Starting on April 3, 2018, producers, processors, and other businesses can apply for cost-share funding through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership .
Similar to previous programs (such as Growing Forward 2), this is a new five-year commitment by Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments that will support Canada’s agri-food and agri-products sectors.
Keep reading for more information on this program, or talk to your local OMAFRA or OSCIA representative.
Under the new CAPS programming, businesses can apply for funding to support projects in three key priority areas. Some examples relevant to greenhouse floriculture operations are given below (but are by no means exclusive!).
1. Economic development
Examples for greenhouses would include novel upgrades to technology or equipment that improve labour productivity, or developing new marketing plans to expand sales.
2. Environmental stewardship
Specifically, to enhance water quality and soil health. Projects that focus on responsible water and nutrient management through nutrient recovery systems would be eligible.
3. Protection and assurance
This stream is designed to protect the overall health of plants and animals in our agricultural systems. Here, projects like adding screening to prevent movement of pests into your greenhouse,or adding an isolation area for high-risk, imported plant material would be eligible.
More Information
The current application window is open from April 3 to May 8, 2018. Program details, including how to apply, program guides and application forms are now available online at: ontario.ca/agpartnership.
In-person, introductory information sessions on the program are also being held now. For Niagara greenhouse crop producers, the closest available session is at Vineland Station (the OMAFRA building) on April 16th at 7pm. (See the schedule for additional sessions or sessions in YOUR area).
Can’t attend an in-person session? Sign up for a webinar here (click on “upcoming”).
Additionally, for many of the activities funded under CAPS, growers must attend a Biosecurity Workshop to be eligible. Ten biosecurity workshops are now scheduled on OSCIA website. Most of the workshops are half-day. Find them here.