Program guidelines for other business: partnership cost-share funding

Applying for funding

See if you're eligible and find out how to apply

What businesses are eligible?

The following businesses are eligible to apply for specified project categories:

• Eligible primary agri-food businesses
• Eligible businesses that are commercializing or adapting advanced technology
• Eligible commingling facilities for animals such as assembly yards, sales barns, auction markets, fairs, exhibitions, community pastures, trucking rest stations, transporters and veterinary clinics

Eligible businesses must also meet the criteria of the project category they are applying to, and:

• 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
• Have a valid and up-to-date Premises Identification (PID) Number* for the business location where the project is to take place
• Provide a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number as part of the application process, if applicable

*To register for a PID Number, visit the Provincial Premises Registry (PPR) at ontariopid.com.

Eligible primary agri-food businesses

Primary agri-food businesses are defined as Ontario agri-businesses that:

• are directly involved in primary handling of agri-food, agri-products and commodities (e.g., washing, sorting, and packaging of produce)
• do not meet the following definition of a processor:
  • any established company that is a manufacturer and is currently directly involved in the transformation of agricultural commodities, food, beverage or agri-based bio-products in Ontario. Transformation means physically or chemically changing an agricultural commodity, food, beverage or bio-product
• do not meet the following definition of a producer:
  • any established farm business that is a legal entity and produces agricultural commodities in Ontario under a valid Farm Business Registration Number, or an allowable exemption

Eligible primary agri-food businesses can apply for the following project category:

• Evaluate Your Business Potential
• Technology and Equipment to Improve Productivity

Eligible businesses that are commercializing or adapting advanced technology

To be eligible, these businesses must be located in Ontario and commercializing or adapting a technology that:

• is advanced technology, meaning is technology or equipment that enhances the production or manufacturing process of an agri-food product through automation, robotics or digitalization; and
• will result in labour productivity improvements when put to use by producers or processors in Ontario

Eligible businesses that are commercializing or adapting advanced technology can apply for this project category:

• Commercialize or Adapt Technology that Increases Labour Productivity

Eligible commingling facilities

Eligible commingling facilities are defined as Ontario agri-businesses where animals from different locations or of different health status are brought together or exposed to each other, either directly or indirectly.

Eligible commingling facilities can apply for the following project categories:

Animal Health

• Education, Training, Assessment and Planning
• Defining Zones and Controlled Access Points
• Establishing Cleaning and Disinfecting Practices
• Establishing Isolation and Segregating Facilities
• Preventing Access by Wildlife, Pests and Rodents
• Health Management
• Establishing Facilities to Manage Deadstock
• Construction, Modification, or New Technologies to Improve Animal Housing
• Equipment to Improve Animal Handling
• Traceability Equipment
• Traceability System Improvements

What types of projects are eligible?

Each type of eligible project is described in a project category description.

What types of projects are not eligible?

Projects that are not eligible for funding include those that:

• Do not fit an eligible project category description
• Promote Ontario products explicitly over those of another province or territory
• Involve directly influencing or lobbying any level of government
• Support normal operating costs associated with starting a business, carrying out a business or increasing production capacity
• Have the sole purpose of coming into or maintaining compliance with Requirements of the Law that pertain to current business operations
• Support basic research (experimental or theoretical work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge without a commercial or other specific application in view)
• Are located outside of Ontario
• Are related to aquaponic food production, and to aquaculture, seaweed, fish and seafood production and processing, with the following exceptions:
  • International marketing for fish and seafood products
  • Traceability for fish and seafood products

How often can an eligible business apply?

An eligible business may have a total of two (2) applications under consideration for both phases of the intake. However, applications must be for unique projects with distinct and separate outcomes. A separate application must be submitted for each project.

There is no limit to the number of projects that a business can complete over the five-year span of the Partnership. However, a project and its expected outcomes can only be funded once through a single funding allocation from the Partnership.

How do I complete an application?

Access the application form for the project category you are applying to here.

You must use Adobe Acrobat Reader to fill out your application form

Consult the application form for detailed instructions that will assist you to successfully complete the application form using Adobe Acrobat Reader. You can also reach OMAFRA staff at 1-877-424-1300 for assistance.

Application forms not completed in Adobe Acrobat Reader will not be accepted.

