By OMAFRA Ag Rep Brian Bell
Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence
Only a couple of weeks remain until the closing of applications for the 2016 program! The Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence program encourages the development of our rural communities, farms, agri-food processors and agri-food organizations by adding value to existing products, creating jobs and driving economic growth. Since the program began, there have been 475 award recipients from across the province. Applications will be accepted until 5 pm on Friday, April 15. Program guidelines and the application form can be found on the Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence website -http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/premier_award/index.html
Farm Credit Canada
Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is now accepting applications from registered charities and non-profit organizations in rural Canada for the $1 million FCC AgriSpirit Fund. The application deadline is April 18, 2016, and FCC will announce the selected projects in August of 2016. For the past 13 years, FCC has awarded rural community groups between $5,000 and $25,000 in FCC AgriSpirit funding for various community improvement initiatives. From purchasing equipment for emergency services and recreation centres, to building care homes and playgrounds, FCC AgriSpirit funding supports key projects that enhance the community. Since the inception of the FCC AgriSpirit Fund in 2004, FCC has supported nearly 950 capital projects in rural Canada, totaling $9.5 million in donations. Contact: Trevor Sutter, Corporate Communications, Farm Credit Canada 1-855-780-5313.
Trillium Growing Local project
This project will support farmers, producers and value-added processors in the LaCloche Manitoulin area with capital in the form of loans, workshops and mentoring for start-up and expansion. The workshops and mentoring are flexible based on the individual business needs and will include support in the areas of business development, financial evaluation and feasibility, analysis and skills development, navigating agricultural regulations, accessing other agricultural support programs, market development, meeting supply and packaging requirements and practical skills as required. The project is funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation and is being managed and delivered by LAMBAC in collaboration with Eat Local Sudbury Co-operative and OMAFRA. The special rate of prime plus .25 percent for Growing Local loans up to $10,000 has been approved. For additional details please call Maureen Strickland at LAMBAC, 705-282-3215.
