Government Grants & Tax Incentives for Processors
“Growing Forward” – The Food Safety & Traceability Initiative
The Food Safety and Traceability Initiative (FSTI) is now accepting applications from farms and food plants. This funding will help facilities adopt food safety and traceability practices. These practices help producers and processors respond to the demands for safe food and improve product tracking.
How does FSTI work?
FSTI provides 75% reimbursement of eligible expenses up to a maximum of $20,000 to:
- implement written food safety programs
- implement a working traceability system
- assist in the purchase and installation of equipment that improves food safety or traceability
- train staff to increase the adoption of food safety and traceability
There are 3 different options which can be applied for:
- Project Option 1: Implementing a Food Safety Program or a Traceability System
Applicants will develop, write and implement a food safety program, individual food safety practices, or a working traceability system.
- Up to $20,000 in funding is available per Applicant.
- All Project Option 1 Applicants must attend a 3 hour OMAFRA Information Session before applying.
- A certificate will be given to all participants that attend the information session and a copy of the certificate must be attached to your application form.
- Reimbursement of expenses will be based upon final implementation of the program.
(Note that during the previous 2005 Food Safety Initiative, many applicants received funding, started the development process but failed to complete or fully implement the programs.)
- Project Option 2: Supporting Investment in an Existing Food Safety Program
This option is available only to Applicants currently certified, audited or verified under a recognized food safety program and whose project involves further food safety improvements to their existing food safety program. This would include upgrading of your current food safety program to Global Food Safety Standards
- Up to $20,000 in funding per Applicant
- Project Option 3: Improving Food Safety or Traceability
Applicants may purchase equipment, engage in training, or obtain certification, audit or verification (first time only) of a recognized food safety program.
- This would include updating or replacement of equipment that, in its current condition, poses a food safety concern.
- Up to $5,000 in funding per Applicant
Who Can Apply?
For Food Safety and Traceability:
- Food Producers: crops or animals for human consumption
- Food Processors: food products for human consumption
For Traceability ONLY (Project Options 1 and 3):
- Operations involved in movement, storage and/or warehousing of food products, livestock or crops such as beverage wholesaler/distributors, auction barns and grain elevators.
- Federally registered food processing facilities
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. FSTI funding is limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
For more information and to get a copy of the Application Guide Book, visit:
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/infores/foodsafe/fsinitiative.htm
|
