Sustainable New Agri-Food Products & Productivity Program — Productivity Enhancement
ON, Canada
Support for agriculture and food producers and businesses
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateNovember 06, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateJanuary 12, 2024
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Get funding for your project that uses innovative technologies or processes to increase efficiencies in operations and improve products and/or processes.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
This grant offers cost-sharing and staggered financing modalities to enhance productivity among agri-food businesses in Northern Ontario. The modalities are designed to support both individual entities and collaborative projects.
- Up to 10,000 CAD granted per single legal entity, covering 50% of eligible equipment purchase costs.
- Collaborative projects involving three or more independent entities can receive up to 25,000 CAD, covering 50% of equipment costs.
- Funding is provided after the submission and approval of relevant invoices and proof of payment, with an initial disbursement of 90% of approved funding, and the final 10% disbursed after a final report is submitted.
- Total financial support from all government sources must not exceed 75% of project costs, excluding FedNor programs, which cannot be combined with this grant.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Sustainable New Agri-Food Products & Productivity Program focuses on enhancing productivity and introducing new products in the Northern Ontario agri-food sector. The eligible projects aim at fostering innovation, improving efficiency, and enhancing the ecological footprint.
- Acquisition of food processing equipment like mixers, sterilizers, and washing systems for developing new value-added products.
- Purchase of packaging materials such as vacuum baggers and labelling machinery to support new production chains.
- Innovative pest control technologies to enhance crop management efficiency.
- Implementation of precision agriculture technologies to increase overall sales.
- Use of LED lighting in hydroponic farming to boost year-round agricultural productivity.
- Installation of irrigation or rainwater collection systems to increase productivity and drought resilience.
- Adoption of low-tillage or no-tillage farming methods to improve crop productivity and environmental benefits.
- Development of passive solar greenhouse systems to enhance year-round production and reduce energy use.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 10,000
Development of eco-friendly packaging for the Sudbury dairy industry
$ 10,000
Installation of energy-efficient cold storage for seafood products
$ 10,000
Upgrade to AI-powered machinery for improved productivity in the York tomato processing plant
$ 10,000
Introducing a clean solar-powered irrigation system in the Edmonton grain farm
$ 10,000
Implementation of hydroponic systems for sustainable urban farming
$ 10,000
Developing a new line of organic fruit preserves at the Montreal cooperative
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's legal status, location, and collaboration structure.
- The applicant must be a legal entity capable of entering into a legal agreement, such as a corporation, non-profit organization, primary sector producers, processing businesses, distributors, or Indigenous groups (First Nations, Métis, Inuit).
- At least one component of the applicant's business must be located in Northern Ontario, and the project activities must take place in Northern Ontario.
- Collaborations involving three or more partners are encouraged and must consist of independent parties to avoid potential conflicts of interest, with priority given to those strengthening the value chain in Northern Ontario's agri-food sector.
- Both startup (with at least three years of operations) and existing businesses are eligible. Startups must submit a business plan, including cash flow projections, with their application.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant is designed to support legal entities with a focus on agriculture and food production in Northern Ontario. Each applicant must meet the specified legal and operational criteria to be eligible for funding.
- Incorporated entities capable of entering legal agreements such as corporations, non-profits, primary producers, processing businesses, distributors, or Indigenous communities including First Nations, Métis, or Inuit.
- Collaborative projects comprising at least three independent partners to enhance value chain initiatives in Northern Ontario's agri-food sector.
- Businesses must have a physical component in Northern Ontario, and project activities must occur in this region; in collaborations, at least two partners must be located in Northern Ontario.
- Eligible startups must have been operating for at least three years and provide a business plan including cash flow forecasts.
- Businesses owned primarily (at least 50%) by underrepresented groups are given priority, such as Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, women, youth, LGBTQ2+ persons, disabled persons, newcomers to Canada, and minority official language communities.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant does not specify particular companies or industries that are entirely excluded from eligibility. Restrictions appear to be focused on ensuring applicants meet specific regional and collaborative requirements.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant supports projects aimed at fostering innovation and improving productivity in the agri-food sector of Northern Ontario. Eligible activities focus on the creation of new products, enhancement of productivity, and ecological growth in the agri-food industry.
- Acquisition of food processing equipment, including mixers, sterilizers, washing systems, and packaging systems, to create innovative value-added products.
- Procurement of packaging materials like vacuum bagging equipment, bottling equipment, and labeling machines to expand new production lines and increase distribution.
- Implementation of innovative pest or predator control techniques to boost farm efficiency and crop management.
- Adoption of precision agriculture technologies to achieve management goals and increase overall sales.
- Use of LED lighting for hydroponic culturing to enhance year-round agricultural productivity.
- Installation of irrigation or rainwater harvesting systems to increase productivity and drought resilience.
- Adoption of low-tillage or no-till farming practices to improve crop productivity and environmental benefits.
- Development of passive solar greenhouse systems to increase year-round production and reduce energy usage.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is specifically targeted at companies located in Northern Ontario. Eligible locations are defined to support the agri-food sector in this region.
- Businesses and collaborations with at least one component in Northern Ontario.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on how well they meet the program’s objectives, with specific criteria determining priority.
- Originality and novelty of the products developed for Northern Ontario.
- Implementation of new economies to increase production and reduce operational costs.
- Clear demonstration of environmental and ecological benefits at a scale of impacts.
- Use of innovative equipment or processes.
- Enhancement of the value chain, improving efficiency and competitiveness within Northern Ontario's agri-food sector (for collaborations only).
