Organic Industry Development - Implementation of Strategic Initiatives
PE, Canada
Funding to support organic farming in Prince Edward Island
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Prince Edward Island
- Department of Agriculture and Land (PEI)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Receive financial assistance to support the organic farming sector by providing strategic support for market competitiveness, purchase of specialized equipment, certification of land conversion or implementation of a strategic initiative.
grant_single_labels|projects
This program is specifically designed to support the organic agriculture sector in Prince Edward Island. Therefore, the eligible geographical area for this grant is within Prince Edward Island itself.
- Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$50,000
Market development activities for organic maple syrup
$52,000
Purchasing cover crop technology to improve soil health in organic fields
$45,000
Implementation of frost seeders and green manure seeders for sustainable crop rotation
$45,000
Development of a new organic tomato variety adapted to local climate conditions
$54,000
Acquisition of mechanical weeders and inter-row cultivators for improving organic farming efficiency
$50,000
Strategic initiative to increase organic sector capacity through training and certification
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for the Organic Industry Development funding is determined based on specific criteria related to the recipient's type and their certification status.
- The applicant must belong to one of the following recipient categories:
- Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups
- Agricultural producers
- Small to medium-sized agri-businesses (for Increasing Market Competitiveness Sub-Program)
- Agri-processors (for Increasing Market Competitiveness Sub-Program)
- Agriculture industry organizations, clubs, and associations (for Increasing Market Competitiveness Sub-Program)
- PEI Certified Organic Producers Cooperative (for Implementation of Strategic Initiatives Sub-Program)
- Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network (ACORN) (for Implementation of Strategic Initiatives Sub-Program)
- Other organizations deemed eligible by the program review committee (for Implementation of Strategic Initiatives Sub-Program)
- 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
Eligible recipients for the Organic Industry Development Program depend on the specific sub-program being applied for. These include a variety of participants within the organic agriculture sector in Prince Edward Island, primarily focusing on:1. Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups.2. Agricultural producers, both individuals and entities engaged in farming activities.3. Small to medium-sized agri-businesses that are involved in organic farming or related activities.4. Agri-processors who process organic agricultural products.5. Agricultural industry organizations, clubs, and associations supporting organic agriculture.6. Specific cooperatives and networks like the PEI Certified Organic Producers Cooperative and the Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network (ACORN) for certain initiatives.Applicants must meet organic certification requirements or be in the process of obtaining organic certification, having participated in an organic certification inspection. Additional specific eligibility criteria may apply depending on the sub-program, such as owning or managing land in the process of conversion to organic certification or focusing on certain strategic initiatives within the sector.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant program supports initiatives aimed at improving and expanding the organic agriculture sector in Prince Edward Island. The eligible projects are designed to increase market competitiveness, assist in acquiring specialized equipment, support land conversion to organic farming, and implement strategic initiatives for sectoral growth.
- Acquisition of technology to meet certified organic market requirements and improve efficiency.
- Modification of facilities to meet certified organic standards.
- Activities to develop new organic products or access new organic markets.
- Purchase of portable grain cleaners and dryers.
- Acquisition of flame and mechanical weeders, including inter-row cultivators.
- Implementation of frost and green manure seeders and pasture renovators.
- Adoption of cover crop technology and other specialized equipment.
- Conversion of conventional farmland to certified organic farmland (first year of conversion).
- Activities that enhance the strategic capacity of the organic sector.
- Projects to capture emerging opportunities or address sector challenges.
- Market development activities and consulting services.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to eligible activities under each sub-program.
- 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.
- Other specialized equipment.
- Land in the first year of full organic conversion.
- Activities which will increase the organic sector’s strategic capacity.
- Activities which will 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 no explicit evaluation and selection criteria mentioned for this grant, but the application process involves assessment based on merit, impact, and the availability of funds.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Review the Organic Industry Development Program Guidelines to ensure eligibility for the desired sub-program.
- Confirm that your organization or business falls under one of the eligible recipient categories.
- Ensure that necessary certifications or applications for Organic Certification are in place.
- Step 2: Gather Required Information
- Collect all necessary applicant contact information and organization details, including business or organization names and CRA registration number.
- Prepare project details including objectives, start and end dates, and additional sources of project funding.
- Determine recipient type and industry type for the application form.
- Step 3: Complete Application Form
- Fill out the Organic Industry Development Program General Application Form.
