FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Nov. 16, 2021
SIMCOE – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett is encouraging local agriculture producers and agri-food businesses to apply for two important funding programs.
As of November 17, 2021, the province has expanded the Enhanced Agri-Food Workplace Protection Program (EAWPP), to help reimburse farms, food processors and other agri-food businesses, in the effort to guard against the spread of COVID-19.
This program was implemented to support worker health and safety during the pandemic. The changes include:
- An extended application deadline to February 1, 2022, or until funding is fully allocated.
- An increased amount of cost-share funding for eligible expenses up to $50,000. The cost-share will continue to be 60% of eligible expenses.
- Expanded eligibility to include food and beverage processors with three or more employees, agri-food industry organizations/associations, and poultry catchers/vaccinators and professional barn cleaners.
- Expanded eligibility to include poultry catchers/vaccinators and professional barn cleaners.
- Expansion of eligible expenses to include extraordinary costs resulting from extended COVID-19 quarantine period beyond 14 days.
Businesses that have already applied will be contacted directly with instructions on how to amend their application under the expanded eligibility.
The second program is The Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s (CAP) Meat Processor Capacity Improvement Initiative. This investment will provide up to $150,000 per project for handling and processing equipment to increase efficiency, productivity and food safety. It will also cover consulting and engineering costs associated with planning future projects. Applications open on November 19, 2021.
“These programs are another example of how the Government of Ontario is assisting agriculture in difficult times,” said Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett. “I’m telling as many people as I can to apply, as these investments will improve our sector, and assist those who incurred extras expenses as a result of the pandemic.”
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For more information, contact MPP Toby Barrett at 519-428-0446 or toby.barrett@pc.ola.org