Post-Farm Food Safety Program
British Columbia, BC, Canada
Cost-sharing program for enhancing BC food safety practices
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJanuary 01, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateDecember 31, 2023
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
- Transportation and warehousing
grant_single|grantors
- Government of British Columbia
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Post-Farm Food Safety Program provides up to $20,000 in matched funding to support British Columbia food and beverage manufacturing facilities in implementing food safety practices, systems, and certifications. Eligible activities include conducting food safety gap assessments, improving food safety practices, and achieving third-party Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certifications.
grant_single_labels|projects
The grant supports a range of activities aimed at enhancing food safety systems and practices in the British Columbia agri-food sector. Eligible projects focus on implementing food safety improvement measures and achieving recognized certifications.
- Conducting Food Safety Gap-Assessments to identify and document risks, issues, and opportunities for improvement.
- Implementing Food Safety Improvement Activities related to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems.
- Achieving a successful third-party HACCP-based audit and certification.
- Purchasing equipment necessary for ensuring food safety compliance.
- Upgrading facilities to meet regulatory compliance requirements.
- One-time training of staff on new or updated food safety procedures and practices.
- Conducting laboratory testing required for validation and/or verification activities.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for the Post-Farm Food Safety Program, applicants must meet specific criteria related to their business registration, location, and operational compliance.
- Have an active 9-digit business registration number (BN) with the CRA or an active GST number and file business or farm income taxes in British Columbia (BC).
- Must be based and operating in the province of British Columbia.
- Be provincially or federally licensed.
- Constitute a legal entity (association, corporation, partnership, proprietorship, trust, or individual with legal standing).
- Be in compliance with all requirements of the law and agree to remain in compliance for the term of the CAP funding agreement.
- Be registered with the BC Premises Identification Program if raising livestock and/or poultry.
- Include supporting documents such as a letter of commitment from senior management, a provincial or federal operating license, and a letter of Good Standing from a financial institution.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible companies must be either federally or provincially registered businesses with an active GST number and must be based and operating out of British Columbia. They must operate agribusinesses that handle food for human consumption and can be located on or off a farm premise. The following organizations are eligible to apply:- Food and beverage manufacturers.- Processors, Transporters, Warehouses, Distributors, Packagers, Importers, and Exporters.- Abattoirs (must be registered in the BC Premises Identification). Registration can happen simultaneously with the Post-Farm Food Safety Program’s application.- Processing facilities located on or off a farm premise and not covered by a certified On-Farm Food Safety (OFFS) Program.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant program is specifically tailored to support businesses within certain sectors, and therefore excludes certain types of businesses from applying. The restrictions ensure that funding is directed towards enhancing food safety within the agribusiness sector.
- Operations that grow, process or handle health or nutrition supplements.
- Health and/or nutrition supplement processing/handling operations.
- Operations producing pet food or food not intended for human consumption.
- Businesses only involved in primary production.
- Retail operations.
- Restaurants or other foodservice operations.
- Aquaculture and seafood production businesses.
- Unlicensed, unregistered, and/or uninspected facilities.
- Any other business deemed ineligible by the Ministry.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to improving food safety practices in the BC agri-food sector.
- Costs for a gap-assessment or pre-audit by third-party accredited auditors.
- Development of a Food Safety work plan.
- Equipment purchases necessary for critical control points such as metal detectors and chlorinators.
- Facility modifications like upgrading interior surfaces with non-toxic materials.
- Third-party costs to develop written food safety documentation.
- Laboratory testing required to reduce food safety risk.
- One-time training of staff on new food safety procedures.
- Food safety training provided by third-party organizations.
- Developing traceability and recall plans.
- Conducting validation studies as outlined in HACCP plans.
- Purchasing hand washing stations, sanitizing stations, and other safety-related equipment.
- Initial setup and calibration of new equipment impacting food safety.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available to companies located in British Columbia, as specified by the funding body. The program focuses on ensuring food safety practices within the region.
- Must be based and operating in the province of British Columbia.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Review Program Details
- Visit the Post-Farm Food Safety Program website and read through the Program Guide.
- Evaluate if the program suits your company’s needs and determine eligibility.
- Step 2: Complete Part A - Eligibility Application
- Access the "Apply Now" section to fill out the Part A eligibility form on the program website.
- Submit preliminary business information to determine eligibility.
- Create login credentials for the "My Profile" online system.
- Step 3: Complete Part B - Funding Application
- Upon confirmation of eligibility, receive an invitation to fill out Part B.
- Provide supporting documents confirming your business operates in BC and complies with legal requirements.
