This program is designed specifically for poultry and egg producers like you. It offers non-repayable contributions to help you adapt to market changes due to recent international trade agreements. With a total of $759 million available over 10 years, this program provides significant financial support to increase your farm's efficiency, improve food safety, and enhance environmental sustainability.

Key Benefits:

• Up to 70% of eligible project costs covered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
• Additional cost share of up to 85% for young producers (35 years old or younger)
• Funding allocations include:
  • $357.3 million for chicken producers
  • $91.9 million for turkey producers
  • $219 million for egg producers
  • $90.6 million for broiler hatching egg producers

By participating, you can make crucial on-farm investments that respond to consumer preferences and improve your overall operations. The application process is straightforward, and the program ensures fair distribution of funds based on your production share. This is a unique opportunity to secure substantial financial support, making it easier to invest in your farm's future.

Type of Financing: Non-Repayable Contribution

Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:

• This program offers non-repayable contributions. You do not need to repay the funds received.

Eligible Expenses:

• Efficiency or Productivity Improvements: Investments that increase the efficiency or productivity of your farm.
• Food Safety and Biosecurity: Projects that improve on-farm food safety and biosecurity measures.
• Environmental Sustainability: Initiatives that enhance environmental sustainability.
• Consumer Preferences: Investments that respond to consumer preferences, such as improving animal welfare, adopting alternative housing systems, or transitioning to organic production.

Ineligible Expenses:

• The funds cannot be used for expenses not directly related to the eligible categories mentioned above.

Fees:

• There are no fees associated with this program.

This program offers your business a chance to receive non-repayable contributions from a total fund of nearly $759 million over 10 years. This means you can get financial support without needing to pay it back. The funding is divided among different sectors: $357.3 million for chicken producers, $91.9 million for turkey producers, $219 million for egg producers, and $90.6 million for broiler hatching egg producers.

You can use the money to:

• Increase efficiency or productivity
• Improve on-farm food safety and biosecurity
• Enhance environmental sustainability
• Respond to consumer preferences (e.g., improving animal welfare, adopting alternative housing systems, transitioning to organic production)

The program is designed to help your business adapt to market changes due to new international trade agreements. Funding is shared, with the government covering up to 70% of eligible project costs, and you covering at least 30%. If you are a young producer (35 years old or younger as of January 1, 2021), the government may cover up to 85% of eligible costs, reducing your financial burden.

This is a great opportunity to invest in your business and stay competitive in a changing market.

1. Register for the Program:

   • Visit the program's official website.
   • Create an account or log in if you already have one.
   • Complete the registration form with your business details.

2. Prepare Necessary Documentation:

   • Gather the following documents:
     • Proof of business ownership.
     • Financial statements for the past two years.
     • Business plan outlining the proposed project.
     • Quotes or estimates for the project costs.
     • Proof of provincial quota/production holdings as of January 1, 2021.
     • Identification documents for young producers, if applicable.

3. Complete the Application Form:

   • Fill out the online application form.
   • Provide detailed information about your business and the proposed project.
   • Upload the required documents.

4. Submit the Application:

   • Review your application to ensure all information is accurate.
   • Submit the completed application form and supporting documents online.

5. Wait for Application Review:

   • The program administrators will review your application.
   • Be prepared to provide additional information or clarification if requested.

6. Sign the Contribution Agreement:

   • If your application is approved, you will receive a contribution agreement.
   • Review the agreement carefully.
   • Sign and return the agreement to the program administrators.

7. Implement the Project:

   • Begin your project as outlined in your application.
   • Keep detailed records of all expenses and activities.

8. Submit Claims for Reimbursement:

   • Once project costs have been incurred and paid, submit claims for reimbursement.
   • Provide receipts and proof of payment for all eligible expenses.

9. Monitor and Report Progress:

   • Regularly update the program administrators on the progress of your project.
   • Submit any required progress reports as specified in the contribution agreement.

10. Complete the Project:

    • Ensure all project activities are completed by the specified deadlines.
    • Submit a final report detailing the outcomes and benefits of the project.

Following these steps will help you successfully apply for and complete the program.