New Capacity for CAP Ontario Meat Processors Stream

UPDATE: This program is no longer accepting applications. Please subscribe to the Mentor Works Newsletter for future updates on this program and more.

The Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) Ontario Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative has announced a second intake for applications. This program stream aims to accelerate capacity for meat processors through grant funding and will be opening on November 19, 2021. The CAP will allot up to $7 million in support for this investment which is building on the last intake’s investment of $7.2 million.

“Ontario livestock processors have worked tirelessly since the COVID-19 pandemic began to ensure Ontarians had access to fresh, local, and high-quality meat products for their families. While the sector continues to face extraordinary processing capacity challenges, our government is stepping up with this important investment to help Ontario meat processors and abattoirs continue producing the safe and healthy food millions of Ontarians rely on each and every day.”

-Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

The CAP Ontario Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative supports provincially licensed or federally licensed meat processors to implement projects to improve the productivity of their operations through equipment upgrades. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis until funding is fully committed.

CAP Ontario Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative Funding Amount

This intake of the CAP Ontario Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative is a huge vote of confidence in this Canadian industry and provides a significant opportunity for Agri-processor businesses in Ontario.

“These investments will further position the sector to compete at home and in global markets through new productivity-boosting technologies.”

– Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Successful applicants for this program may receive up to 60% of eligible expenses to a maximum $150,000 per application. To learn more about funding for agriculture processors through CAP Ontario, check out all of the available streams on the full CAP Ontario program page. However, if this program is not the right fit for your business, there are other opportunities available for agriculture business funding support.

Eligible Applicants

Applicants for the CAP Ontario Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative may be eligible if they are a provincially or federally licensed meat processor with project activities taking place at an Ontario facility. Other eligibility criteria for this stream are:

• Licensed under the Safe Food for Canadians Act to slaughter a food animal, or to manufacture, process, treat, preserve, grade, package or label a meat product;
• Or, be a meat plant operated under a license issued by the Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001;
• Be in compliance with all Requirements of Law and agree to remain in compliance with all Requirements of Law for the duration of the project; and
• Be in possession of and able to verify a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number.

To learn more about eligibility requirements for this initiative, please refer to the Meat Processors Capacity Improvement program page.

Eligible Expenses

Eligible expenses for the CAP Ontario Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative should be expenses required for improving efficiency/productivity that are incurred on or after November 19, 2021 in the following fields:

• Purchase and installation of new/refurbished equipment no later than March 25, 2022 for the following activities:
  • Increased cooler/freezer capacity;
  • Waste management handling/processing;
  • Animal handling/processing; and
  • Product handling/processing.
• Engineering/professional services for equipment that is part of the project;
• One-time costs associated with training key personnel on new equipment;
• One-time labour costs related to the project, such as third-party advisory fees; and
• Quotes are required for each eligible cost item.

If your project does not match the eligible expenses criteria here, other programs may be a better fit. Please look at our Canadian Agribusiness Funding Programs.

Program Timeline/Deadline

Applications are accepted until December 3, 2021 or until funding is depleted, whichever comes first. However, the following timelines apply to the CAP Ontario Meat Processors stream:

• Eligible project costs can be incurred as of November 19, 2021;
• For approved projects, the deadline equipment delivery is no later than March 25, 2022; and
• Equipment must be installed and verified no later than June 30, 2022.

Find out if your program is eligible by getting in touch with a government funding specialist today.

Exploring Government Funding Opportunities

The CAP Ontario Meat Processors Stream is a popular initiative. Therefore, it is best to get in touch with a funding expert to get a good start to the application process. We also recommend Canadian businesses take some time to build a government funding plan so that they are prepared for future programs.

To discover more about opportunities in funding relief, visit our news channel for daily updates, or register for one of our webinars for an in-depth explanation of the funding process.