Growing Forward 2 (GF2) is a comprehensive federal-provincial-territorial initiative aimed at encouraging innovation, competitiveness, market development adaptability and industry capacity in Canada’s agri-food and agri-product sector. Under Growing Forward 2, there is funding available to support agriculture processors through Project Planning (50% cost share) and Project Implementation (35% cost share) projects. Both streams offer non-repayable grants, and stipulate a maximum funding cap per processor of $350,000. The next intake of applications are due by January 30th 2014.
New processors are only eligible for Capacity Building, which is an initiative to support skills development, training, assessment, and planning in preparation for a project. The Project Implementation stream supports implementation of plans and applied research projects. Eligible costs include: marketing, salaries, travel, facility rental, and capital expenditures. A key component of the evaluation process for Implementation funding is that processor businesses must have detailed work plans, budget, and applicable permits and approvals in place prior to submitting an application.
GF2 funding assistance targets six areas of focus:
- Environment and Climate Change
- Animal and Plant Health
- Assurance Systems (Food Safety, Traceability and Animal Welfare)
- Market Development
- Labour Productivity Enhancements
- Business and Leadership Development