How much funding can be received?

Apply for funding to cover up to 50% of the costs of researcher and industry-led projects for improved technologies and practices related to climate change adaptation, environmental sustainability, human nutrition, and livestock feed production and use.

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Yes, there are projects and activities eligible for this grant. Projects contributing to the development of agricultural knowledge and skills and improving the competitiveness and sustainability of Manitoba’s agriculture, agri-food, and agri-product sectors are eligible.

Improving water quality and water use efficiency in production and processing technologies and practices
Building soil resilience through management of sensitive soils, assessment of soil enhancement practices and practices that enhance carbon sequestration
Decision support tools for sustainable resource use such as climate smart decision support tools and metrics
Plant genomics and breeding
Evaluation of new technologies and practices such as precision agriculture, digitisation, and robotics
Designing and evaluating climate-smart crop production strategies
Sustainable plant protein production and innovation
Detection, assessment and management of diseases and pests of crops
Assessment of existing or alternative practices for environmentally sound and economically viable livestock production
Climate-smart livestock production strategies
Detection, assessment and management of livestock diseases and pests
Beneficial management practices of animal welfare and animal destruction/disposal
Identification of sustainable processing technologies and packaging
Improving food manufacturing/processing approaches (including AI, robotics, automation) to increase process efficiencies and/or reduce water use
Identification and utilization of co-products and/or by-products in food and non-food applications
Development of novel ingredients and identification of their food product applications
Innovation in food product development, including Indigenous and novel foods, alternative protein sources, precision fermentation
Identification of personalized nutrition strategies for optimal health and disease prevention utilizing nutrigenetics, nutrigenomics, and other related technologies
Innovative approaches to incorporate traditional knowledge related to food and new technologies across the value chain (e.g., vertical farming, diabetic friendly foods, and improved food nutrition)

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$100,000

Calgary

Evaluation of climate-smart livestock production strategies to increase efficiency.

$47,500

Toronto

Development of climate-smart decision support tools for sustainable resource use in Toronto

$35,000

Vancouver

Improving crop resilience through soil enhancement practices in Vancouver

$60,000

Montreal

Robotic technology evaluation for sustainable plant protein production in Montreal

$50,000

Winnipeg

Designing climate-smart crop production strategies in Winnipeg

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The Research and Innovation (R&I) program is open to various groups aiming to advance the growth and sustainability of the agriculture and agri-food industry through innovation and research. Eligibility is strictly defined based on the type of organization and relevant affiliations.

Agri-processors
Indigenous Groups (government, communities, tribal councils, associations, and organizations)
Industry Organizations
Primary Producers
Research Institutions
Service Providers
An organization with multiple divisions, operation names or units, will count as one organization.
Current and former Government of Canada employees are ineligible to apply for funding.
Government of Canada departments and agencies are only eligible to apply under the Grain Innovation and Crop Production focus area.
Current Manitoba government employees, who are the majority shareholder (50 percent or higher) in a business or operation, are not eligible to apply for funding.
A business or operation, which includes a provincial government employee as a minority shareholder, will be eligible to apply for funding.
Current or former members of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, current or former members of the Executive council, or current or former Manitoba government senior public servants are not eligible. Current or former federal public office holders are eligible as long as they follow conflict of interest policies and procedures.
Co-applicant information will be required for all projects where two or more parties are supporting a project.
All applicants who identify as a researcher (including academic institutions) or a Government of Canada department or agency will be required to identify at least one non-researcher, non-government co-applicant to be eligible for funding. In that case, the co-applicant must be either a primary producer, an agri-processor, an industry organization, or a service provider (non-research).

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Research and Innovation (R&I) program is open to various types of companies and organizations involved in the agriculture and agri-food industry in Canada. Below is the list of eligible entities:

Agri-processors
Indigenous Groups (government, communities, tribal councils, associations, and organizations)
Industry Organizations
Primary Producers
Research Institutions
Service Providers

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

The grant is not available to certain types of companies and individuals, including specific government employees and entities. Below is a list of those ineligible for funding:

Current and former Government of Canada employees
Government of Canada departments and agencies (except under the Grain Innovation and Crop Production focus area)
Current Manitoba government employees who are the majority shareholders in a business
Current or former members of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba
Current or former members of the Executive council
Current or former Manitoba government senior public servants
Businesses with principal investigators or co-applicants compensated directly from the grant for organizing or delivering project parts

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant. Eligible expenses are directly related to the execution of an approved project and include various categories.

