How much funding can be received?

The Recruitment, Retention and Innovative Skills Training (RRIST) Program, part of the Agriculture and Food Workforce Development Initiative, offers a maximum funding of $250,000 to support BC's agriculture industry in adopting innovative tools and practices for recruiting and retaining domestic workers. Eligible activities include developing new training programs, increasing workforce diversity, and improving recruitment and retention strategies.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

This grant offers a structured financing approach to support projects within the agriculture, seafood, and food processing sectors in British Columbia. The financing modalities are designed to maximize project impact by sharing costs between the applicant and the funding entity.

Maximum grant funding available through the RRIST program is $250,000 per project.
Funding covers up to 70% of eligible project costs, with the applicant responsible for the remaining 30%.
Stacking of funds from other government programs is permitted, up to 100% of project costs, except where funds are sourced from other IAF-delivered programs.
Funding is non-transferable and must be used specifically for the approved project and related expenses.
Payments will be made via electronic funds transfer (EFT) to the lead organization.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant supports projects that aim to enhance workforce development in the agriculture and food industries in British Columbia. Eligible activities include initiatives that raise awareness about career opportunities and improve worker recruitment and retention through innovative strategies.

Developing and leading new approaches to raise awareness of and promote food and agriculture careers among youth and adults.
Creating tools, resources, and technologies that improve worker recruitment, retention, and coordination of seasonal workers.
Developing and piloting skills and training programs that address industry gaps and are tied to job opportunities or advancement in the sector.
Providing employer or management education and training activities to adopt best practices in recruitment and workplace improvements.
Forming partnerships to support employment for populations facing barriers to employment and promote diversity and inclusion in the workforce.
Piloting initiatives that remove barriers to workforce participation and promote retention, such as transportation and childcare solutions.
Industry-led initiatives to adopt new approaches to address labour market challenges and improve human resource development.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's entity type and collaborative approach.

The applicant must be based in the province of British Columbia.
Eligible entities include agriculture, food, and/or seafood industry organizations.
Eligible entities include Indigenous groups, organizations, and communities engaged in the agriculture, seafood, and/or food industry.
Eligible entities include local governments engaged in the agriculture, seafood, and/or food industry.
Eligible entities include a partnership of producers, processors, non-profit organizations, industry associations, employer organizations, and/or Indigenous groups, organizations, or communities.
All applicants must be legal entities able to enter into a contractual agreement for the transfer of program funds.
Individual producers or processors are not eligible to apply individually but can apply as part of a partnership with a lead applicant.
Academic institutions are not eligible applicants but may support or participate in a project led by an eligible applicant.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The RRIST program supports projects that address labor market needs in the agriculture and food sectors. Eligible applicants include organizations based in British Columbia such as agriculture, food, and seafood industry organizations, Indigenous groups engaged in these industries, local governments, and partnerships among producers, processors, non-profit organizations, industry associations, or employer organizations. Individual producers or processors are not eligible to apply individually, and academic institutions cannot be lead applicants but may participate in projects led by an eligible applicant.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain participants and activities to ensure alignment with its strategic objectives in supporting the agriculture, seafood, and food industries in British Columbia. Here are the key types of ineligible companies and activities related to this grant.

Individual producers or processors applying on their own, unless part of a partnership.
Academic institutions, unless supporting a project led by an eligible applicant.
Non-agricultural or food-related individuals or groups.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers expenses directly related to workforce development in the agriculture and food sectors in BC.

Development and delivery of innovative programs for raising awareness and promoting food and agriculture careers.
Tools and resources for recruitment, retention, and coordination of seasonal workers.
Pilot and delivery models that address identified industry gaps in skills training.
Employer or management education and training activities for workforce improvements.
Creation of partnerships supporting employment for populations facing barriers to employment.
Pilot initiatives to reduce barriers to workforce participation.
Industry-led initiatives to adopt new practices addressing labour market challenges.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant targets entities operating within a specific area to meet regional workforce needs. Eligibility is constrained to encourage local collaboration and development.

Organizations based in the province of British Columbia, Canada.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the RRIST Program are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives and potential impact on BC's agriculture and food industry.

Alignment with Program Goals and Objectives: Does the project align with the program goals and objectives?
Applicant Eligibility: Is the applicant eligible to apply for funding?
Project Eligibility: Are all project activities and expenses eligible for funding?
Project Plan and Objectives Clarity: Does the application clearly describe the domestic labour/workforce challenge and how it will address it?
Realistic Objectives and Timelines: Are the project objectives realistic within the project’s timeline and budget?
Scope of Benefits: What is the expected scope and reach of the benefits for this project?
Sustainability of Benefits: Are project benefits sustainable and will they extend beyond project funding?
Key Performance Indicators: How will the project capture and report on performance measures?
Applicant Resources/Capacity: Does the applicant have sufficient human resources (internal, partners, consultant) to undertake the project?

