The Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) administered by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) has replaced the previous Growing Forward 2 program, and provides cost-sharing funding for processors and other agri-related businesses.

The current Application intake round for producers, processors, and other businesses will conclude on May 8, 2018  and comprises multiple streams for each category.  Additional application intake rounds will be announced in the future.

Processors can apply for CAP Ontario if:

  • They are transforming Agri products;
  • They have a valid Ontario Premises ID for where the project will take place;
  • They have filed 2 years of tax returns (new entrant processor exception applies);
  • They have all permits and approvals required for the project;
  • They have not incurred expenditures yet (any cost already incurred, aside from downpayments on equipment, may be excluded from eligibility).

EMPT-PR-F Stream: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

Description: Processors seeking to make an improvement at a facility that has fewer than 200 employees to put in place software systems that will integrate business applications, contributing to improving results.

Funding Details: Maximum available cost-share per project is capped at $100K, covering 35% of eligible costs.

Eligible Expenditures:

  • Development and customization of new Enterprise Resource Planning including advisory services, software and hardware involved with installation and customization.
  • One-time costs such as contract salaries, benefits and per diem fees.
  • Product shipping, distribution or routing across different transportation modes.

Eligibility Requirements:

Applications will be assessed by:

  • Resultant labor productivity and efficiencies
  • Increased sales and revenue
  • Increased profitability

EMPT-PR-C Stream: Technology and Equipment to Improve Labour Productivity

Description: Processors seeking to make an improvement to enhance labour productivity with employee count fewer than 200. New or novel technological/equipment upgrades that are adopted by less than 20% of the sector in Ontario to date OR technological upgrades made in Northern Ontario or Indigenous Partner businesses.

Funding Details: Maximum available cost-share per project is capped at $250K, covering 25% of eligible costs.

Eligible Expenditures:

  • Capital expenses relating to new processing equipment, retrofitting existing equipment, technology and software systems.
  • One-time costs relating to training key personnel on project-related new equipment, technology and software systems.

Eligibility Requirements:

Applications will be assessed by:

  • Novelty of upgrades to Ontario
  • Increased sales and revenues

Additional Streams for Processors

There are further streams that are available to agri-processors to support other activities/initiatives, such as (values capped):

  • Food safety and traceability equipment ($10k, each).
  • Ingredient efficiency and waste reduction ($75K).
  • Marketing of products outside of Canada ($50K) and internationally ($75K).
  • Monitoring plant pest and treat equipment ($25K) and training ($5K).
  • Improving animal housing ($50K), and animal handling equipment ($50K) with technology.

NorthBridge Consultants has been assisting companies access government funding for over 25 years. As one of the largest independent government funding consulting firms in Canada, our objective is to maximize the government funding potential for your company. Contact us today to find out how much funding your company could receive.