The Organic Industry Development Program is a fantastic opportunity for your business. It offers strategic assistance to help you grow and compete in the organic agriculture sector. This program provides funding for various needs, including market competitiveness, specialized equipment, land conversion, and strategic initiatives.

What You Get

• Funding for technology and facility modifications to meet certified organic market requirements.
• Support for purchasing specialized equipment like grain cleaners, flame weeders, and cover crop technology.
• Assistance with converting conventional farmland to certified organic farmland, mitigating associated risks.
• Funding for strategic initiatives to increase the sector's capacity and address challenges.

Why Apply?

• Boost your profitability by capturing a larger share of the certified organic market.
• Improve efficiency and competitiveness with specialized equipment and technology.
• Mitigate risks associated with transitioning to organic farming.
• Access funding for strategic projects that can open new opportunities and solve sector challenges.

Qualifying for this program is straightforward, and being approved can significantly enhance your business's growth and sustainability in the organic sector.

Type of Financing: Grant

Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:

• No repayment required.
• No interest rates apply.

Eligible Expenses:

• Technology to meet certified organic market requirements and improve efficiency.
• Modification of facilities to meet certified organic requirements.
• Development of new organic products or services for new organic markets.
• Purchase of specialized equipment such as portable grain cleaners, flame weeders, mechanical weeders, and frost seeders.
• Land conversion to certified organic farmland.
• Activities to increase strategic capacity, market development, consulting fees, salaries, materials, and administrative costs (up to 10% of eligible costs).

Ineligible Expenses:

• Funds cannot be used for non-organic activities or expenses unrelated to organic certification and market requirements.

Fees:

• No fees associated with the program.

This program is designed to help your business grow in the organic agriculture sector. You can receive funding to support various projects aimed at increasing your market competitiveness, purchasing specialized equipment, converting conventional farmland to certified organic farmland, and implementing strategic initiatives.

Here’s what you can get:

• Increasing Market Competitiveness: Funding to help you capture a larger share of the certified organic market, which can boost your profitability. You can use this money for technology upgrades, facility modifications, and developing new organic products.

• Specialized Equipment: Financial support to buy equipment that improves efficiency and competitiveness on your organic farm. This includes items like portable grain cleaners, flame weeders, and cover crop technology.

• Certified Land Conversion: Assistance to mitigate risks when converting conventional farmland to certified organic farmland. This helps you manage the transition smoothly.

• Strategic Initiatives: Funding for activities that increase the strategic capacity of the organic sector. This can include market development, consulting fees, salaries, and administrative costs.

Why this matters to you:

• Financial Support: Get the money you need to expand and improve your operations.
• Market Growth: Increase your share in the organic market, leading to higher profits.
• Efficiency: Invest in specialized equipment to make your farm more efficient.
• Risk Management: Reduce the risks associated with converting to organic farming.
• Strategic Development: Strengthen your business and the overall organic sector.

This program offers a great opportunity to enhance your business's growth and competitiveness in the organic agriculture sector.

1. Complete the Application Form:

   • Fill out the Organic Industry Development Program General Application Form.
   • Include your contact information, business details, CRA registration number, project start and end dates, and additional sources of project funding.
   • Specify your recipient type (e.g., primary producer, agricultural landowner, processor) and type of industry (e.g., dairy, potato, beef, hog, grains and oilseeds).
   • Sign the declaration and consent to personal information section.
   • Provide demographic information (optional).

2. Prepare Documentation:

   • Gather the following documents:
     • Proof of current Organic Certification or application to an Organic Certification Body.
     • Business financial statements.
     • Business plan detailing the project.
     • Quotes for any equipment or modifications.
     • Partnership information (if applicable).

3. Complete Appendices:

   • Alongside the General Application Form, complete Appendix A and/or B depending on which sub-program(s) you are applying for. These appendices are located within the General Application Form.

4. Review Program Guidelines:

   • Thoroughly review the Organic Industry Development Program Guidelines to ensure you understand all requirements and criteria for the sub-program(s) you are applying for.

5. Submit the Application:

   • Submit the completed application form and all required documentation to the PEI Department of Agriculture.
   • You can send your application by mail to:
     • PEI Department of Agriculture
     • 11 Kent Street
     • PO Box 2000
     • Charlottetown PE C1A 7N8
   • Alternatively, you can email your application to: [email protected]

6. Contact for Assistance:

   • If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, contact the PEI Department of Agriculture at (902) 368-4880 or email [email protected].

7. Await Review and Approval:

   • After submission, your application will be reviewed by the program review committee.
   • You may be contacted for additional information or clarification during the review process.
   • Once approved, you will be notified of the next steps and any further requirements.

By following these steps, you can successfully apply for the program and take advantage of the support offered to enhance your business's growth and competitiveness in the organic agriculture sector.