Canadian Agricultural Partnership Ontario: Eligibility for Producers

The Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) is a suite of government funding programs that supports agricultural producers, processors, and other organizations with grants and loans. One incentive included in this funding framework, the Canadian Agricultural Partnership: Ontario Producers program, is a non-repayable government grant that helps food, commodity, and agricultural product producers invest and become more competitive.

CAP: Ontario Producers provides up to 30% to 50% of eligible project expenses to a maximum $2,500-$75k in grant funding per application.

To be considered eligible for this Ontario government funding program, producers must have a valid Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN), unless exempted, and an up-to-date Premises Identification Number (PIN). Other eligibility criteria may apply depending on the type of project for which funding is requested; continue reading this article to explore whether your company, project, and expenses are a good fit for the program.

What is the Canadian Agricultural Partnership for Ontario Producers?

The Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) is a suite of funding programs developed and administered by Canada’s federal, provincial, and territorial governments. Some of its programs are available across Canada, while others are only available to agri-businesses in a specific province or territory.

Through the CAP program exclusively for Ontario agri-producers, farm businesses may access government grants to offset a variety of strategic project costs. There are several types of projects supported through the program, including incentives that support business planning, capital investment, and market expansion.

Ontario agricultural producers can access up to $2,500 to $75,000 in CAP funding per eligible project. Companies can commit to up to two funding projects at once.

This is a significant opportunity for Ontario agricultural producers that wish to improve their competitiveness. The five-year (2018-2023) program offers regular application periods; therefore, forward-planning farm companies with a strategic plan can leverage multiple growth strategies at once. To start the planning process, consider your company’s top spends over the next 12-24 months and consult the criteria in this article to determine if it’s eligible for funding.

For a more detailed look at how the Canadian Agricultural Partnership: Ontario Producers program works, please review our program overview.

CAP Ontario: Eligibility for Agricultural Producers

Most streams of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership: Ontario Producers program require applicants to:

• File business and/or farm income/loss taxes in Ontario;

• Have a valid Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN), unless exempted; and

• Have a Valid Premises Identification (PID) Number.

Project Eligibility: CAP Ontario Agriculture Grants

To participate in the Canadian Agricultural Partnership program for Ontario Producers, applicants must propose projects that fit an active stream of funding. Not all incentives are available during each intake, so applicants should carefully consider which stream makes the most sense for their upcoming investments.

CAP Ontario: Producers projects generally fall under four broad areas:

• Business Planning and Improvements
• Equipment Improvements
• Safety and Traceability Improvements
• Farm Improvements

For a list of all potential project areas funded through the CAP Ontario Producer program, please consult Mentor Works’ program overview article.

Ineligible Projects

Projects not eligible for support through CAP Ontario’s Producer program include any activities that:

• Promote Ontario products over those of another province or territory;
• Directly influence or lobby government;
• Involve maintaining legal compliance for current business operations; and
• Support experimental or theoretical research.

Canadian Agricultural Partnership Ontario: Expense Eligibility

Individual expenses deemed eligible for Canadian Agricultural Partnership: Ontario Producers projects vary depending on the stream of funding being applied for. Generally, expenses are eligible if they:

• Are one-time, non-recurring expenses;
• Are necessary for the completion of the project; and
• Can be documented through receipts, invoices, or other financial statements.

Ineligible Expenses

Similarly, each project stream maintains a list of expenses it considers ineligible. Some of these expenses include, but are not limited to:

• Any cost not specifically required or attributable to project execution;
• Normal operating costs associated with carrying out or expanding a business’ current operations;
• Legal fees;
• Costs related to activities that promote Ontario products explicitly over those of another province or territory;
• Costs related to activities that directly influence or lobby any level of government;
• Costs of basic research;
• Normal commercial expansion costs;
• Costs of training and skills development that fulfill any academic requirements towards completion of a professional certificate, diploma or degree program;
• Costs of sponsorship of conferences and learning events or initiatives;
• Costs of travel, meals, and accommodations;
• Permits and approvals;
• Fertilizer or crop protection costs;
• Tile drainage systems;
• Crop storage facilities;
• Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and associated components;
• Robotic milking systems, TMR mixers, feed pushers, and automated feeding systems; and
• MicroFIT or FIT green energy generation systems.

How to Apply for CAP Ontario Funding: Producers Stream

While this is not a comprehensive list of eligibility criteria, it’s a great starting point for understanding the program in greater detail. If you meet the eligibility criteria outlined in this article, it’s possible that your organization and upcoming project are a good fit for the Canadian Agricultural Partnership program for Ontario Producers.

To get started with the application process, companies should first confirm their eligibility via the CAP Ontario Producer program guide. Once eligibility is established, applicants must develop a comprehensive application package and submit it during one of the program’s calls for proposals. These calls are usually made on a quarterly basis.

Ready to get started? To review your eligibility and learn how to optimize the application process, please contact Mentor Works.