How do I submit an application?

Submit the completed application form and all required documentation by email to agpartnership@ontario.ca. If you submit an application by email but do not receive an acknowledgement within five (5) business days, contact OMAFRA at 1-877-424-1300.

How will I be notified of funding decisions?

You will be notified by email once applications have been reviewed and decisions have been made. There are two possible outcomes:

• If the application is approved, you will:
  • Receive an approval letter with details (e.g., value of funding approved, earliest project start date)
  • Be required to enter into a Contribution Agreement with the Province of Ontario and follow all of its terms and conditions
  • Receive confirmation of claim procedures and submission deadlines, and a final report that must be completed at the completion of the project
  • Be required to register your business information through Transfer Payment Ontario
  • Be required to register to receive direct deposit payments through Supply Chain Ontario

If the application is declined, you will receive a brief explanation for the decision.

When do projects start and finish?

A project cannot start prior to the date that OMAFRA approves the project. This date will be communicated in the approval letter to the successful applicant. Eligible costs can only be incurred, invoiced and paid for by the applicant on or after the start date.

Projects must be implemented and completed no later than September 30, 2022, and according to the terms and conditions of the Contribution Agreement.

Get funding for your project

Find out how to submit a claim for your approved project

When is funding paid?

Approved funding is paid once you have incurred and paid for expenses, and your submitted claim package has met all the requirements and been approved by OMAFRA.

Eligible costs are reimbursed at the percentage indicated in the available cost-share section in the project category description for the project category you are applying to.

How is a claim submitted?

Claims are required to be submitted to OMAFRA no later than the claim deadline date given in the Contribution Agreement.

There will be a 10 per cent holdback of reimbursement until a final report for the project is received and approved by OMAFRA. The final report submitted for the project must include a certification that the project has been completed within the project timelines stated in the Contribution Agreement, and the project must fulfill all other requirements stated in the Contribution Agreement.

OMAFRA may request additional information from the applicant that is deemed necessary (e.g., copies of any permits obtained by the applicant in conducting the project, photos/videos).

Your claim package must contain:

• Completed claim form
• Copies of all paid invoices
• Proof of payment for all paid invoices
• In-Kind Claim Declaration Form (if claiming in-kind contributions)

Each proof of payment you submit for a paid invoice must indicate:

• Who paid
• Who received payment
• The amount of payment
• The date of payment

Proof of payment may be any one of the following:

• Copy of front and back of cancelled cheque
• Electronic image of processed cheque
• Statement from banking institution indicating to whom the processed cheque was written or electronic payment made, and for what amount
• Credit card or debit card receipt or statement clearly identifying amount and to whom the payment was made.
• Credit card or debit card numbers and other information, including costs that are unrelated to the project, should be blacked out.

What costs are eligible for funding?

Eligible costs are specific to each project category and are listed in each project category description. This includes in-kind contributions, where eligible. When incurring eligible costs, applicants must follow a process that is transparent, fair and promotes the best value for the money. All businesses from which goods or services are purchased must be at Arm's Length from the applicant, meaning not related to the applicant, not affiliated with the applicant, or controlled in any way by the applicant. If you have any questions about whether a supplier meets this requirement, please contact OMAFRA at 1-877-424-1300 or agpartnership@ontario.ca.

Are in-kind contributions eligible for funding?

In-kind contributions may be eligible for funding for some projects. Each project category description indicates whether or not in-kind contributions may be eligible. In-kind contributions must be identified and approved as such in the application for an approved project.

This table reflects allowable in-kind contributions and the documentation required when making a claim.

Category	Definition	Reimbursement Requirement
Salaries	Actual salary cost for employing experts to contribute directly to the project Portion of the salary of a project manager or support staff person assigned to fulfill duties necessary for the project	Signed timesheets with supervisory approval Payroll register Personnel file with salary/wage information Employment contract Cancelled cheques/direct deposit schedule
Use of equipment	Equipment necessary to conduct the project and for which a fee is usually charged	Estimate of the fair market value for use of the equipment
Materials and supplies	Materials and supplies, at fair market value or company book value	Consultant/trainer agreement Paid invoices and receipts Purchase orders Packing slips Paid receipts and invoices
Use of land and facilities	Meeting rooms, space or facilities for which a fee is usually charged	Estimate of the fair market value for use of the land/space

What costs are not eligible for funding for any project?

