Organic Industry Development — Increasing Market Competitiveness
PE, Canada
Funding to help Prince Edward Island organic businesses increase market share
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
Up to $40,000 to cover 50% of the costs related to implementing technologies to meet organic market requirements, improve efficiency or modify a facility to meet certified organic requirements.
grant_single_labels|projects
Yes, there are eligible projects and activities for this grant.
- 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
- Purchase of specialized equipment like portable grain cleaners and dryers, flame weeders, mechanical weeders, and more
- Conversion of land to certified organic farmland
- Activities to increase the organic sector’s strategic capacity
- Market development activities
- Consulting fees
- Salaries
- Material and supplies
- Administrative and overhead costs (maximum of 10% of eligible costs)
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The Organic Industry Development Program is designed to support the organic agriculture sector in Prince Edward Island by providing strategic assistance with projects that will build capacity, growth, and competitiveness. The following eligibility criteria outline who can apply for this grant.
- Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups
- Agricultural producers
- Small to medium-sized agri-businesses
- Agri-processors
- Agriculture industry organizations, clubs, and associations
- PEI Certified Organic Producers Cooperative (for the Implementation of Strategic Initiatives Sub-Program)
- Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network (ACORN) (for the Implementation of Strategic Initiatives Sub-Program)
- Other organizations deemed eligible by the program review committee (for the Implementation of Strategic Initiatives Sub-Program)
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Organic Industry Development Program includes eligibility for various types of companies to support the organic agriculture sector. Eligible types of companies and organizations can apply for funding to build capacity, growth, and competitiveness in the sector.
- Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups
- Agricultural producers
- Small to medium-sized agri-businesses
- Agri-processors
- Agriculture industry organizations, clubs, and associations
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Some types of companies may not be eligible for this grant:
- Non-profit organizations
- Government entities
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant.
- Technology to meet certified organic market requirements and 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
- 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_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available to entities within Prince Edward Island.
- Geographic Location: Prince Edward Island
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for the Organic Industry Development Program, focusing on the merit, impact, and adherence to eligibility criteria of the submitted applications.
- Approved projects must be completed within the timeframe outlined in the funding agreement.
- Recipients must meet the eligibility criteria and submit a complete application to the Department of Agriculture.
- Applications will be assessed on a first-come, first-served basis for merit and impact.
- If the project is not approved, all incurred costs are the responsibility of the recipient.
- Assistance will be available until funds are totally allocated within that year.
- Projects may be funded below the maximum contribution rate upon assessment and availability of funding.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Gather Required Information
- Applicant contact information
- Business or organization information, including CRA registration number
- Partnership information (if applicable)
- Project start and end date
- Additional sources of project funding
- Recipient type (e.g., primary producer, agricultural landowner, processor)
- Type of industry (e.g., Dairy, potato, beef, hog, grains and oilseeds)
- Signature for declaration and consent to personal information
- Demographic information (optional)
- Step 2: Organic Industry Development Project Details
- Complete the Organic Industry Development Program General Application Form
- Fill out Appendix A and/or B depending on the sub-program(s) you are applying for
- Step 3: Submit Application
- Email Applications:
- Send to: organic@gov.pe.ca
- Include the program name in the subject line
- Regular Mail Applications:
- Send to: PEI Department of Agriculture, 11 Kent Street, PO Box 2000, Charlottetown PE C1A 7N8
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Information about the Organic Industry Development Program and its sub-programs, along with application and claims processes, is available.
- Leasing equipment requires additional funding guidelines.
- In-kind contributions, market scans, and feasibility studies are generally ineligible for funding.
- Projects approved under the Sustainable CAP with links to public trust may be eligible for more funding.
- Benefits and impacts to more than one Atlantic province may enable regional funding.
- The overall program will undergo complete evaluation to ensure objectives and results are met.
- Projects should consider the needs of under-represented groups, such as Indigenous Peoples, women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
grant_single_labels|contact
organic@gov.pe.ca
902-368-4880
Apply to this program
Organic Industry Development Program
The Organic Industry Development Program is designed to support the organic agriculture sector in Prince Edward Island (PEI) by providing strategic assistance to enhance capacity, growth, and competitiveness across the sector. The program comprises four sub-programs aimed at different aspects of organic industry development including market competitiveness, specialized equipment, certified land conversion, and strategic initiatives.
Comprehensive Guide to the Organic Industry Development Program
The Organic Industry Development Program in Prince Edward Island is an initiative aimed at boosting the organic agriculture industry. This program offers targeted assistance to various stakeholders within the sector, aligning with the overarching goals of capacity-building, market growth, and enhanced competitiveness. Below, we’ll dissect each sub-program and provide a thorough understanding of the application process, eligibility criteria, and potential activities funded under this initiative.
