Funding applications for the 2020-21 Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program are now available to help current farmers and new entrants prepare for the upcoming season. There is no application deadline until further notice, and applicants should feel no pressure to apply early as all applications will be judged on merit.
The Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program will invest $2.25 million in agriculture programs in 2020-21, with priority on projects that support food self-sufficiency, increase agricultural growth and secondary processing, and generate employment. Successful program applicants will also be eligible for cash advances to ensure funding is available early in the season when needed.
Applicants must have reported a minimum of $15,000 in eligible agriculture sales, or qualify as a new entrant, to be eligible for the program. New entrants may also qualify for up to $20,000 in funding under the Agriculture Infrastructure program.
The 2020-21 Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program falls within two streams focusing on land development and agriculture infrastructure. More details are available in the backgrounder below and online.
Funding applications are also available for projects under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial agreement providing $37 million in support for the agriculture and agri-foods sector in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Partnership’s goal is to enable the agriculture industry to grow, innovate and prosper.
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“In these challenging times, it is important that we continue to give every possible support to our food producers. I am pleased to offer farmers earlier access to the Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program, but I assure applicants they should feel no pressure to do so until they are ready. With no set deadline, applicants can exercise their chosen option: apply early and move on to other priorities, or take the extra time to make certain their applications are of the highest quality to better ensure approvals. Through this funding, we are making strides towards increasing Newfoundland and Labrador’s food self-sufficiency to at least 20 per cent by 2022, increasing secondary processing of food products, and generating employment within the agriculture industry.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources
-30-
Learn more
2020-21 Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program
Canadian Agricultural Partnership
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Media contact
Linda Skinner
Fisheries and Land Resources
709-637-2284, 632-8167
lindaskinner@gov.nl.ca
BACKGROUNDER
Information on Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program
The Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants involved in primary production or secondary processing activities that will improve the economic viability of the agriculture and agrifoods industry; promote commercialization and growth in the sector; and enhance the competitive capability of the agriculture and agrifoods industry. The program may also provide selective assistance to regional pastures, agribusinesses, and agricultural groups for initiatives that support the priorities of the program.
The 2020-21 Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program has two streams:
Land Development
- Rough clearing of new agricultural land is reimbursed at $1,500 per acre and enhancement is reimbursed at $1,500 per acre.
- There is no funding limit under the land development program. Funding offers will be prorated based on program demand.
Agriculture Infrastructure
- Eligible project costs are reimbursed at 50 per cent for applicants. Regional community pastures qualify for up to 100 per cent for pasture amendments and fencing, and up to 75 per cent for equipment purchases. Eligible expenses include equipment purchase, facility and building construction, site development, and third-party labour.
- Funding limits are based on tiered farm income ranging from $20,000 for new entrants to $75,000 for applicants with over $100,000 in agriculture sales.
New Entrants
Individuals, partnerships, cooperatives or corporations establishing a new agribusiness may be considered a new entrant under the Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program. Funding commitments are based on agricultural training/education, on-farm work experience, commercial farm viability, and a significant financial investment in their farm business.