Future Farmer Program
Highlights
This program is designed specifically for new farmers like you. It offers financial support and coaching to help you establish or grow a profitable and sustainable farm business. By participating, you can access resources to identify and prioritize your business goals, and gain the planning, management, and technical skills needed to achieve them.
What You Get
- Facilitation and coaching assistance by a program advisor
- Development and implementation of on-farm projects
- Skills development and training assistance
- Business or succession planning support
- Analytical laboratory testing and participation in Business Risk Management Programs
Why Apply?
This program provides targeted financial assistance that can be more beneficial than other financing options. It is backed by the government, ensuring reliability and support. Approval can help you enhance your farm's productivity and competitiveness, making it easier to achieve long-term success. Plus, the eligibility criteria are straightforward, making it accessible for new farmers committed to growing their business.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Grant
Eligible Expenses:
- Facilitation and coaching assistance by a program advisor.
- Development and implementation of continuous improvement on-farm projects.
- Skills development and training assistance by a third-party (pre-approved by the program advisor).
- Business or succession planning assistance.
- Analytical laboratory testing.
- Participation in Business Risk Management (BRM) Programs: AgriStability and AgriInsurance.
Use of Funds:
- Funds can be used for the above eligible expenses.
- Funds cannot be used for any expenses not listed as eligible.
Fees:
- There are no fees associated with this grant program.
Qualifications
- Must be a Mi’kmaq First Nations or other Indigenous group, or an agricultural producer.
- Must be a new agricultural producer (must not have reported farm income for more than 5 years).
- Must have a business or succession plan.
- Must project at least $20,000 in annual gross farm sales in the business or succession plan.
- For farms with gross sales of $1M or less, must own at least 15% of the common voting shares or be the beneficial owner of a 15% interest in the partnership.
- For farms with gross sales of more than $1M, must own at least 10% of the common voting shares or be the beneficial owner of a 10% interest in the partnership.
- Must be a Canadian citizen or a Permanent Resident.
Must be a resident of Prince Edward Island.
Disqualifications:
- Businesses that have reported farm income for more than 5 years.
Description
This program helps new farmers like you build a successful and sustainable farm business. You can receive financial support to improve your farm's operations and increase your chances of success.
You can get funding for:
- Business or succession planning
- Skills development and training
- On-farm improvement projects
- Analytical laboratory testing
- Participation in risk management programs like AgriStability and AgriInsurance
Key benefits include:
- Coaching and facilitation from a program advisor to help you set and achieve your business goals.
- Financial support for essential activities that improve your farm's efficiency and profitability.
- Access to training that enhances your management and technical skills.
This program is designed to help you grow your business and make it more competitive. Take advantage of this opportunity to secure your farm's future.
Program Steps
Gather Required Information:
- Applicant contact information
- Business or organization information, including CRA registration number
- Partnership information (if applicable)
- Project start and end dates
- Additional sources of project funding
- Recipient type (e.g., primary producer, agricultural landowner, processor)
- Type of industry (e.g., dairy, potato, beef, hog, grains and oilseeds)
- Signature for declaration and consent to personal information
- Demographic information (optional)
Prepare Documentation:
- Business or succession plan
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or Permanent Resident status
- Proof of residency in Prince Edward Island
- Education background
- Farm history and experience
- Farming income details
- Environmental Farm Plans
Download and Complete Application Forms:
- Future Farmer General Application Form
- Depending on the funding categories, complete the necessary appendices:
- Appendix A: Analytical Laboratory Testing Reimbursement
- Appendix B: Business Risk Management Reimbursement
- Appendix C: On-Farm Project Application
- Appendix D: Training Approval Request
Submit Application:
- Ensure all forms and appendices are filled out completely and accurately.
- Submit the application and required documentation to the PEI Department of Agriculture.
Contact Program Advisor:
- Reach out to a program advisor for facilitation and coaching assistance if needed.
- Ensure any skills development and training are pre-approved by the program advisor.
Review and Follow Up:
- Monitor the status of your application.
- Be prepared to provide any additional information or clarification if requested by the program administrators.
Approval and Implementation:
- Upon approval, review the terms and conditions of the funding.
- Begin implementing your project or activities as outlined in your application.