Organic Industry Development — Certified Organic Land Conversion

The Certified Organic Land Conversion Sub-Program provides targeted funding to support the transition of conventional farmland to certified organic farmland in Prince Edward Island. The funding modalities are designed to mitigate the financial risks associated with this conversion process.

• Funding is provided at specific rates depending on the type of crop or land, with annual vegetable crops funded at $500 per acre, greenhouse crops at $0.30 per m², cereals and similar crops at $60 per acre, and permanent pasture at $30 per acre, each up to a maximum of $10,000 per year.
• The program covers up to 50% of eligible expenses for other sub-programs, with a cap of $15,000 to $40,000 per project depending on the sub-program.
• Overall, there is a maximum of $60,000 available for eligible recipients across all sub-programs within the Sustainable CAP Framework Agreement period (2023-2028).
• Projects may be funded below the maximum contribution rate, depending on assessment and funding availability.
• Projects must be completed within the timeframes outlined in the funding agreement to qualify for financial support.

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.

Who is eligible?

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.

Who is not eligible

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.

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.

Eligible geographic areas

This program is specifically designed for the organic agriculture sector in Prince Edward Island, indicating a focus on entities within this region. The eligible geographical area is specifically mentioned as Prince Edward Island.

• Prince Edward Island

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

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.