The Responsive Advancement for Meat Processing (RAMP) Program is for northern Ontario abattoirs and free-standing meat processing plants. RAMP is a comprehensive approach to the sector that provides advisory support, expert consulting, and funding for eligible projects. The RAMP Program is in response to the continuing high demand from consumers and farmers for locally sourced meat.
The RAMP Program will provide up to $25,000 at 75% cost-share towards the purchase of new technologies, equipment and/or materials that will result in the growth and diversity of the meat sector supply chain within the agri-food sector in the region.
RAMP strives to:
- Stimulate the development and expansion of the meat processing sector in northern Ontario.
- Address challenges brought on by the increase in demand for local food in northern Ontario, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Encourage the adoption of clean technologies to increase resource efficiency while reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Promote the adaptation of new technologies to modernize operations while expanding capacity and increase efficiencies to improve productivity.
- Promote new value-added processing and innovative production and processing practices that increase scalability, profitability, and competitiveness.
How does my business participate?
Contact David Thompson – dthompson@ssmic.com or 705-942-7927 x3027 to discuss how your business would benefit from this program.
Funding Program Guidelines
Funding Applications for 2023 Projects are due by June 30th 2023
Download the RAMP Guidelines (EN / FR) PDF
Download the RAMP Funding Application PDF
Eligible Applicants
- Provincially or federally inspected abattoirs and free-standing meat processing plants located in Northern Ontario.
- Both start-up and existing businesses are eligible. Start-up businesses are expected to provide a business plan.
Eligible Activities could include:
- Projects that enable the establishment of new commercial processing facilities. – (i.e., building materials, processing equipment)
- Projects that help business reduce ecological impact, adopt clean technologies or and/or focus on waste reduction. (i.e., waste reduction technology, water usage reduction, energy efficiencies with cooling)
- Projects to enable meat processors to create new value-added products to increase markets (i.e., vacuum packing equipment, packaging equipment).
- Equipment to increase automation or increase efficiencies in meat processing. (i.e., walk-in freezers, efficient hanging and storage equipment, grinders, meat slicers).
- Projects that enable efficient and safe distribution systems to improve productivity. (i.e., crates, trailers, cold storage).
- Projects that address communication and tracking needs (i.e., updated tracking systems)
- Equipment or infrastructure to address modernization of plants according to regulations. (i.e., barriers, food safety equipment)
Eligible Costs
All costs shall be limited to purchasing equipment that directly allows eligible project activities to occur. Used equipment is eligible. Examples of eligible costs include but are not limited to:
| Meat processing equipment Animal handling equipment Food packaging or labelling equipment Cold storage equipment Waste management equipment | Building materials Equipment Delivery Costs Technology upgrades Telecommunication Equipment Equipment to enhance communications |
Ineligible Costs
| Rolling stock (definition attached) Inventory Labour costs Consumables (any non-permanent equipment, products or structures that cannot be used for multiple years) | Purchase or lease of lands or buildings Gifts or incentives HST Any ongoing operating costs associated with carrying out business Leased equipment (not owned by applicant) |
Other Program Requirements
- Applicant(s) will be required to attach a copy of their Articles of Incorporation.
- Business start-ups (in first 2 years of operation) must submit a business plan with application form (a business plan template can be made available).
- Businesses in start-up phase must provide proof of registration and license to operate a provincial meat plant.
- Successful applicants must pay an administration fee that will be calculated as 1.5% of the awarded grant amount before grant funding is remitted.
- Project cost eligibility will occur between Apr 1, 2022, and Dec 31, 2023.
- Each recipient is eligible for a maximum of $25,000 in funding through the RAMP Program
- Projects that would receive other federal or provincial funding need to adhere to stacking limits of those programs and the RAMP Program
- A completed Client Intake Form
- Projects approved under this program must be completed and invoice(s) and proof of payment(s) submitted to SSMIC by December 31, 2023. Once invoices and proof of payments are received in full, a contract will be sent for review and signature. A signed contract is required to receive the approved grant. Once the purchase(s) is completed, and all required documentation has been received, the recipient will be granted 95% of the approved funding. Approved applicants may submit ONE claim only per project.
- A completed Final Results Report will be due (December 31, 2023). The final 5% of funding will be remitted after this report is submitted.
- Clients are to refer to the reporting requirements stated in the application terms and conditions info sheet.
Subscribe to our email list for updates on this program and other RAIN programs.