December 7, 2012 – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) held a conference to address the important questions regarding the Potential Funding Changes in New Growing Forward 2 Policy Framework. Growing Forward 2 is a five-year agricultural policy framework, providing up to $3 billion in Canadian Government grants and loans to support Canada small businesses in the agricultural and agri-food sector. The announcement mentioned three new Canadian Government funding programs that will come into effect beginning April 1, 2013.
1. The AgriInnovation Program
Adapted from the Previous Agricultural Innovation Program (AIP), the new AIP program will have a similar objective by providing Canadian Government grants and loans to support the research and development of new and innovative products/technologies related to the agriculture and agri-food sector.
2. The AgriMarketing Program
This program was also adapted from the now expired AgriMarketing Program. The new AgriMarketing Program, set out by the Growing Forward 2 policy, will focus on providing Canadian Government grants for small business marketing activities and the adoption of quality and food safety assurance systems.
3. The AgriCompetitiveness Program
The AgriCompetitiveness Program is a new addition to the AAFC, the program will provide Canadian Government funding support for direct investments that would improve the ability of Canadian entrepreneurs and businesses to respond to emerging agricultural industry trends and opportunities.
Canadian Government Funding Updates and Support
AAFC is expected to release additional details regarding the Growing Forward 2 Policy Framework and its program’s funding and eligibility criteria within first couple months of 2013. Mentor Works Ltd. will be keeping a close eye on these program and funding updates, please subscribe to our Weekly Canadian Government Funding E-Newsletter or follow our posts on Twitter, Google+, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay up-to-date.
Mentor Works Ltd. provides government funding information, advice, and application support to Canadian SMEs looking to leverage their expansion and development with Canadian Government Funding Grants, Loans, and Tax Credits. Please contact a Mentor Works Small Business Funding Expert to learn more about our services and the programs that would apply to your business.