Introduction to the Sub-Programs
The Organic Industry Development Program is divided into four distinct sub-programs, each tailored to address specific needs and opportunities within the organic sector. The sub-programs are: 1. Increasing Market Competitiveness Sub-Program 2. Specialized Equipment Sub-Program 3. Certified Land Conversion Sub-Program 4. Implementation of Strategic Initiatives Sub-Program
Increasing Market Competitiveness Sub-Program
Eligibility Criteria
This sub-program is designed to assist producers and processors in capturing a larger share of the certified organic market. Eligible recipients include: - Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups - Agricultural producers - Small to medium-sized agri-businesses - Agri-processors - Agriculture industry organizations, clubs, and associations
Eligible Activities/Expenses
Eligible activities and expenses under this sub-program focus on adopting technologies and modifications to meet certified organic market standards, including: - Technology adoption for certified organic market specifications and efficiency improvements - Facility modifications to meet certified organic requirements - Development of new organic products or market segments
Ineligible Activities/Expenses
Certain activities and expenses are deemed ineligible, such as: - In-kind contributions, breeding stock, or seed purchases - Construction of new infrastructure or crop storage facilities - Feasibility studies, market scans, and business plans - Activities that do not provide direct sector benefits, such as routine operational costs and aquaponic food production
Funding
The sub-program provides funding up to 50% of eligible expenses with a $40,000 cap per year for eligible program activities. Over the life of the Sustainable CAP Framework Agreement (2023-2028), a maximum of $60,000 can be obtained from all sub-programs.
Specialized Equipment Sub-Program
Eligibility Criteria
This sub-program targets organic producers needing specialized equipment for enhancing pest management and soil fertility. Eligible recipients include: - Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups - Agricultural producers
Eligible Activities/Expenses
Expenses covered under this sub-program involve the purchasing of specialized equipment such as: - Portable grain cleaners and dryers - Flame weeders - Mechanical weeders and inter-row cultivators - Frost and green manure seeders - Pasture renovators - Cover crop technology - Any other specialized equipment reviewed for eligibility
Ineligible Activities/Expenses
Similar to the previous sub-program, certain activities are excluded, including: - Routine operational and maintenance activities - Non-direct sector benefit activities - Aquaponic food production, tax credit-related activities, and regulatory developments
Funding
Funding in this sub-program covers 50% of eligible expenses up to $15,000 per project. The same cap of $60,000 over the framework's lifecycle applies.
Certified Land Conversion Sub-Program
Eligibility Criteria
This sub-program assists in converting conventional farmland to certified organic farmland, mitigating related risks. Eligible recipients include: - Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups - Agricultural producers
Eligible Activities/Expenses
Support is provided for land in the first year of full organic conversion with specific funding per type of crop and land use: - Annual vegetable crops: $500/acre up to $10,000 per year - Greenhouse crops: $0.30/m² up to $10,000 per year - Cereals, oilseeds, pulses, and perennial forage crops: $60/acre up to $10,000 per year - Permanent pasture: $30/acre up to $10,000 per year
Ineligible Activities/Expenses
Expenses that are not eligible include: - Land not in its first year of conversion - Routine operational and maintenance costs - Non-direct benefit activities, including aquaponic and aquaculture activities, tax-related activities, and regulatory developments
Funding
The same overarching cap of $60,000 over the framework period applies, with variations in funding based on the type of crop and land use.
Implementation of Strategic Initiatives Sub-Program
Eligibility Criteria
This sub-program is designed to enhance the strategic capacity of organizations representing organic stakeholders in PEI. Eligible recipients include: - Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups - PEI Certified Organic Producers Cooperative - Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network (ACORN) - Other organizations as deemed eligible by the program review committee
Eligible Activities/Expenses
Funding supports activities that bolster the strategic capacity of the organic sector, including: - Sector capacity-building activities - Emergent opportunity and challenge response activities - Market development activities - Consulting fees, salaries, materials, and supplies - Administrative and overhead costs (up to a 10% cap on eligible costs)
Ineligible Activities/Expenses
As with other sub-programs, certain expenses are excluded: - Capital equipment purchases - Routine operations and maintenance activities - Non-direct benefit activities - Aquaponic food production, aquaculture, tax-related activities, and regulatory developments
Funding
Typically, projects may be funded up to 70% with a maximum of $15,000 per initiative. The maximum funding levels and percentages will be assessed by the program review committee based on expected outcomes.
Application Process
Applying for these sub-programs involves several steps to ensure completeness and accuracy. Here is a streamlined guide to the application process:
Required Information
Prospective applicants must provide detailed information to apply, which includes: - Applicant contact details - Business or organization information, including CRA registration number - Project start and end dates - Additional sources of project funding - Recipient type (e.g., primary producer, agricultural landowner, processor) - Type of industry (e.g., dairy, potato, beef, hog, grains, and oilseeds) Applicants must also complete specific appendices detailed in the Organic Industry Development Program General Application Form, alongside the main form.
Submission Process
Applications can be submitted via email to the PEI Department of Agriculture at organic@gov.pe.ca, or by regular mail addressed to: PEI Department of Agriculture 11 Kent Street PO Box 2000 Charlottetown PE C1A 7N8 (902) 368-4880
Evaluation and Approval
Applications are assessed on a first-come, first-serve basis, evaluating merit and potential impact. Projects must align with the program’s objectives and will be funded until the allocated annual budget is fully utilized.
Conclusion
The Organic Industry Development Program serves as a vital support mechanism for PEI's organic sector, addressing key areas such as market competitiveness, specialized equipment needs, land conversion, and strategic capacity-building. By understanding the nuances of each sub-program, eligible recipients can effectively leverage this initiative to foster growth, sustainability, and innovation within the organic agriculture industry. As this program is part of the larger Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, it underscores the collaborative and forward-thinking approach toward a robust and resilient agricultural future.
