Organic Industry Development - Implementation of Strategic Initiatives

• Funding for the Implementation of Strategic Initiatives Sub-Program is cost-shared between eligible recipients and the Department, with the level of support and total contribution determined by the Organic Industry Development Program Review Committee.

• The applicant must be one of the following: Mi’kmaq First Nations or other Indigenous groups, the PEI Certified Organic Producers Cooperative, the Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network (ACORN), or another organization deemed eligible by the program review committee.
• The project must aim to enhance the strategic capacity of the organic sector in Prince Edward Island, including activities such as market development, addressing sector challenges, or capturing emerging opportunities.

Who is eligible?

• Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups
• Agricultural producers
• PEI Certified Organic Producers Cooperative
• Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network (ACORN)
• Other organizations representing PEI organic stakeholders, as deemed eligible by the program review committee

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies and industries based on their activities that do not align with the organic development objectives. The restrictions are in place to avoid funding activities that do not support the organic sector directly.

• Activities related to aquaponic food production.
• Aquaculture, seaweed, fish, and seafood production and processing (except for international marketing and traceability).
• Entities whose activities provide tax credits or rebates.
• Businesses engaged in the development and enforcement of regulations.

Eligible expenses

• Costs for activities that increase the organic sector’s strategic capacity.
• Expenses related to capturing emerging opportunities or addressing sector challenges.
• Market development costs.
• Consulting fees for project support.
• Salaries for staff involved in eligible initiatives.
• Materials and supplies required for approved activities.
• Administrative and overhead costs (up to 10% of eligible costs).

Eligible geographic areas

• Prince Edward Island

• Applications will be assessed on a first-come, first-served basis, considering merit and impact.

• Projects that benefit more than one Atlantic province may be eligible for regional funding.
• Recipients are required to submit a claim form, paid invoices, and a final report detailing project outcomes.
• Approved projects must adhere to the timeline specified in the funding agreement.
• The maximum funding limit for recipients is cumulative across all sub-programs within the Sustainable CAP Framework Agreement period.