ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON ONFLORICULTURE.COM by Abigail Wiesner

OMAFRA is pleased to announce the new Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative, with $25M in funding to support growth and productivity for producers and processors. Read about the program below or sign up for one of the virtual webinars to learn more.

The Initiative will be delivered under three funding streams. Intake opens Feb 15th 2024 and closes March 28th 2024 at 11:00 am. Across the streams, cost-share funding ranges from 35-50% of total eligible project costs. For greenhouse producers, learn more about streams 1 and 2 and how you can apply. For full application guidelines visit the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative webpage.

Funding Streams:

	Stream 1: Agri-tech Innovation (Projects <$100,000)	Stream 2: Agri-tech Innovation (Projects $100,000 and above)	Stream 3: Agri-Tech Energy Costs Savings
Applicants	Producers and Processors	Producers and Processors	Processors
Cost-share funding	up to 50% of the total eligible costs to a maximum of $49,999	up to 35% of total eligible costs to a maximum of $100,000	up to 35% of total eligible costs to a maximum of $100,000
Eligible activities	Implementing new equipment, or modification of equipment, technology, and machinery for production or advanced manufacturing	Implementing new equipment, or modification of equipment, technology, and machinery for production or advanced manufacturing	Purchasing or installing new or refurbished equipment, components and/or technology that improves energy efficiency; Purchasing, installing or modifying water use equipment and technology that improves energy efficiency Facility improvements related to building energy efficiency improvements
Ineligible costs	Costs incurred or deposits paid for prior to notice of project approval (and others)	Costs incurred or deposits paid for prior to notice of project approval (and others)	Costs incurred or deposits paid for prior to notice of project approval (and others)
Demonstrate innovation	Documentation from credible industry or academic sources that confirm the Innovation of the Project. Objective, third-party studies and/or market analysis	Documentation from credible industry or academic sources that confirm the Innovation of the Project. Objective, third-party studies and/or market analysis	N/A

What do I need to know before I apply?

• Project must be located in Ontario
• Applicants cannot submit an application for a project that has already received funding through Sustainable CAP. All other funding sources must be listed on the application
• Provide a CRA Business Number
• Have a valid and up to date Premises ID Number for the business location(s) where the project is to take place.
• For producers applying for Stream 1 or 2, have a valid Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN) (unless otherwise exempt, see section 5.1in guidelines)
• An application must be strongly aligned to the merit assessment to be approved. Make sure to review the merit assessment criteria in the guidelines while writing your project application
• Complete an approved Application to the AAC
  • Producers can only submit one application under either Stream 1 or Stream 2
  • Processors can only submit one application under either Stream 1 or Stream 2 and one application under Stream 3 (two applications total)

Where do I apply?

Applicants can apply through AAC’s online application system starting February 15, 2024. An account must be created to access the application system. Create ONE account per application and additional users can be added to the account after creation.

Questions?

For any additional questions on this program, contact the AAC at info@adaptcouncil.org or 1 (800) 769-3272. Register for one of the virtual information webinars at:

Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. EST

Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. EST