Provincial Sales Tax (PST)
Incremental salaries, wages, and benefits
Subcontracted services
Professional fees
Knowledge transfer
Facility and equipment rentals (including laboratory equipment and facility)
Materials and supplies
Travel expenses (related to knowledge transfer and project activities which occur within North America)
Overhead up to ten per cent of total approved expenses
Capacity building, including capital equipment

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

Eligible geographic zones for this grant include specific areas of Manitoba, Canada, directly involved in the agriculture and agri-food industry.

Must be located in Manitoba, Canada
Must be involved in agriculture and agri-food sectors

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The grant evaluation and selection criteria for the Research and Innovation program are designed to assess both Letters of Intent and Application Worksheets based on scientific merit, research approach, communication plans, and more. Here are the specific criteria used to evaluate both stages:

Scientific merit and originality
Overall research approach
Capability of the research team
Expected results
Research approach and methodology
Communication plan and knowledge transfer
Principles and policy assessment
Financial and delivery risk

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Step 1: Completion of a Letter of Intent
The Letter of Intent is available on the Manitoba Agriculture website during an open call. Go to https://www.manitoba.ca/scap/scienceresearch/research.html
Manitoba Agriculture will publish deadline dates through the Sustainable CAP website and social media channels.
The Letter of Intent must be submitted to the program administrator by the specified deadline.
The Letter of Intent can be emailed to Manitoba Agriculture at agriculture@gov.mb.ca.
Only one Letter of Intent will be accepted for each project.
Applicant must acknowledge and agree to any terms and conditions contained in the Letter of Intent, Program Guide and Program Terms and Conditions.
Only the applicant may complete the Letter of Intent or other program documents.
Step 2: Completion of an Application Worksheet (invite only)
Applicants who have submitted completed Letters of Intent which have been deemed to meet the priorities of the program and possess significant research and innovation merit, will be invited, via email, to complete an Application Worksheet (full proposal).
The invitation to complete the Application Worksheet (full proposal) does not mean that a funding decision has been made and does not guarantee that the funding request will be successful.
The Application Worksheet must be submitted to the program administrator by the specified deadline.
The Application Worksheet can be emailed to Manitoba Agriculture at agriculture@gov.mb.ca.
Applicant must acknowledge and agree to any terms and conditions contained in the Application Worksheet, Program Guide and Program Terms and Conditions.
Only the applicant may complete the Application Worksheet or other program documents.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Additional details such as mileage and meal rates, eligibility criteria for Principal Investigator involvement, and guidelines for specific equipment eligibility are provided to ensure compliance with the program's requirements.

Mileage rates for travel vary, following the General Manual of Administration and National Joint Council rates.
Meals are limited to a specific number per day with set reimbursement rates.
The Principal Investigator cannot hire their own company or act as a paid subcontractor.
Internal laboratory fees are eligible if documented and internally paid.
Drones and computers may be considered eligible on a case-by-case basis if essential and not multi-use.

grant_single_labels|contact

1-800-811-4411

Apply to this program

Research and Innovation (R&I) Program: Advancing Agriculture in Manitoba

The Research and Innovation (R&I) program aims to propel growth and sustainability in Manitoba's agriculture and agri-food sectors by accelerating innovation through basic and applied research. Open to a wide range of applicants, the program offers substantial financial support for projects that develop new technologies, products, and practices, enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of these crucial industries.

Introduction to the Research and Innovation (R&I) Program

In an ever-evolving global market, innovation and research are imperative for the agricultural sector to remain competitive, sustainable, and responsive to the demands of the future. Manitoba's Research and Innovation (R&I) program provides a crucial platform to foster growth and fast-track innovation within the agriculture and agri-food industries. Funded by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, this program offers comprehensive support for groundbreaking projects that align with one of several key focus areas essential to the industry’s continued advancement.

Program Description and Objectives

The primary aim of the R&I program is to stimulate growth and sustainability in Manitoba's agriculture and agri-food sector by accelerating the pace of innovation. This is achieved through funding basic and applied research projects that develop new technologies, practices, and products, alongside capacity-building initiatives designed to enhance research capabilities. Basic research seeks to expand knowledge and theoretical understanding, while applied research is geared towards finding practical solutions to specific industry challenges. By funding these initiatives, the program not only supports immediate technological advancements but also ensures long-term economic, environmental, and social benefits.

