How much funding can be received?

The Food Safety and Growth Initiative aims to support small agri-food businesses in modernizing food safety systems and adopting new food safety and traceability technologies. Eligible activities include third-party assessments for actionable food safety improvements, equipment and technology upgrades for monitoring and hazard reduction, and the development or improvement of food safety or traceability programs. Funding covers 50% of eligible costs up to a maximum of $75,000 per project.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant is funded by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, but the specific eligible geographical areas for companies applying for this grant are not explicitly stated in the provided context.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's business type, employee count, and compliance with laws and regulations.

The applicant must be a Primary Producer, Processor, or Service Provider as defined in the guidelines.
For Primary Producers, eligibility includes crop or livestock producers, excluding landowners and employers who only provide housing to international agricultural workers.
For Processors, eligibility includes slaughterhouses, agri-food processors, and packing houses, excluding commissaries, brewpubs, and non-food related processors.
For Service Providers, eligibility includes businesses providing cold storage, distributor services, direct food contact packaging, or laboratory services to eligible Producers or Processors.
The applicant must have fewer than 100 employees at the project location.
The business must handle food products listed in Appendix C, although it is not required to exclusively handle these products.
The applicant must provide a CRA Business Number (BN) or, if applicable, a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
The applicant must submit a completed Ministry-approved application form.
The applicant must be undertaking activities specified in the guidelines as eligible.
The applicant must be compliant with environmental, labour, tax, and other laws at the time of application.
The applicant must not have any conflicts of interest with federal or provincial public office holders.
The applicant must agree to the publication of certain project and funding information by Canada and Ontario.
The applicant must agree to comply with the terms, conditions, and requirements set out by the Initiative.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The "Food Safety and Growth Initiative" is aimed at supporting certain small agri-food businesses in Canada, specifically focusing on three principal types: Primary Producers, Processors, and Service Providers involved with eligible food products. These entities must adhere to detailed eligibility criteria to qualify for the grant.

Primary Producers: Crop or livestock producers, including controlled environments like greenhouses, but excluding agricultural landowners without production involvement.
Processors: Entities like slaughterhouses and packing houses handling initial processing steps, excluding ready-to-eat counters and pet food manufacturers.
Service Providers: Businesses that offer services such as cold storage or laboratory services specifically to eligible producers and processors.
Employee Requirement: Having fewer than 100 employees at the project location.
Product Eligibility: Engaged in activities with food products specified in the provided appendix, such as RTE minimally-processed fruits, specific dairy items, and certain meat products.
Legal and Tax Compliance: The applicant must be in compliance with all environmental, labour, and tax requirements under Canadian law.
Business Identifiers: Must provide a CRA BN or SIN, and for producers/processors, a valid premises identification number and farm business registration number or equivalent exemptions.
No Conflict of Interest: Applicants must adhere to conflict of interest regulations concerning public office holders and parliament members.
Consent for Public Information: Must agree to disclose certain project-related information publicly by Canada and Ontario if funding is granted.
Project Commitment: Agreement to comply with all terms, conditions, and requirements of the grant initiative.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant specifically targets certain eligible food production sectors, thus excluding industries that do not align with the Initiative's objectives. Companies primarily involved in aquaponics and non-eligible food processing activities are not eligible for this funding.

Companies engaged in aquaponic food production.
Companies involved in aquaculture, seaweed, fish, and seafood production and processing.
Commissaries, such as ready-to-eat counters.
Brewpubs and brand owners.
Pet food manufacturers.
Fertilizer manufacturers.
Bio-processing companies (e.g., food, industrial).
Food/agricultural commodity/bioprocessor waste companies.
Federal public office holders and federal public servants not in compliance with conflict of interest guidelines.
Current members of the House of Commons or Senate not permitted to receive funding due to the Parliament of Canada Act.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

This initiative is focused on enhancing food safety systems in small agri-food businesses by providing support for the adoption of modern technologies and comprehensive safety practices. It aims to boost competitiveness and growth within the sector through targeted upgrades and improvements.

Assessment by a qualified third-party to identify specific, actionable food safety or traceability improvements, such as a certification pre-audit or a gap analysis against a recognized standard.
Equipment and technology upgrades designed to monitor, prevent, reduce, and/or eliminate food safety hazards, or to improve food safety and traceability, including surveillance, data collection, lab testing, and analysis.
Development or improvement of documented food safety or traceability programs to achieve higher standards or performance, including prevention control plans.
Implementation of an internationally or nationally recognized food safety program, including undergoing first-time certification audits.
Training directly related to the implementation of equipment, technology upgrades, system improvements, or written programs.
Structural modifications required to implement equipment, technology upgrades, system improvements, or written programs.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to developing or improving food safety systems and traceability processes.

Costs incurred on or after August 7, 2024, and on or before January 15, 2027, that are necessary for the project.
Incremental salary and wages of employees working directly on the project, excluding severance pay, and pro-rated if not solely dedicated.
In-kind costs of unpaid labour and use of own farm equipment for Primary Producers.
Costs for managing information sharing networks supporting new food safety programs or traceability processes, limited to 6 months.
Initial costs for barcode or automated product identification systems.
Costs related to the purchase and installation of equipment and technology upgrades.
Material costs, equipment costs, pre-owned equipment from licensed sellers, and equipment rental costs.
Training costs related to purchased equipment from vendors or suppliers.
Costs for qualified third-party assessments or gap analyses for food safety or traceability improvements.
Costs for developing, implementing, or auditing new food safety programs or traceability processes conducted by qualified third parties.
Third-party courses, training, and materials related to adopting food safety or traceability practices.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Food Safety and Growth Initiative grant are conducted based on specific criteria that assess the project's capability to fulfill the initiative's goals.

