RDAR — Agriculture Funding Consortium (AFC)
Overview
The Agriculture Funding Consortium (AFC) aims to facilitate a collaborative approach in funding agriculture and food research and innovation projects in Alberta. Eligible activities include projects undertaken by provincial and federal governments, non-profit research institutions, academic entities, and industry associations aiming to enhance value and sales of Alberta products. Submission entails a two-stage process, beginning with a Letter of Intent followed by a full proposal if shortlisted.
At a glance
Funding available
- Integrate new technologies
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Research and experimental development
- Up to 10% of project cost
- Open Date : June 4, 2024
- Closing date : July 31, 2024
Eligible candidates
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
- Alberta
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- All revenue ranges
- All organization sizes
- All groups
- Research
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Academia / students
- All structures
- Regional
- Provincial
- National
Activities funded
Eligibility
The eligibility criteria for this grant require applicants to be from specific types of organizations or be engaged in activities relevant to the funders' priorities. Additionally, transparency about funding from other sources is crucial.
- Provincial governments and their public agencies
- Federal government and federal crown corporations
- Non-profit research institutions
- Academic institutions, including universities, colleges, and technical schools
- Industry associations serving the agriculture, food, and beverage industry
- Existing or prospective companies and supply chain partners that can increase the value and sales of Alberta products
- Other research institutions, firms, or enterprises approved by the members of the AFC
Who is eligible?
Potential applicants eligible for the AFC grants typically include organizations involved in the agricultural sector in Western Canada. This includes:1. Research institutions: Including universities and colleges that conduct agricultural research.2. Private sector companies: Particularly those engaged in agricultural production, technology, or related sectors that contribute to sustainability and diversification.3. Non-profit organizations: Focusing on agricultural development and associated innovation.4. Public sector bodies: Involved in agricultural research and innovation efforts.5. Individual researchers: Conducting studies aligned with AFC's priorities on sustainability and growth.Applicants must align their proposals with AFC's research priorities and demonstrate their impact on sustainability, diversification, and growth in the agriculture and food industry.Eligible expenses
This grant encourages initiatives that advance the agriculture and food industry through research and innovation, focusing on sustainability and diversification. The activities aim to foster private and public sector collaboration to support long-term growth in western Canada.
- Research projects targeting sustainable agricultural practices.
- Innovative approaches for diversifying crop and livestock production.
- Development of technologies that enhance food safety and security.
- Initiatives that promote efficient water and resource management.
- Collaborative projects between private and public sectors to strengthen the agricultural ecosystem.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is targeted towards supporting agricultural innovation and sustainability within Western Canada. The funding body's regional focus suggests eligibility is restricted to entities in this area.
- Companies and organizations located within Western Canada.
Selection criteria
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for the grant. The proposals will be evaluated based on factors including relevance to the agricultural and agri-food industry, scientific merit, innovation, team competence, and feasibility.
- Expected significance, relevance, and benefit or impact to the agricultural and agri-food industry
- Developmental or scientific merit of the proposal
- Innovation and uniqueness
- Competence of the research team
- Appropriateness of the size, duration, and cost of the proposal
- Feasibility
- Budget requested
- Effectiveness of a proposed knowledge dissemination, technology transfer, or commercialization plan
How to apply
Review Research Priorities
- Visit the AFC website to review the current year’s research priorities and focus areas.
- Ensure your project aligns with the specified priorities and objectives.
Prepare Letter of Intent (LOI)
- Draft a concise LOI detailing the conceptual framework, significance, and objectives of your research.
- Include preliminary data or hypotheses to support your approach.
- Adhere to any formatting and submission guidelines provided by AFC.
Submit LOI
- Submit your LOI by logging into the AFC online portal or following any specified submission process by the deadline April 15, 2024.
- Ensure receipt of a confirmation email or submission acknowledgment.
Await Invitation for Full Proposal
Develop Full Proposal
- Upon receiving an invitation, prepare a comprehensive full proposal that includes detailed methodology, expected outcomes, and value to the agricultural sector.
- Prepare a detailed budget and project timeline.
- Include any additional documents or forms as specified by the AFC.
Submit Full Proposal
- Submit the completed full proposal through the AFC submission system by the deadline on July 31, 2024.
- Verify submission completion and confirmation.
Await Award Announcement
Additional information
The grant requires acknowledgment of funders in all related signage, publications, and press releases, and entails on-site inspections and audits by AFC members during project execution. Personal information shared through the proposal process is protected under FOIP and PIPA, with specific conditions of confidentiality and data sharing outlined.
- Acknowledgment of contributors is mandatory on all related signs, stickers, publications, and press releases.
- AFC members may conduct on-site inspections and audits during the project.
- Personal information in proposals is protected under FOIP and PIPA, with possible sharing for evaluation purposes.
- Proposals allow disclosure of the project title, applicant, funding requested, and summary for communication as public information.
- The AFC is a collaborative body without legal standing, comprising various organizations each with their own terms and priorities.