- Scalability of the project regarding its ability to increase production/sales globally in the short term.
- Direct impact on the Northern Ontario agri-food sector, including job creation/maintenance and business expansion/modernization.
- Creation or maintenance of strategic alliances due to the project.
- Clear marketing or distribution plan.
- Solid business plan including cash flow forecasts and other sources of funds/financing confirmation (required only for start-ups).
- Projects that highlight inclusion and diversity, with priority for those led by members of underrepresented groups.
- Completion of the application form accurately and thoroughly.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Eligibility Confirmation
- Assess your eligibility against the program criteria to ensure your organization qualifies for the grant.
- Step 2: Initial Consultation
- Contact your regional representative (e.g., Ryan Bidal) to discuss your project eligibility and any questions regarding the application process.
- Obtain the official application form from your regional representative.
- Step 3: Gather Necessary Documents
- Prepare legal documents such as articles of incorporation, farm business registration number, or main business license.
- For start-ups, prepare a business plan including cash flow projections.
- Step 4: Application Preparation
- Complete the application form thoroughly, ensuring all sections are filled accurately.
- Highlight how your project aligns with the program's priorities like innovative product development, productivity improvements, or ecological benefits.
- Ensure the inclusion of a clear marketing or distribution plan.
- Step 5: Submit Application
- Submit your completed application form along with all required attachments to the designated submission address or email provided by the representative.
- Ensure submission is done before the stated deadline to avoid disqualification.
- Step 6: Post-Submission Process
- Wait for an approval decision, and be prepared to provide any additional information if requested during the review process.
- Upon approval, complete and submit a Client Intake Form to receive further instructions.
- Step 7: Final Agreement and Reporting
- Once approved, a contract will be sent for your review and signature.
- Complete a Final Results Report six months post-project completion to secure the remaining 10% of funding.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The cumulative assistance must not exceed 75% of the total project costs when combined with other funding sources, excluding other FedNor programs.
- All approved projects must be completed by December 31, 2024, with final invoices submitted to the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC).
- 90% of the approved funding will be disbursed upon review of documentation post-purchase, with the remaining 10% released after submission of a final results report.
- Only one application for reimbursement per project is allowed.
- A client intake form needs to be completed post-approval.
- Only one application per intake period is permitted.
- Approved applicants from previous SNAPP programs can reapply in the current program if previous projects are completed and closed.
- Contact with a regional representative is required before submitting the application to ensure eligibility confirmation and application completeness.
grant_single_labels|documents
grant_single_labels|contact
ryan.bidal@collegeboreal.ca
Apply to this program
Boosting Sustainability in Northern Ontario's Agri-food Sector
The "Programme de productivité et des produits agroalimentaires du Nord durables" offers financial assistance to support the growth and innovation of Northern Ontario's agri-food enterprises through equipment funding. Designed for producers, businesses, and collaborations, this grant fosters productivity and environmental sustainability across the region's unique agricultural landscape.
Understanding the Impact and Benefits of the Agri-food Sustainability Grant
The "Programme de productivité et des produits agroalimentaires du Nord durables" is a strategic initiative aimed at empowering Northern Ontario's agri-food sector to overcome regional challenges, such as shorter growing seasons, remote market locations, and limited economies of scale. By providing up to $10,000 in funding, with a 50% cost-sharing arrangement, to individual entities and up to $25,000 for collaborations involving three or more legal entities, this program incentivizes the acquisition of essential equipment. The emphasis on collaborations underscores the importance of cultivating strategic partnerships that enhance value chains and reinforce the economic fabric of Northern Ontario's agri-food domain.
The grant specifically targets producers and businesses that are legally recognized entities, capable of entering binding agreements. Eligible applicants include corporations, cooperatives, and Indigenous groups such as First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. The projects supported by this grant are expected to stimulate innovation, creating new products for the market, and advancing productivity through cutting-edge technological adoption. By spotlighting the introduction of novel products and efficient economic strategies, the grant not only aids in expanding market reach but also seeks to improve cost-efficiency and overall operational productivity.
On an environmental front, the grant encourages projects that propose significant ecological benefits, such as reducing carbon footprints and optimizing resource use. Through fostering growth in the ecological footprint, supported projects are expected to achieve a dual impact—enhancing productivity while ensuring sustainability. Eligible projects under the grant framework include those involving innovative pest management, LED technologies for year-round hydroponic production, and the development of solar-powered passive greenhouses. These innovations are designed to meet the dual aims of increased productivity and reduced environmental impact, aligning with global trends toward sustainable agricultural practices.
The criteria for assessment prioritize the novelty and scalability of projects, the degree of environmental impact, and the strength of collaborations. Priority is given to those who demonstrate a clear benefit to the Northern Ontario agri-food sector through job creation, strengthening business ventures, and establishing lasting strategic partnerships. The transparency of the evaluation process is upheld by an independent committee, ensuring fairness and adherence to the program's objectives.
Additionally, the grant supports inclusivity and diversity within the sector, prioritizing businesses owned by underrepresented groups, such as Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, women, LGBTQ2+ individuals, and more. By fostering an inclusive economic environment, the grant aims to harness the full spectrum of community potential, ensuring equitable economic growth throughout Northern Ontario.
Ultimately, this grant represents a strategic investment in the future of Northern Ontario's agri-food sector, providing the necessary resources for businesses to innovate and adapt to modern ecological and economic challenges. It's a holistic approach to regional development, aiming to fortify the economic resilience of Northern communities while securing their environmental sustainability.
