Perennial Crop Development Establishment

Q: How much funding can be received?

Perennial Crop Development Establishment Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $100000 per project.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the Perennial Crop Development Establishment a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Perennial Crop Development Establishment is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Perennial Crop Development Establishment?

Perennial Crop Development Establishment is funded by Government of Prince Edward Island, Department of Agriculture and Land (PEI), Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP)

Q: Who is eligible for the Perennial Crop Development Establishment program?

To be eligible for the Perennial Crop Development Establishment program, you must: • Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups, agricultural producers, and small to medium-sized agri-businesses are eligible. • Agriculture industry organizations, agricultural co-ops, and others may be considered upon request.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Perennial Crop Development Establishment?

You can contact Government of Prince Edward Island by email at perennial@gov.pe.ca or by phone at (902) 368-4880.

Q: Where is the Perennial Crop Development Establishment available?

The Perennial Crop Development Establishment program is available the province of PE.

Q: Are women eligible for the Perennial Crop Development Establishment program?

Yes, women are eligible to apply for the Perennial Crop Development Establishment program.

Q: Are youth (under 40) eligible for the Perennial Crop Development Establishment program?

Yes, youth under 40 are eligible to apply for the Perennial Crop Development Establishment program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Charlottetown, PE

Funding to increase agricultural sustainability in PEI

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $100,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

Get up to $20,000 to cover up to 50% of eligible expenses to support your high-value perennial crop production.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant provides financial assistance to enhance the sustainability of the agriculture sector in PEI by supporting perennial crops. Funding is allocated through different caps and percentages based on project type and demand.

Up to 50% of eligible expenses is covered by the program, with a cap of $20,000 per project for establishment projects.
Maximum funding per recipient across the lifetime of the Sustainable CAP Framework Agreement is capped at $100,000 (2023-2028).
For efficiency projects, funding is up to 50% of eligible expenses for storage, processing, and packaging projects, up to $50,000 per project.
Efficiency projects focused specifically on production receive up to 35% of eligible expenses, capped at $15,000 per project.
The Department reserves the right to adjust funding levels by pro-rating if program demand exceeds available funds.

Activities funded

This grant supports the establishment and efficiency of perennial crop production in Prince Edward Island, offering ecological and economic benefits to the agricultural sector. The eligible projects encompass a variety of activities aimed at the successful establishment and enhancement of perennial crop enterprises.

Purchasing and installing perennial crop plants.
Installing wind resilient trellises.
Implementing exclusion netting systems.
Setting up weed control barriers.
Applying mulch for crop support.
Seeding for orchard or vineyard ground cover.
Assessing and adopting perennial crop process improvements.
Developing and adapting storage and processing systems for perennial crops.
Purchasing capital equipment related to perennial crop production.
Modifying existing buildings for cold storage of perennial crops.
Implementing controlled atmosphere storage technologies.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 20,000

Launching a perennial herb farm specializing in high-value medicinal plants with R&D and training

$ 20,000

Creating an innovative apple orchard with pest-resistant apple breeds and drone technology

$ 20,000

Establishing a research-focused lavender farm to develop high-yield and drought-resistant varieties

$ 20,000

Developing a new variety of high-yield blueberries through research and development

$ 20,000

Initiating a truffle orchard with specialized equipment and skilled workforce training

$ 20,000

Implementing a sustainable organic vineyard with R&D and workforce training

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for this grant outline who can apply for funding under the Perennial Crop Development Program.

Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups are eligible to apply.
Agricultural producers are eligible to apply.
Small to medium-sized agri-businesses are eligible to apply.
Agriculture industry organizations, clubs, and associations can apply.
Agricultural co-ops are eligible for this grant.
Other applicants may be considered upon request.

Who is eligible?

This grant supports a diverse group of recipients to aid the development and efficiency of perennial crops, ensuring inclusive participation from various sectors of society.

Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups.
Agricultural producers.
Small to medium-sized agri-businesses.
Agriculture industry organizations, clubs, and associations.
Agricultural co-ops.
Others may be considered upon request.

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain activities and industries that do not align with its objectives. The restrictions aim to concentrate support on sectors providing ecological and economic benefits.

Companies involved in forage/fodder crops production.
Businesses focusing on land clearing and drainage projects.
Organizations engaged in lowbush blueberry production land clearing activities.
Entities primarily conducting aquaponic or aquaculture activities, including seaweed, fish, and seafood production and processing.
Businesses seeking to support normal and ongoing maintenance activities.
Companies involved in activities providing tax credits or rebates.
Businesses in the development and enforcement of regulations.

Eligible expenses

The Perennial Crop Development Program offers support for activities focused on the establishment and enhancement of perennial crop practices. These initiatives are geared towards improving ecological and economic sustainability in agriculture.

Establishment and expansion of perennial crops, including purchasing and installing plants and wind resilient trellises.
Use of exclusion netting, weed control barriers, and mulch for perennial crops.
Planting seed for orchard or vineyard ground cover.
Adoption or evaluation of leading-edge production technologies to reduce costs or improve quality.
Development of storage and processing systems for perennial crops, including related technology.
Capital equipment purchases for perennial crop processes.
Adapting existing structures for cold storage, including adding insulation and refrigeration.
Implementation of controlled atmosphere storage solutions.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is specific to the agriculture sector in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Companies and organizations located in Prince Edward Island are eligible to apply.

Organizations operating within Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada.

Selection criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Perennial Crop Development Program are based on criteria that ensure both ecological and economic benefits.

Demonstrable ecological and economic benefits.
Detailed project descriptions and anticipated outcomes.
Projects assessed on a first come-first serve basis for merit and impact.
Applications completed and submitted with all required documentation.
Potential for regional collaboration across more than one Atlantic province.

How to apply

Review Guidelines

Familiarize yourself with the Perennial Crop Development Program guidelines and eligible expenses.
Ensure your project aligns with the program's goals and requirements.

Gather Supporting Documents

Provide proof of land ownership or a long-term lease agreement if applicable.
Prepare a detailed description of the project, expected outcomes, and ecological benefits.

Complete Application Form

Fill out the application form with all required information including contact details and project specifics.
Include any necessary appendices, such as the proposed site assessment or trellis design.

Submit Application

Email your completed application to perennial@gov.pe.ca with the program name in the subject line.
Alternatively, send your application via regular mail to the PEI Department of Agriculture at the given address.

Retain Confirmation

Ensure you receive a confirmation of submission for your application.
Keep this confirmation for your records.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Applicants are encouraged to contact the PEI Department of Agriculture for support required for site assessment and development.
Projects demonstrating benefits and impacts to more than one Atlantic province may be eligible for regional funding.
Projects with links to increasing public trust may be eligible for additional project funding.
A complete evaluation of the program is planned to assess its objectives and results.
Necessary documentation for claims process includes a claim form, paid invoices, a project report, and copies or photos of produced materials.
The maximum funding per recipient is $100,000 over the life of the Sustainable CAP Framework Agreement (2023-2028).
Accepted projects must be completed within the timeframe outlined in the funding agreement.
In the event of exceeding program demand, funding may be pro-rated by the Department.

Contacts

perennial@gov.pe.ca

(902) 368-4880

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Perennial Crop Development Establishment Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Perennial Crop Development Establishment. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.