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for the RRIST grant:

Step 1: Create an Account & Organization Registration
Create a personal profile with your name and email address on the IAF Client Portal.
Provide organization information such as name, contact details, type, BC ID/CRA numbers, or a file number.
If applicable, update existing account details if you’ve applied in the past year.
Step 2: Submit an Expression of Interest
Select the RRIST Program from the IAF Client Portal.
Provide details like applicant type, project name, proposed dates, summary, goals, benefits, and budget.
Ensure the Expression of Interest is submitted by December 23, 2024, at 4 PM PT.
Step 3: Await EOI Review & Invitation
IAF will review all EOIs for eligibility and completeness.
Successful EOIs will receive an invitation to submit a full application starting January 2025.
Step 4: Apply for Project Funding
Log in to the IAF Client Portal to fill out the full application under the ‘Full Application’ section once invited.
Provide a detailed project description, timeline, benefits, partnerships, communications plan, and detailed budget.
Ensure submission before the deadline specified by the IAF.
Step 5: Confirmation & Reporting
Receive a confirmation email once the application is submitted successfully.
Submit one or more activity and financial reports to receive funding payments as per the agreement.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The deadline for submitting an Expression of Interest is December 23, 2024, at 4 PM PT.
Retroactive costs are not eligible; all activities must be approved before commencing.
Projects must be completed by February 28, 2026, with no extensions beyond the 12-month implementation period.
Payment is made via EFT to the lead organization as stated in the contribution agreement.
The IAF provides tutorials and FAQs to help navigate the Client Portal efficiently.

grant_single_labels|contact

rrist@iafbc.ca

Apply to this program

Enhancing Agriculture and Food Workforce in BC

The Recruitment, Retention & Innovative Skills Training (RRIST) Program is a strategic initiative aimed at fortifying the agricultural and food industry workforce in British Columbia. Backed by the Agriculture and Food Workforce Development Initiative, this program strives to address labor shortages and skills gaps, ensuring a stable food supply chain through innovative tools and partnerships.

Understanding the Recruitment, Retention & Innovative Skills Training (RRIST) Program

The RRIST Program is a comprehensive initiative under the broader Agriculture and Food Workforce Development Initiative valued at $15 million. Its core objective is to foster a resilient workforce within British Columbia’s agriculture and food sectors by supporting industry-led endeavors tailored to meet specific labor needs. This includes assisting organizations in hiring, retaining, and training domestic workers through modern methodologies and collaborative projects.The program encourages the adoption of innovative tools, processes, and partnerships that enhance recruitment and retention efforts across the agriculture, seafood, and food processing industries. It seeks to pilot new labor resources and tools, thereby contributing to workforce sustainability. By focusing on domestic workers, the program contributes to a stable labor base while addressing broader societal goals such as inclusivity by increasing participation from diverse groups including youth, Indigenous peoples, and others facing employment barriers.Notably, the RRIST Program provides a flexible funding structure, offering up to $250,000 per project, covering 70% of eligible expenses, encouraging strategic investments in workforce development. This financial model necessitates a partnership approach, urging collaboration among various entities such as industry associations, local governments, and Indigenous groups. Such collaborations not only streamline resource utilization but also amplify the collective impact on the labor market.Eligibility for this funding is strictly guided by an applicant's geographical and operational parameters, with the program focusing solely on activities within British Columbia. This geographical focus ensures that the benefits of the program investments directly contribute to the region's economic growth.Furthermore, the program meticulously defines eligible expenses, prioritizing activities that promote awareness of agricultural careers, develop relevant training programs, and establish pathways into the workforce for underrepresented communities. By doing so, it not only aims to bridge current workforce gaps but also lays the groundwork for future market responsive strategies.The RRIST Program requires applicants to engage in a structured application process that commences with an Expression of Interest, ensuring that organizations are properly vetted and their project aspirations align with the program's objectives. This structured approach ensures only viable and impactful projects receive funding, maximizing ROI for all stakeholders involved.Ultimately, the RRIST Program emerges as a pivotal effort in strengthening the labor market framework within British Columbia’s agriculture and food sectors. It promises to not only alleviate current workforce issues but also to craft a robust and inclusive employment landscape that can adapt to the evolving market conditions. Through its strategic funding and emphasis on innovation, the program upholds its promise of enhancing the regional food supply chain significantly, thereby contributing to greater economic resilience and sustainability."