- Complete the Baseline Questionnaire to provide more information about your current food safety systems.
- Step 4: Choose Your Project Option
- Select between options such as pursuing a third-party HACCP audit or implementing food safety improvements.
- Follow specific requirements for gap-assessments if opting for food safety improvement activities.
- Step 5: Build Your Workplan
- Connect with the Technical Program Advisor (TPA) to develop a Workplan based on your needs and goals.
- Ensure the Workplan outlines all activities, costs, and expected outcomes.
- Step 6: Sign Funding Agreement
- After finalizing the Workplan, receive a Funding Agreement from FPSC.
- Sign the Agreement and return it via the "My Profile" system for countersignature.
- Step 7: Start Project Activities
- Begin approved project activities as per the signed Funding Agreement while adhering to specified timelines.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for the Post-Farm Food Safety Program grant:
- Participants must submit claims before set deadlines or risk non-reimbursement by the Registrar.
- Monitoring of activities will be conducted to ensure participants stay on track with their Workplans.
- Verification audits of over 10% of completed projects will occur to confirm activities completion as per the plan.
- Applicants are encouraged to apply even if they have limited resources, as the program provides cost-sharing to advance existing strategies.
- Participants must invoice FPSC for the approved reimbursable amount as per the Funding Agreement after paying expenses in full.
- Applicants agree to on-site audits to verify activities completion, and audit failures may result in denial of claims.
- Complaints are managed through a documented process, initially internally, and may be escalated to the Ministry if unresolved.
- Participants are required to conduct a gap-assessment or pre-audit as a prerequisite for accessing food safety implementation funding.
- Nominated Technical Program Advisor (TPA) provides guidance and helps in developing Workplans for facilities.
- Clients are obligated to participate in an exit survey upon completion of their participation in the program.
grant_single_labels|contact
jbrown@fpsc-ctac.com
613-237-7988
Apply to this program
Enhancing Food Safety Through Targeted Funding
The Post-Farm Food Safety (PFFS) Program offers financial support to British Columbia food and beverage businesses aiming to enhance their food safety systems. With a focus on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certifications, the program aims to fortify food safety practices within the province.
In-Depth Exploration of the Post-Farm Food Safety Program
The Post-Farm Food Safety (PFFS) Program is a crucial initiative funded under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP), offering up to $20,000 in matched funding to businesses within the agri-food sector in British Columbia. It targets post-farm businesses that handle food for human consumption, excluding those involved in primary production, seafood processing, and supplement handling, to ensure adherence to rigorous food safety standards. The program's primary objective is to assist these businesses in implementing solid food safety systems based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles, thereby not only meeting but exceeding national and international safety regulations.
Eligible businesses within the program benefit from cost-sharing financial contributions aimed at elevating their food safety statuses. They can receive funding for various activities including conducting food safety gap assessments, implementing safety improvement initiatives, and achieving third-party audited HACCP certifications. The grants encourage businesses to proactively identify and mitigate food safety risks, prepare comprehensive traceability plans, and upgrade equipment or facilities to comply with safety regulations.
One of the unique aspects of the PFFS Program is the structured support offered in creating robust safety practices. Companies are encouraged to map out detailed food safety procedures with the aid of accredited professionals to ensure all initiatives directly contribute to reducing safety risks. This structured approach not only aids in the development of food safety capabilities but also enhances readiness for unexpected audits or safety requests. Furthermore, access to Technical Program Advisors helps participants refine their safety measures to match grant funding, thus aligning financial resources with practical needs.
The impact of this program extends beyond immediate safety upgrades. It prepares businesses to venture into new markets with confidence, driven by higher food safety standards that are attractive to both domestic and international clients. Those who achieve certifications recognized under the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) Schemes, such as BRC, FSSC 22000, or Safe Quality Food (SQF), find new avenues opening in terms of trade and partnerships, thus elevating their economic prospects.
The application journey within the PFFS Program is designed to be accessible, with a two-part online process to ensure businesses can easily engage with the grant's opportunities. Initial eligibility checks, followed by detailed funding applications, serve to closely match business needs with program support. Each step of the process is closely guided by program advisors, ensuring businesses receive tailored advice that aligns with their unique requirements. This support structure not only simplifies the funding process but ensures that businesses emerge with fortified safety practices that are integral to their operational success.
Ultimately, the PFFS Program embodies a model of collaborative growth, combining targeted financial support with expert advice to raise the standard of food safety within British Columbia's agri-food sector. Its comprehensive framework not only paves the way for enhanced safety and compliance but also empowers businesses to expand their horizons by accessing an increased array of market opportunities, both locally and globally.
