Canada-PEI Organic Industry Development Program 2007-2011
September 3, 2009
Purpose
The Organic Industry Development Program was established to provide assistance with projects that encourage growth in the organic sector and yield positive economic benefits to the Prince Edward Island agriculture industry. This program is intended to provide funds to growers, grower alliances, producer groups, and/or processors to accelerate the adoption of certified organic production and processing technology to facilitate growth in the industry and contribute to on-farm profitability and competitiveness.
Program Components and Assistance Available
- Organic Value Chain Development
The purpose of this sub-program is to accelerate growth in the Prince Edward Island organic sector through the establishment of value chains that create positive linkages with partners from the farm to the marketplace which are market driven and focused on creating customer value. All projects must have sufficient scale of production and marketing to initiate and sustain incremental sales growth.
Because transition may take several years, multi-year projects are eligible. Funding will be determined by the scope and potential success of the proposal. Producers currently not certified, must have made application to an accredited certification agency by the completion of the project.
50% of the eligible expenses associated with the execution of the project is available. Training and education expenses associated with the project will be funded at 75%. Applicants must have a current business plan indicating that the farm has the ability to be profitable and sustain growth in the future.
An evaluation of the success of the project must accompany the final claim.
- Organic Farm Advancement
To assist farmers improve their economic viability and environmental impact through the development of organic farm enterprise plans and implementation of the plan. The enterprise plan will be developed in conjunction with a team of farmers and consultants. The plan will outline ways for the farmer to increase on-farm income through improved management practices, diversification, direct marketing, value adding and agri-tourism. Applicants must own or co-own at least five acres of land in agricultural or wild crafting use and be managed as a commercial organic enterprise.
50% of eligible expenses to a maximum of $10,000 is available. Applicants must have a current business plan indicating that the farm has the ability to be profitable and sustain growth in the future.
An evaluation of the success of the project must accompany the final claim.
- Organic Agro-environmental Evaluation
Organic farmers rely on well designed crop rotations, preventative practices and use of a range of mechanical cultivation equipment to management weed and pest populations. Financial assistance is available to purchase mechanical weed and pest management equipment.
A partial list of eligible equipment includes: portable grain cleaner, wide sweeps for chisel plow, flame weeders, frost seeders, inter-row cultivators, grass seeder attachments for tine weeders, ultra- violet equipment for disease control or root pruners.
Applicants are eligible for assistance of up to 50% of the cost of the equipment to a maximum of $5,000 per application. A short evaluation report should be submitted with each claim.
Eligible Applicants
Primary producers, grower alliances, producer groups, and agri-business. Universities, research agencies, provincial and federal governments and their agencies are not eligible as applicants, but may apply as a partner on a project. Approval of the applications will be subject to availability of funding.
Eligible Expenses
Applicants are eligible for a maximum combined total of $100,000 from the three sub-programs. Funding will be determined by the scope and potential success of the proposal. Education and training for the applicants and suppliers including mentoring activities with both local and off Island experts, product development research, hiring a consultant or business manager, market development activities, modification of a facility to meet organic requirements, and market risk - bridging funding.
Non-eligible Expenses
In-kind contributions, on-going production activities, purchase of breeding stock and/or seed, administration costs, feasibility studies and market scans will not be considered.
Administration
This program will be administered by the Agriculture Resource Division of the PEI Department of Agriculture. Requests for information should be directed to:
Organic Development Officer
PEI Department of Agriculture
PO Box 1600
Charlottetown, PEI C1A 7N3
Phone: 902-368-5657
Fax: 902-368-5729
Email: sdmackinnon@gov.pe.ca
Terms and Conditions Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria and submit a completed application form to the P.E.I. Department of Agriculture. Program guidelines and application forms may be revised at any time throughout the life of the Program.
Termination
This program is effective April 1, 2009, and will terminate on March 31, 2011. This program may be altered or discontinued without notice by the Minister of Agriculture.
Forms
Canada-PEI Organic Industry Development Program
Organic Industry Development Application Form
Printable version of this form
[342 KB PDF File]
This information has been taken from www.gov.pe.ca