Ontario’s agri-food industry is depended upon as the source of food for millions of people around the world. A significant portion of the food and agri-products that are produced in Canada fall under the category of poultry. However, though this industry is a critical part of Canadian, and North American, food supply chains, poultry have been found to be more susceptible to flock illnesses, like avian flew, which can cause problems for livestock. To resolve this issue, the Ontario government is investing in solutions with Canadian government grants.
“Ontario’s poultry farmers have been working tirelessly to ensure the health of their flocks and to maintain the province’s food supply, through their responses to avian influenza. The best defence against avian influenza is strong biosecurity measures. This investment will help the sector strengthen and maintain such actions to reduce the impacts of this virus.”
Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
As one of North America’s most active and competitive jurisdictions in the food and beverage sector, Ontario continues to invest in improving its poultry industry by providing funding to secure and protect the health and quality of poultry stock, as well as reducing health risks associated with the industry.
Non-supply-managed poultry farmers can implement projects that will improve their biosecurity and reduce the risk of disease spread through the CAP – Poultry Biosecurity Preparedness Initiative (PBPI).
“This program was developed following discussions with poultry farmers and is intended to support farmers in their biosecurity efforts. This initiative builds on other actions the government has taken to support the sector, such as educational webinars for farmers, orders to prohibit co-mingling of poultry and expanding access to farmer mental wellness programs.“
Government of Canada
Amount of Funding
Business owners who receive CAP – Poultry Biosecurity Preparedness Initiative (PBPI) support can receive up to 70% of eligible expenses, with a maximum of $100,000 per location and $500,000 per business annually.
Eligible Applicants
CAP – PBPI applicants are part of Ontario’s non-supply managed poultry value chain and are defined as follows:
- Having a minimum flock of 300 birds under a valid Farm Business Number; raising, owning, or housing non-supply managed poultry;
- Processors who slaughter non-supply managed poultry directly; and
- Agribusinesses that provide non-supply managed poultry services and operate as a veterinary clinic, grading station, or hatchery (including balut).
Eligible Activities
The following expenses incurred between April 1st, 2022, and February 17th, 2023, may be eligible:
- A third-party institution providing education, training, assessment, and planning on national biosecurity standards;
- Establishing zones and controlled access points (CAPs);
- Developing a cleaning and disinfection program;
- The establishment of segregation or isolation facilities;
- Rodents, wildlife, and pests must be prevented from accessing the property;
- Administration of health care;
- Providing facilities for the management of deadstock; or
- Equipment used in euthanasia.
Program Deadline
- You have until February 17th, 2023, to submit your application.
- Between April 1st, 2022, and February 17th, 2023, eligible expenses must be incurred.
- All eligible claims must be submitted by February 28th, 2023, including invoices, proof of payment, site sketches, and other supporting documents.
Government Funding for Canadian Food and Agriculture Businesses
Our Canadian Agribusiness Funding Programs directory page has a list of active funding programs available for agri-food providers.
Learn more about how Ontario agribusinesses can grow, manage, and finance their businesses by downloading our free Canadian Agri-Business Growth Guide.
With the help of our optimized processes and resources, Mentor Works streamlines the process of applying for government funding. During the funding process, businesses are paired with a professional grant writing team who complete every stage of the process.