A new funding intake to assist Northern Ontario farmers in purchasing equipment to improve operations will open on Dec. 6.
Funded through the federal government, the Sustainable New Agri-Food Products and Productivity (SNAPP) program is eligible to Northern Ontario food producers and agriculture-related businesses.
Approved applicants can receive up to $10,000 at 50 per cent cost share toward the cost of equipment that would achieve one of three goals:
- the creation of innovative food or agricultural products that are new to the business;
- the implementation of innovation or technology that boosts productivity or efficiency;
- the reduction of the business’s ecological impact and carbon footprint.
Applicants can pursue funding through the new product stream, the productivity enhancement stream, or the clean tech in agri-food stream.
Examples of eligible projects include processing equipment to create value-added products or LED lighting for hydroponic growing to increase productivity of year-round produce.
SNAPP is administered through the Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN), a division of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre, in partnership with regional partners.