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Newfoundland’s Agrifoods Assistance Program open to applications

Newfoundland and Labrador announced that funding is available through the 2021-22 Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program to support existing farmers and new entrants to the province’s agriculture and agrifoods sectors.

“Funding from the Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program has helped many farmers expand their operations and gives entrants a chance to start growing new agricultural businesses. I encourage eligible farmers and new entrants to apply for funding under this program. Together we will achieve our collective goal to increase secondary processing of food products, generate employment within the agriculture industry and – most importantly – increase food self-sufficiency in Newfoundland and Labrador,” says Derrick Bragg, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture.

The province will invest $2.25 million this year, with priority on projects which support food self-sufficiency, increase agricultural growth and secondary processing, and generate employment. Successful applicants will also be eligible for cash advances to ensure funding is available early in the season when they most need it.

Applicants must have reported a minimum of $15,000 in eligible agriculture sales, or qualify as a new entrant, to take advantage of the program. To encourage and support new farmers in the industry, new entrants can 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.

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.

The deadline to apply for funding is May 12. For more information, visit their website, call 709-637-2077 or email: PAAP@gov.nl.ca.

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 goal of this partnership is to enable the agriculture industry to grow, innovate, and prosper.

To apply, visit Canadian Agricultural Partnership, email CAP@gov.nl.ca, or call 709-637-2077.