Risk Management and Food Safety

This grant supports New Brunswick agri-food producers through structured financial assistance aimed at enhancing food safety, biosecurity, traceability, and risk management capabilities. The financing modalities vary depending on the nature of the project and the applicant type.

• Funding up to 50% of eligible costs for projects involving one agricultural producer.
• Funding up to 70% of eligible costs for projects involving two or more agricultural producers.
• Funding up to 100% of eligible costs for projects where an agriculture association is the applicant, benefiting the sector as a whole.
• Maximum annual assistance of $15,000 for individual businesses, except for specific abattoir projects which may receive up to $50,000 annually.
• A cumulative funding cap of $50,000 over the program's duration (April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2028) for individual applicants, with exceptions for agricultural associations based on sector benefits.
• Up to 40% funding for individual agri-food operations under Element 2, with a $50,000 cap over the program's lifetime.
• Agriculture associations may receive up to 100% funding for Element 2, with a maximum of $40,000 per year.

Eligibility for this grant is open to specific groups related to the agriculture and agri-food industry in New Brunswick.

• Indigenous Peoples or Organizations.
• Agriculture producers (individuals or groups).
• Agriculture producer associations.
• Academic or research institutions.
• Processors of New Brunswick Agri-food products.
• Other individuals or groups capable of achieving program objectives.

Who is eligible?

- Indigenous Peoples or Organizations- Agriculture producers (individuals or groups)- Agriculture producer associations- Academic or research institutions- Processors of New Brunswick Agri-food products- Other individuals or groups capable of achieving program objectives

Who is not eligible

Some types of companies that are not eligible for this grant include:

• Companies not related to agriculture production or processing
• Companies not capable of achieving program objectives

Eligible expenses

The grant covers specific expenses related to recognized assurance systems and risk management initiatives in New Brunswick's agri-food sector.

• On-farm and post-farm food safety programs, workshops, conferences, pre-audit evaluation, and audits.
• Equipment to enhance food safety and quality for on-farm and post-farm projects.
• Development and implementation of recognized traceability systems, including equipment, traceability pilots and consultant costs.
• Activities to promote and implement biosecurity and recognized animal welfare programs.
• Development of commodities and/or farm operational emergency, livestock disease, and crop pest response plans including consultant costs.
• Training and communication activities identified in response plans.
• Purchases for emergency back-up generator systems, crop and livestock emergency containment systems, retrofit of feed or production storage areas to mitigate flood impacts.
• Support for wildlife damage mitigation, including fencing, netting, scaring, or other repellent devices to protect livestock and crops.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is targeted at organizations operating within New Brunswick for promoting agriculture sector resilience. The eligible geographical area is specified based on the local focus of the program.

• Entities located within New Brunswick, Canada.

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The assessment criteria include the following:

• Strategic alignment with program objectives
• Demonstrated need for funding support
• Benefit to the agriculture sector
• Potential for impact and sustainability of the project

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• Higher funding levels may be considered for strategic projects that result in a significant benefit back to the agriculture sector.
• Applicants may be required to report on the impact of the funding received, with reporting requirements outlined in the letter of offer.
• Projects that demonstrate benefits and impacts to more than one province may be eligible for regional funding.
• Applicants must ensure that any necessary permits, environmental approvals, or certifications are obtained to complete their project.