Clear demonstration of the project's ability to improve food safety and/or traceability and control risks.
Integration of multiple parts of the project's location food safety/traceability system, such as equipment, training, and control procedures.
Pursuit of improvements to achieve national or international food safety program standards and/or certification, for example, Global Food Safety Initiative recognized Certification Programmes.
Stimulation of related business growth, such as access to new customers/markets, improved production output, or improved inventory management.

grant_single_labels|register

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

Step 1: Application Form Submission
- Download and fill out the Ministry-approved Application Form using Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Ensure the Application Form is fully completed to avoid resubmission.
Step 2: Attach Required Documents
- Obtain written quotes from third parties providing goods or services to support the proposed Eligible Costs.
- Include a site sketch if structural modifications are part of the project.
- Provide a course outline detailing training to be provided with cost summary, if applicable.
Step 3: Submission by Email
- Send the completed Application Form along with the required documents to SustainableCAP1@ontario.ca.
- Make sure to submit your application between August 21, 2024, and December 1, 2025.
- Be mindful of the funding availability and ensure early submission to avoid missing out.
Step 4: Waiting for Notification
- Wait for notification from the Ministry regarding approval or denial of your application.
- If successful, you will receive an Approval Letter via email outlining the project details and funding information.
- Unsuccessful applicants will be provided a brief explanation via email.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership's Food Safety and Growth Initiative provides financial support to small agri-food businesses for modernizing food safety systems, adopting new technologies, and stimulating sector growth, with funding up to $75,000 per project.

The funding is available to eligible Primary Producers, Processors, and Service Providers involved with specified food products.
The initiative accepts applications from August 21, 2024, until December 1, 2025, or until funding runs out.
The initiative covers 50% of Eligible Costs up to a maximum of $75,000 per project.
Eligible activities include food safety assessments, equipment upgrades, program development, and certification audits.
Costs related to aquaponic food production, common items, and personal expenses are ineligible.
Projects need to demonstrate clear benefits in food safety, traceability, and sector growth.
Initiative Payments require registration with Transfer Payment Ontario and Supply Ontario.
Recipients must comply with comprehensive audit and record-keeping requirements for up to seven years.

grant_single_labels|contact

SustainableCAP1@ontario.ca

Apply to this program

Enhancing Food Safety and Growth in Canadian Agri-Food Sector

The Food Safety and Growth Initiative is a significant funding opportunity that aims to bolster the Canadian agri-food sector by modernizing food safety systems and encouraging sustainable growth. This initiative supports eligible primary producers, processors, and service providers in implementing advanced food safety and traceability technologies.

Exploring the Importance and Mechanisms of the Food Safety and Growth Initiative

The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership has introduced the Food Safety and Growth Initiative to reinforce the country's agri-food sector, focusing on the improvement and modernization of food safety and traceability systems. This initiative is pivotal in addressing emerging food safety challenges, facilitating market expansion, and enhancing public trust in food products across Canada. With a strong emphasis on innovation and competitive edge, the initiative aims to integrate cutting-edge technologies and processes across food production and handling facilities.

One of the primary goals of the initiative is to stimulate the adoption of robust food safety practices that are recognized nationally and internationally. This involves providing funding to primary producers, processors, and service providers that can demonstrate the capability and intent to implement these systems effectively. Projects supported by this initiative are expected to lead to significant improvements in risk management and meet the increasing market demand for safe and traceable food products.

The funding covers a wide range of eligible activities, including assessments to identify specific food safety and traceability needs, purchasing and installing new technology and equipment, and the implementation of recognized food safety programs. By supporting these activities, the initiative not only enhances the safety and reliability of food supply chains but also promotes broader sectoral growth by allowing businesses to access new markets and comply with rigorous safety standards.

Eligible businesses can receive up to 50% of their project costs, capped at $75,000, providing substantial financial support which can be a catalyst for significant operational improvements. These funds are crucial in helping businesses overcome financial barriers to adopting necessary technologies and practices, thus ensuring that even smaller companies can compete in a demanding market landscape.

The initiative's approach to boosting public trust cannot be overstated. With consumers increasingly interested in knowing where their food comes from and its safety, implementing enhanced traceability systems helps businesses meet these expectations. This transparency fosters consumer confidence and can lead to brand loyalty and repeated business opportunities, spearheading sustainable business growth.

Additionally, the initiative leverages the expertise of third-party professionals in food safety and traceability, facilitating knowledge transfer and capacity building within the businesses. Recipients are encouraged to tap into this expertise for training and program development, ensuring that the changes implemented are not only compliant but also deeply integrated into their operational frameworks.

In conclusion, the Food Safety and Growth Initiative represents a forward-thinking commitment from Canadian authorities to enhance the competitiveness and resilience of the agri-food sector. By supporting projects that aim to modernize and innovate food safety systems, the initiative lays the groundwork for a more secure, trusted, and expansive food industry in Canada. For agri-food businesses, participating in this initiative means not only securing financial support but also contributing to the advancement of a healthier and more sustainable food ecosystem, ultimately benefiting the entire community from producers to end consumers.