In partnership with FedNor, Northeast Community Network, Eat Local Sudbury and Cloverbelt Local Food Co-operative, the Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN) will be coordinating a multi-year funding program for farm and food businesses in northern Ontario.
The Sustainable New Agri-Food Products & Productivity Program (SNAPP) will provide a grant up to $5,000 at 75% cost share to purchase equipment for eligible activities. Collaborations of three or more entities can be eligible for up to $15,000 at 75% cost share. Program goals include stimulating the development and expansion of the agriculture and food sector in northern Ontario, addressing challenges specific to northern Ontario agri-food production and promoting value-added processing and innovative production and processing practices that increase scalability, profitability, and competitiveness.
FedNor has announced $921,300 in funding over three years. New to the program in 2016 is the addition of three application streams including; Season Extension, New Products and Productivity Enhancement. The first application intake period will be from November 15, 2016 to February 28, 2017. Details can be found at www.rainalgoma.ca/snapp.
The SNAP Pilot
Between 2014 and 2015, RAIN and northern partners undertook a pilot to trial the program. This resulted in the following:
- $290,000 in funding provided by FedNor
- 46 successful applicants
- 50 new products
- 7 new businesses
- 25 new full-time equivalent positions
- 17 maintained full-time equivalent positions
- Expansion of products into 35 new retail outlets
“With the success of the SNAP pilot, this next phase of the project will enhance productivity and provide opportunities for season extension” says David Thompson, RAIN Project Coordinator. “We look forward to working collaboratively across northern Ontario to make new agri-food projects a reality.”
Program Guide and Application Process
To download a copy of the program application, program guide and for more information about criteria, visit www.rainalgoma.ca/snapp
Algoma/Manitoulin SNAPP Information Sessions
There will be four sessions for Algoma/Manitoulin businesses to gather information about the SNAPP program, learn how to complete and submit an application package, discuss program objectives and ask questions. If you wish to apply to the SNAPP Program, it is advisable (but not required) to attend one of the following three information sessions:
| Program Info Session #1 Wednesday November 23, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Bruce Station Hall, 109 Station Rd. Bruce Station |
Program Info Session #2 |
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Program Info Session #3 |
Program Info Session #4 |
Please RSVP for attending one of the sessions – contact: Melissa Watson snapp@rainalgoma.ca or 705-942-7927 x3135. If you are interested in participating in the program, but cannot attend one of the sessions, please contact Melissa Watson for more information. Additional information sessions will be announced, in order to receive notification please contact Melissa Watson.