portable grain cleaners, dryers, flame weeders, mechanical weeders, inter-row cultivators, frost, green manure seeders, and pasture renovators.
- Implementing cover crop technology to assist organic farming practices.
- Initiatives increasing the organic sector's strategic capacity, capturing emerging market opportunities, and addressing sector challenges.
- Funding support for land conversion from conventional to certified organic status.
- Market development activities and associated consulting services to enhance the organic sector's market profile.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers eligible expenses that are related to enhancing the capacity, growth, and efficiency of the organic agriculture sector.
- Technology to meet the certified organic market requirements and to improve efficiency.
- Modification of a facility to meet certified organic requirements.
- Activities to develop new organic products or serve new organic markets.
- Portable grain cleaners and dryers, flame weeders, mechanical weeders and inter-row cultivators, frost and green manure seeders, pasture renovators, cover crop technology, and other specialized equipment.
- Land in the first year of full organic conversion.
- Activities which increase the organic sector's strategic capacity.
- Activities which assist the organic sector's ability to capture emerging opportunities and/or address sector challenges.
- Market development activities.
- Consulting fees.
- Salaries.
- Material and supplies.
- Administrative and overhead costs (maximum of 10% of eligible costs).
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The criteria include:
- Economic impact of the project
- Innovation and feasibility
- Market potential and scalability
- Team experience and capabilities
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Prepare Application
- Identify the relevant sub-program(s) under the Organic Industry Development Program that suit your project.
- Gather all necessary documentation, including evidence of organic certification or application to an Organic Certification Body.
- Ensure all project activities and expenses align with the guidelines of the chosen sub-program(s).
- Draft a detailed description of your project, including objectives, planned activities, expected outcomes, and a comprehensive budget.
- Step 2: Submit Application
- Email your completed application to organic@gov.pe.ca, including the program name in the subject line.
- Alternatively, mail your application to the PEI Department of Agriculture, 11 Kent Street, PO Box 2000, Charlottetown PE C1A 7N8.
- Step 3: Follow Up
- Ensure that you receive confirmation of receipt from the department.
- Contact the department at (902) 368-4880 if you require further assistance or have questions after submission.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Additionally funding guidelines will apply if equipment is planned to be leased, which requires consultation with a Program Advisor before application submission.
- There is a maximum of $60,000 available for eligible recipients across all sub-programs under the Sustainable CAP Framework Agreement (2023-2028).
- Projects are funded on a first-come, first-served basis and ongoing project costs prior to approval are the responsibility of the recipient.
- Approved projects must be completed within the timeframe specified within the funding agreement.
- Claims require detailed documentation including a claim form, invoices, and a project report post-completion.
- The Department may refuse projects even if they meet minimum eligibility requirements.
- Eligible projects with strong links to increasing public trust or regional collaboration may receive additional funding considerations.
grant_single_labels|contact
organic@gov.pe.ca
(902) 368-4880
Apply to this program
Empowering Growth in Prince Edward Island's Organic Sector
The Organic Industry Development Program is a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering the organic agriculture sector in Prince Edward Island by providing targeted funding for projects that enhance sector capacity, growth, and competitiveness. This program, designed for a variety of eligible recipients involved in organic production and processing, focuses on fostering sustainable practices and expanding market reach.
In-Depth Understanding of the Organic Industry Development Program
The Organic Industry Development Program is crucial for stakeholders in Prince Edward Island's organic agriculture sector, aiming to significantly improve competitiveness and sustainability. The program is structured into four sub-programs: Increasing Market Competitiveness, Specialized Equipment, Certified Land Conversion, and Implementation of Strategic Initiatives. Each sub-program is meticulously designed to address specific needs within the industry, offering producers and organizations the resources necessary to overcome challenges and seize growth opportunities.
The Increasing Market Competitiveness Sub-Program is tailored for organic producers and processors to enhance their market presence, thus boosting profitability. This segment supports activities centered around technological advancements and facility modifications that align with certified organic standards, while excluding routine operational costs and infrastructural expansions, ensuring that funds directly contribute to competitive enhancements.
The Specialized Equipment Sub-Program provides financial assistance for acquiring cutting-edge tools essential for organic farming efficiency, including equipment for pest management and soil fertility improvement. By subsidizing 50% of eligible costs up to $15,000 per project, this sub-program incentivizes the adoption of advanced farming technologies, thus fostering operational efficiency among organic producers.
Addressing the transition of farmland, the Certified Land Conversion Sub-Program offers support to producers mitigating risks during the shift from conventional to certified organic farming. By providing financial coverage per acre of converted land, this initiative significantly reduces the financial burden on producers, encouraging them to adopt organic farming practices.
The Implementation of Strategic Initiatives Sub-Program is dedicated to bolstering the strategic capacity of organizations representing the organic sector. This facet of the program focuses on broadening market development and overcoming sectoral challenges through strategic projects funded at up to 70%, highlighting a commitment to transformational outcomes that benefit the broader organic community.
Eligibility across all sub-programs is inclusive, extending to Indigenous groups, agricultural producers, and various organizations linked to organic agriculture, ensuring a broad impact across the sector. Fund distribution is carefully managed, with a lifetime funding cap of $60,000 per recipient under the Sustainable CAP Framework Agreement, to ensure equitable support distribution and strategic fund utilization.
Furthermore, the program stresses rigorous reporting and accountability, requiring recipients to maintain detailed records of expenditures and outcomes to validate the impact of funded projects. This approach not only ensures transparency but also aligns with broader objectives of fostering sustainable agricultural practices.
By supporting such transformative projects, the Organic Industry Development Program represents a pivotal investment in the future of organic agriculture in Prince Edward Island, aligning with regional and economic priorities while contributing to a more sustainable agricultural ecosystem.
