Funding your agricultural business
By Lynn Moreau
NIPISSING FIRST NATION—Are you interested in starting a new agricultural business or in expanding or improving an existing farm enterprise? The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year federal/provincial/territorial initiative to strengthen agriculture and increase its competitiveness, prosperity and sustainability.
The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) is delivering the program to agricultural producers and other agri-business operations. An upcoming funding intake is opening August 7-28, 2018.
Funding is available for agricultural producers, processors or other businesses. Funding available ranges from $2,500 to $35,000. Some of the categories include:
- Adding Organic Amendments to Soil
- Business Plans
- Cover Crops
- Develop New Products or Processes
- Education, Training, Assessment and Planning
- Equipment Modifications
- Equipment to Improve Animal Handling
- Food Safety and Traceability
To qualify for funding, you may need to complete a Growing Your Farm Profit Workshop and Action Plan. This can be done by attending a two-day workshop that is put on free of charge by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association.
The Rural Agricultural Innovation Network (RAIN) is running the Sustainable New Agri-Food Products and Productivity (SNAPP) Program for northern Ontario agricultural producers and food or beverage processors, businesses and collaborations.
The SNAPP program provides up to $5,000 at 75% cost-share towards the purchase of equipment and materials that will result in the creation of a food or agriculture product new to the business. This will result in season extension; improve efficiency or resource use; reduce ecological impact and carbon footprint; or that will utilize technically proven equipment for enhancing productivity to improve products or processes.
Collaborations of three or more entities can be eligible for up to $15,000 at 75% cost-share towards equipment and material purchases. Applications for Intake 4 are being accepted between August 27 and October 26, 2018. If you would like a copy of the application form, please contact me or contact RAIN directly.
If you would like more information on other funding programs for agriculture or if you would like to be added to my agriculture distribution list for future programs or funding, please contact me. I look forward to providing support to you in your agricultural endeavors!
Lynn Moreau, Program Coordinator, Lands and Resources Department
Anishinabek Nation
(705) 497-9127 ext. 2334