- Complete Appendix A and/or B, depending on the sub-program(s) applied for.
- Ensure all forms are signed for declaration and consent to personal information.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Decide on submission method: email or regular mail.
- For email submissions, send the completed application to organic@gov.pe.ca with the program name in the subject line.
- For regular mail submissions, address the application to:
- PEI Department of Agriculture
- 11 Kent Street
- PO Box 2000
- Charlottetown PE C1A 7N8
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Leasing equipment for any of the sub-programs requires additional guidance and should be discussed with a Program Advisor before application submission.
- There is an allocation cap of $60,000 per recipient over the entire period of the Sustainable CAP Framework Agreement (2023-2028).
- Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, and funding assistance is available only until funds are totally allocated for the year.
- Approved projects need to adhere to the specific timeframe stated in the funding agreement.
- Projects may receive funding below the maximum contribution rate, depending on the assessment and availability of funds.
- Projects demonstrating links to increasing public trust might be eligible for additional funding.
- Projects providing benefits to multiple Atlantic provinces may qualify for regional funding.
- A complete evaluation of the program’s objectives and relevance will occur to ensure successful outcomes.
- The program considers the needs of under-represented groups, including Indigenous Peoples, women, youth, and persons with disabilities in its development.
grant_single_labels|contact
organic@gov.pe.ca
(902)
Apply to this program
Supporting Organic Agriculture Growth in Prince Edward Island
The Organic Industry Development Program in Prince Edward Island aims to bolster the organic agricultural sector by offering strategic funding to enhance competitive market presence, efficiency, and sustainability. This initiative, comprising diverse sub-programs, targets increasing market competitiveness, acquiring specialized equipment, transitioning land to certified organic status, and implementing strategic initiatives for growth.
In-Depth Insights into the Organic Industry Development Program
The Organic Industry Development Program is a pivotal initiative tailored to elevate the organic agricultural landscape in Prince Edward Island. This program is a collaborative effort to provide comprehensive support through its four strategic sub-programs. With a keen focus on enhancing the market competitiveness of certified organic producers and processors, it fosters an environment for increased profitability and growth. The program's intent to bridge technological and infrastructural gaps highlights its vision to support sustainable agricultural practices.
Among its key components is the Increasing Market Competitiveness Sub-Program, which facilitates producers and processors in effectively penetrating larger shares of the organic market. By supporting technology upgrades and modifications necessary to meet organic standards, it ensures that stakeholders can continue to thrive in a rapidly evolving market. This is coupled with initiatives that drive innovation, allowing recipients to develop new organic products and explore emerging markets.
Another critical facet is the Specialized Equipment Sub-Program, which empowers organic producers to procure machinery that enhances pest management and soil fertility. This focus not only helps in improving operational efficiencies but also significantly boosts competitiveness on organic farms. The provision for diverse equipment, alongside the assessment of novel technologies for eligibility, underscores a commitment to technical advancement and practical solutions.
The transition from conventional to organic farming is made feasible through the Certified Land Conversion Sub-Program, which mitigates risks involved in this complex process. By offering financial assistance to cover costs during the initial full organic conversion of land, it allows agricultural producers to smoothly transition and adopt organic practices without undue financial strain.
Additionally, the Implementation of Strategic Initiatives Sub-Program facilitates broader sectoral developments by supporting projects that bolster strategic capacities. By enabling stakeholders such as the PEI Certified Organic Producers Cooperative and other organizations, it fosters collaboration and resource pooling to tackle challenges and seize opportunities. This sub-program funds activities ranging from market development to operational improvements, thereby enhancing the sector's overall sustainability.
Eligibility for these sub-programs is defined precisely, ensuring that recipients, primarily from Mi’kmaq First Nations, Indigenous groups, and agricultural producers, have either attained or are in pursuit of organic certification. With a combined funding capacity offering up to $60,000 over the framework period, the program delivers substantial support, subject to adherence to terms and the demonstration of impactful outcomes.
The Organic Industry Development Program not only serves as a financial catalyst but also as a strategic backing for fostering innovation, sustainability, and growth within the sector. By facilitating critical technological and infrastructural upgrades, it supports Prince Edward Island's organic agriculture in aligning with contemporary agronomic standards and consumer expectations, thereby promoting resilience and economic vitality across the sector.