Organic Industry Development - Implementation of Strategic Initiatives

The Organic Industry Development Program aims to enhance the capacity, growth, and competitiveness of Prince Edward Island's organic agriculture sector by offering strategic support across four sub-programs: Increasing Market Competitiveness, Specialized Equipment, Certified Land Conversion, and Implementation of Strategic Initiatives.

The Organic Industry Development Program, introduced by the Prince Edward Island Department of Agriculture, is a critical initiative designed to bolster the organic agriculture sector within the province. This program provides strategic assistance to a variety of stakeholders, including Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups, agricultural producers, small to medium-sized agri-businesses, agri-processors, and agriculture industry organizations. This comprehensive support is segmented into four distinct sub-programs, each tailored to address specific needs and opportunities within the organic industry.

The Increasing Market Competitiveness Sub-Program aims to help producers and processors capture a larger share of the certified organic market, thereby enhancing their profitability. 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. To qualify, recipients must have current organic certification or have applied for organic certification and participated in an organic certification inspection. Eligible activities and expenses under this sub-program focus on technological advancements and facility modifications that meet certified organic market requirements. This includes developments in new organic products or markets. However, certain activities and expenses are not eligible, such as in-kind contributions, the purchase of breeding stock or seed, construction of new infrastructure, and feasibility studies. Funding for this sub-program covers 50% of eligible expenses up to $40,000 per year, with a lifetime maximum of $60,000 per recipient across all sub-programs within the Sustainable CAP Framework Agreement (2023-2028).

The Specialized Equipment Sub-Program supports organic producers in purchasing equipment that enhances pest management and soil fertility practices, improving farm efficiency and competitiveness. Eligible recipients are Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups and agricultural producers. Recipients must hold current organic certification or have applied for and participated in an organic certification inspection. This sub-program funds up to 50% of eligible equipment expenses, up to $15,000 per project. Eligible equipment includes portable grain cleaners and dryers, flame weeders, mechanical weeders, frost and green manure seeders, pasture renovators, and cover crop technology. Similar to other sub-programs, there is a lifetime maximum of $60,000 per recipient across all Organic Industry Development Sub-Programs.

The Certified Land Conversion Sub-Program assists producers in mitigating the risks associated with converting conventional farmland to certified organic farmland. Eligible recipients include Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups and agricultural producers. This sub-program specifically supports land in its first year of full organic conversion, offering: - $500 per acre for annual vegetable crops, up to a maximum of $10,000 per year. - $0.30 per square meter for greenhouse crops, up to $10,000 per year. - $60 per acre for cereals, oilseeds, pulses, and legume-based perennial forage crops, up to $10,000 per year. - $30 per acre for permanent pasture, up to $10,000 per year. Like other sub-programs, the certified land conversion program has a lifetime maximum of $60,000 per recipient.

The Implementation of Strategic Initiatives Sub-Program aims to bolster the strategic capacity of organizations representing PEI organic stakeholders. Eligible recipients include Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups, the PEI Certified Organic Producers Cooperative, the Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network (ACORN), and other organizations deemed eligible by the program review committee. Activities eligible for funding under this sub-program include those that enhance the sector's strategic capacity, market development activities, consultation fees, salaries, materials and supplies, and administrative and overhead costs (capped at 10% of eligible costs). Capital equipment purchases and standard operating and maintenance activities are ineligible. This sub-program typically funds up to 70% of project costs, with a maximum of $15,000 per initiative. Projects are assessed for their potential transformational outcomes, and the funding level may be adjusted based on industry impact and trends.

To apply for the Organic Industry Development Program, applicants must submit a completed application form, which includes: - Applicant contact information - Business or organization details, including CRA registration number - Partnership information, if applicable - Project start and end dates - Additional sources of project funding - Recipient type (e.g., primary producer, agricultural landowner, processor) - Industry type (e.g., dairy, potato, beef, hog, grains, and oilseeds) - A signed declaration and consent to personal information Applicants must also complete the relevant appendices A and/or B, depending on the sub-programs they are applying for. Applications should be submitted via email to organic@gov.pe.ca or via regular mail to the PEI Department of Agriculture.

Approved projects must adhere to the terms and conditions outlined in their funding agreement, with all projects needing to be completed within the specified timeframe. Recipients are required to maintain accurate records of expenditures and submit a claim form summarizing these expenditures, along with supporting invoices, a project report, and any produced materials. Funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, with projects assessed for merit and impact. Available assistance is subject to fund allocation for the year, and projects may be funded below the maximum contribution rate based on assessment and available funding.

Projects with demonstrable links to increasing public trust may be eligible for additional funding. Additionally, projects that provide benefits and impacts across multiple Atlantic provinces may qualify for regional funding. The Prince Edward Island Department of Agriculture reserves the right to evaluate all project submissions and limit funds associated with any sub-programs, even if they meet the eligibility criteria.

The Organic Industry Development Program is a vital initiative that supports the growth and competitiveness of the organic agriculture sector in Prince Edward Island. By providing targeted support across four distinct sub-programs, the program addresses key areas such as market competitiveness, specialized equipment procurement, land conversion, and strategic capacity building. This comprehensive approach ensures that the organic industry in PEI can meet current challenges, seize emerging opportunities, and thrive in a competitive market.