On October 20, 2021, the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) Ontario announced it will continue supporting the improvement of production processes and best practices for the agri-food sector. This latest round of support will come through the CAP Ontario Producers Stream which will provide up to $10.21 million more in funding. This next program intake will open on November 15, 2021.
“We are committed to helping farmers with strategic on-farm investments that improve their bottom line and generate sustainable economic growth. These cost-shared investments will not only build a stronger, more innovative agriculture sector in Ontario but support the prosperity of rural communities across the province.”
– Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
This investment will help agriculture producers make food more safe and secure, improve the health and wellbeing of livestock, implement powerful new operations, and bring industry leading products and services to market faster.
“Our government is investing in these projects to help farmers and other businesses adopt innovative solutions that help increase their productivity in the agri-food sector. When we invest in the agri-food sector, we’re supporting the industry in creating good jobs and economic growth, which strengthens Ontario’s economy.”
– Honourable Lisa Thompson, provincial Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
The Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) was initiated in 2018 and is designed to strengthen and grow the agriculture sector by providing funding programs and services to help agricultural organizations across Canada grow with variants of funding available through both federal and provincial sources. Moreover, CAP is a five-year initiative that has committed to an investment of $3 billion in the agri-food and agri-products sectors.
Funding Amount
Successful applicants for the CAP Ontario Producer Stream may receive between 25% to 50% of funding depending on the project focus. Funding for some projects may allot up to $100,000 in grant funding. Learn more about funding available for CAP Ontario applicants.
Applicant Eligibility
The CAP Ontario Producers Stream has become a competitive program for agriculture producers because there are limited eligibility criteria for this program. Eligible applicants for the CAP Ontario Producers Stream will fulfill the following criteria:
- 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.
To see a full list of eligibility criteria, visit the CAP Ontario program page. If your business does not meet the eligibility criteria for this program, consider reviewing this comprehensive list of funding opportunities for agriculture businesses.
Eligible Projects
To participate in the CAP Ontario Producers Stream, applicant projects must fit in a notable project category. Incentives vary according to project, so applicants should consider what the best approach would be for their investments. Projects generally fall under at least one of four broad areas:
- Business planning and improvements;
- Equipment improvements;
- Safety and traceability improvements; and
- Farm improvements.
Please note that applicants can have up to two active projects if they are both submitted through separate applications. The following list offers a variety of popular projects for the CAP Ontario Producers Stream and their corresponding funding allotments for successful applicants:
- Enhanced Biosecurity for African Swine Fever Preparedness Initiative: 50% of eligible expenses to a maximum of $40,000;
- Please Note: this project has an application deadline of December 3, 2021.
- Traceability System Improvements (Animal Health): 50% to a maximum of $60,000;
- Food Safety and Traceability System Improvements: 50% to a maximum of $60,000;
- Preventing Introduction and Spread of Pests Through Isolation, Sanitation, and Controlling Workflow: 35% to a maximum of $50,000;
- Preventing Access by Wildlife, Pests, and Rodents: 25% to a maximum of $50,000;
- Selling to Export Markets: 35% to a maximum of $50,000;
- Market Products in Canada: 35% to a maximum of $45,000;
- Technology and Equipment to Improve Labour Productivity: 35% up to a maximum $100,000; and
- Other Businesses – Preventing Introduction and Spread of Pests Through Isolation, Sanitation, and, Controlling Workflow: 35% to a maximum of $50,000
To learn more about individual projects and their eligibility, please refer to the CAP Ontario producer-guided search.
Program Timelines
Applicants for the new CAP Ontario Producers Stream intakes may apply for the program beginning on November 15, 2021. The next intake deadline is December 6, 2021. Applications will take about three months to be approved after the submission date.
Please Note: Theapplication deadline for the Enhanced Biosecurity for African Swine Fever Preparedness Initiative will be December 3, 2021.
The CAP Ontario Producers Stream allows for deposits prior to approval. However, businesses cannot receive or fully pay for the equipment until they have been approved.
Get Started with Government Funding
The Canadian Agricultural Partnership Ontario Producers Stream is a valuable opportunity for Ontario organizations in the sector. However, there are many more funding programs for available for agriculture. If you are looking for more than simply agriculture programs, visit this full-scope government funding program directory.
We also suggest businesses visit this comprehensive government funding resource page which provides a variety of useful resources to get you started. To read more about programs, strategies, and success stories, visit our news channel for everything government funding.