CAP Ontario: Food Processors Stream Deadline Set for October 2021

Update: The deadline for this program has been moved to October 20, 2021.

The Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) Ontario program is a government funding initiative that focuses on improving agricultural organizations in Ontario, Canada. The overall federal CAP launched in 2018 as part of a five-year initiative that aims to support the agriculture sector with $3 billion before the end of 2023.

In addition to the Canada-wide federal programs offered by CAP, this initiative also offers provincial variants, such as CAP Ontario, which provides funding to Ontario-based agri-producers, -processors, and industry organizations as well as collaborations.  The CAP Ontario Food Processors stream is currently accepting funding applications to support technology and equipment focused on productivity improvements.

“[The Food Processors stream provides] funding to adopt advanced manufacturing technology that will improve labour productivity, improve input efficiency, or reduce waste”

-Canadian Agricultural Partnership

The Food Processors stream recently closed an application intake period for other project types and successful applications will be notified soon. However, productivity related project applications for the Food Processors stream will be open for submissions starting on September 27, 2021, ending on October 18, 2021. The goal of this phase is to continue the funding of agricultural projects in Ontario that aim to improve productivity through the adoption of innovative technology and equipment. By continuously investing in the agri-sector, the government of Canada hopes to remain a leader on the global stage and supporting one of the country’s key industry segments.

Funding Amount

Funding through the CAP Ontario’s Processors stream may provide up to 35% of funding to a maximum amount of $100,000.

Applicant Eligibility:

Applicants for the CAP Ontario Food Processors stream will need to meet the following criteria to be considered eligible:

• Recently finished a labour, input, waste, or assessment plan of some sort that outlines the need of a project to remedy inefficiencies and missed opportunities within your business;
• Processors must be established and manufacture products in a facility with 199 employees or less; and
• Businesses across Ontario can apply for funding, however those located in Northern Ontario or applications involving Indigenous partner businesses are preferred for this intake.

Review the full list of eligible applicants to ensure that you are aware of all eligibility criteria before moving forward with an application.

Eligible Activities:

The following activities may be eligible for this stream:

• Activities associated with installation or configuration costs for advanced manufacturing technologies. These technologies must fall under one or more of the following criteria:
  • Technologies to improve labour productivity;
  • Technology that improves input efficiency; and
  • Technology that reduces a businesses waste output.
• Activities that are crucial for software integration of advanced manufacturing technology;
• Activities associated with measuring and integration of equipment for waste management, as well as related software system costs; and
• Activities of development or translation of manufacturing policies, feedback systems, preventative maintenance procedures and standard operations procedures.

Review the full list of eligible activities for a more comprehensive understanding of program scope.

Program Timelines

The second phase of intake will begin on September 27, 2021 and will be open until October 20, 2021. It is recommended that projects begin on or before December 1, 2021. Projects cannot go beyond the final project date of September 30, 2022.

Government Funding for Agricultural Businesses

There are many great government funding programs available for businesses that operate in the agricultural industry. We recommend that all organizations looking to apply for a grant or loan speak with a government funding professional to get a smart start today.

If the Food Processors stream is not the right fit for your business, don’t worry, there are many other agri-funding programs available that fit a wide variety of disciplines and projects.