Increases to non-lighting incentives this fall plus Instant Discounts program for lighting launching in December.
Updates to the Save on Energy Retrofit program‘s prescriptive incentives increase most non-lighting measures. The new incentives will come into effect on October 30, 2023.
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a $3.5 billion, 5-year agreement (April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2028) between the federal, provincial and territorial governments. It replaces the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and $2.5 billion in cost-shared programs and activities by the governments. In Ontario, this includes up to $569 million toward the agri-food industry.
The programs under the Sustainable CAP will:
support the vision and priorities the federal, provincial and territorial agriculture ministers agreed to in The Guelph Statement
strengthen competitiveness, innovation and resiliency of the agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector
One program delivered under S-CAP that is particularly relevant to greenhouses is the Biosecurity Improvement Initiative.
The Save on Energy Retrofit program is offering a NEW incentive for Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) for greenhouses in the Southwest region of the province. This new initiative is part of the Retrofit for Greenhouses stream of the program, with a focus on the Southwest region. A Greenhouse Distributed Energy Resources (DER) measure is available to greenhouse facilities within certain areas of Southwestern Ontario. The incentives include those for an integrated Solar Photovoltaic and Battery Storage System where none previously existed.
Incentives
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) $1435.00/kW
and
Battery Storage: $260.00/kWh
Eligibility
Facilities installing DERs must be located in the following postal codes:
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Agricultural Clean Technology Program: Adoption Stream opens today until June 22nd. Read on for more information on the program and how to apply!
It will soon be that time of year again, when Japanese beetle (JB) adults begin to fly! However, there have been some changes to acceptable control products for JB growers need to be aware of in order to be in compliance with certification programs for this pest.
This post highlights changes to treatments and also provides an updated infographic for JB control for those exporting to non-JB areas (both domestically and to the United States).
Farming can be a uniquely stressful situation, and many farmers don’t know where to turn when they are experiencing workplace, financial, or family stress.
Ontario is now offering a new service that caters to the unique concerns of farmers.
Read on for more information about Ontario’s Farmer Wellness Initiative, as well as for other farmer-centric mental health resources.
If you employ Temporary Foreign Workers in your greenhouse this post is for you! Read on for important information and resources.
Firstly, OMAFRA has established a voluntary registry to distribute important COVID-19 information to employers. You can register here to get direct updates regarding Temporary Foreign Worker and COVID-19 issues to your email inbox.
This guest blog post was written by Dr. Rita Sterne, Project Manager with the Greenhouse Technology Network.Read on for important information about this funding opportunity.
Why do we need a Greenhouse Technology Network (GTN)?
Success for a greenhouse business comes from many things including balancing systems, constant vigilance, and the use of technologies across complex production activities. From tools, equipment, and machines, to methods, systems, and techniques, new and improved technologies must help growers run a profitable businesses in a world where there are increasing demands from society, environment, and economy.
Technological advancements often develop in response to a challenge, but research and development is a costly undertaking for many small and medium sized businesses and some persistent challenges require research expertise that is hard to access. This is where the Greenhouse Technology Network can help!
Robotic technology in a greenhouse.
What is the Greenhouse Technology Network?
The need for new and improved technologies is the driver behind the Greenhouse Technology Network (GTN), a consortium of three research-focused institutions. GTN members leverage their research expertise in greenhouse technologies with greenhouse and related technology businesses to help grow innovation in Ontario’s greenhouse industry.
Powered by funding from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, GTN members help businesses de-risk innovation activities and help new and improved technologies get to greenhouse growers faster where they will help business thrive and grow.