Eligibility Criteria

The R&I program is available to a diverse group of applicants, including:

Agri-processors
Indigenous Groups (government, communities, tribal councils, associations, organizations)
Industry Organizations
Primary Producers
Research Institutions
Service Providers

However, there are some exclusions:

Current and former Government of Canada employees
Government of Canada departments and agencies (except under the Grain Innovation and Crop Production focus area)
Current Manitoba government employees who are the majority shareholders in a business
Current or former Manitoba government senior public servants

Applicants from academic institutions or Government of Canada departments/agencies must partner with a non-research, non-government entity such as a primary producer, agri-processor, industry organization, or service provider.

Funding Streams and Focus Areas

The R&I program offers two primary funding streams:

Basic and Applied Research: This stream covers projects from basic discovery research to practical problem-solving applications. It supports initiatives aimed at expanding knowledge and developing practical solutions for specific industry challenges.
Capacity Building: This stream focuses on enhancing research capabilities within Manitoba through investments in research equipment (valued at $10,000 or more) and specialized training for its use.

Applicants are encouraged to target their projects within one of the following focus areas:

Agri-Resource Management: Projects that improve water quality, enhance soil resilience, promote sustainable resource use, and develop ecological goods and services.
Economic and Market Analysis: Research that mitigates risks and facilitates market development, focusing on production economics, marketing, industry benchmarking, policy, risk management, and consumer behavior.
Grain Innovation and Crop Production: Initiatives in plant genomics, environmentally sound crop production practices, precision agriculture, sustainable plant protein production, and climate-smart crop strategies.
Livestock Production: Projects aimed at sustainable and climate-smart livestock production, animal genomics, and the management of livestock diseases and pests.
Processing and Value-Added: Innovations in sustainable processing technologies, food manufacturing efficiencies, co-product utilization, novel ingredient development, and traditional food knowledge applications.

Cost Share Funding

The funding for R&I projects is structured as a cost-sharing model between the applicant and the government, with the specific ratio depending on the nature of the project and the need for intellectual property protection or confidentiality:

Basic and Applied Research: 70:30 (government:applicant) for the first $100,000, and 60:40 for amounts exceeding $100,000. If intellectual property or confidentiality is required, the ratio changes to 50:50.
Capacity Building: 50:50 cost share.

Multi-year projects are allowed with a maximum duration of three years, ending no later than December 31, 2027.

Eligible and Ineligible Expenses

Eligible expenses include:

Provincial Sales Tax (PST)
Incremental salaries, wages, and benefits
Subcontracted services and professional fees
Knowledge transfer activities
Facility and equipment rentals
Materials and supplies
Travel expenses within North America
Overhead costs up to 10% of total approved expenses
Capital equipment and specific training costs

Ineligible expenses consist of:

Expenses eligible for other rebates or refunds (such as GST)
In-kind contributions
Salaries for principal investigators and co-applicants
Expenses incurred outside of the project’s official timelines
Normal operating expenses
Financing charges, loan interests, and fees
Capital purchases like land, buildings, and commercial farm equipment
Lobbying expenses
Revenue-generating project activities

Letter of Intent and Application Worksheet

The application process involves two stages:

Letter of Intent: Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent outlining their project ideas. This letter, available on the Manitoba Agriculture website, will be assessed on criteria such as scientific merit, originality, project approach, and the capabilities of the research team.
Application Worksheet: Successful Letter of Intent applications will be invited to submit a full proposal via the Application Worksheet. This stage includes a detailed assessment of research methodology, knowledge transfer plans, and risk management strategies.

Both documents should be submitted to Manitoba Agriculture at the specified deadlines, and applicants must comply with all relevant laws and regulations. Projects need to be completed by December 31, 2027, with all financial sources declared to ensure compliance with funding limits.

Conclusion

The Research and Innovation (R&I) program is a pivotal initiative for advancing agriculture and agri-food sectors in Manitoba. By providing substantial financial support and focusing on key areas of development, the program aims to drive innovation, enhance sustainability, and maintain the competitiveness of these vital industries. Whether you are involved in agri-processing, research, industry organizations, or primary production, the R&I program offers a significant opportunity to contribute to the future of agriculture in Manitoba.

Manitoba — Research and Innovation

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