There are ineligible costs specific to each project category listed in the project category description. Ineligible costs that apply to all projects include, but are not limited to:

• Costs incurred before the approval of the project by OMAFRA or after the project completion date identified in the Contribution Agreement
• Costs incurred in preparing an application
• Any cost not specifically required for implementation of the project
• Normal costs of establishing, expanding or operating a business
• Normal costs of implementation of a facility expansion
• Deposits (prepayments) for which goods or services are not yet fully received
• Costs for training and skills development projects that fulfill any academic requirements towards completion of a diploma or degree
• Mentoring and coaching, unless otherwise indicated in a project category description
• Sponsorship of conferences and learning events or initiatives
• Honorariums
• Membership costs
• Any travel costs beyond those provided for in this Guide
• Consultant and other contractor expenses for any hospitality (e.g., provision of food or beverages at events), incidentals or food
• Hospitality (e.g., venue rental, food, beverages, AV, etc.)
• Purchase or lease of land, building or facilities
• Costs of vehicles, transportation equipment, mobile material handling equipment (powered or unpowered), and construction and agriculture machinery (e.g., farm equipment)
• Financing charges, loan and lease interest payments, bank fees and charges as well as debt restructuring or fundraising
• Gifts and incentives
• Permits and approvals
• Legal fees
• Costs related to activities that promote Ontario products explicitly over those of another province or territory
• Costs related to activities that directly influence or lobby any level of government
• Costs of basic research
• Taxes, including Harmonized Sales Tax
• Any refund or rebate the applicant receives or is eligible to receive
• Any capital item that is funded by government sources at 75 per cent or more

Definitions

Arm's Length: An entity is considered Arm's Length if they are not related, not affiliated persons, or otherwise controlled by another member or members. Refer to Section 251 of the Income Tax Act (Canada) for the detailed statutory provision for determining Arm's Length relationships. If you have any questions about whether a supplier meets this requirement, please contact OMAFRA at 1-877-424-1300.

Contribution Agreement: A legal agreement that applicants must enter into with the Province of Ontario if the project is approved. The legal agreement contains the terms and conditions that the applicant must follow to receive funding.

Incurred (Cost): A cost for which a business has become liable to pay.

Requirements of Law: All applicable Requirements of Law, as may be set out in statutes, regulations, by-laws, codes, rules, ordinances, official plans, approvals, permits, licenses, authorizations, decrees, injunctions, orders and declarations, or any other similar Requirement of Law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are my obligations regarding equipment purchases made using funding?

Businesses must retain ownership of any asset purchased or created with the funds from the Partnership for at least two (2) years from the expiration date of the Contribution Agreement unless otherwise provided under the Contribution Agreement.

Businesses must not lease or otherwise encumber any asset purchased or created with funding or toward which funding was provided for at least two (2) years from the expiration date of the Contribution Agreement, unless otherwise provided under the Contribution Agreement or as OMAFRA directs in writing.

Will someone visit my business to inspect the project?

Projects that have received funding are routinely inspected.

Is the cost of leasing equipment eligible?

Lease instalment payments made by the approved applicant toward principal value between the start and end dates of the project may be eligible costs. Lease payments made toward financing costs are not eligible. As with any cost, payments made before the start date of the project or after the end date of the project are not eligible. If you are planning to lease equipment and claim associated expenses for your project, please include that information in your application and contact OMAFRA at 1-877-424-1300 or agpartnership@ontario.ca.

Can I make a deposit on equipment prior to project approval?

A deposit on its own is not an eligible expense. A deposit may be eligible for reimbursement as a component of a claim for the full cost of eligible goods, when goods are received or delivered, as long as the goods are received or delivered within timelines for project completion indicated in the Contribution Agreement. Costs will only be reimbursed after proof of payment is submitted.

Deposits that are made six months or more prior to the opening of the intake in which the applicant's application is submitted and approved are not eligible for reimbursement under any circumstances.

How do I determine the number of employees I should report on the application form?

You must report all employees who receive a T4 slip from your business, either business-wide or at a specific facility (as corresponds to the question/instructions).

Should I get quotes to support the eligible cost values I am submitting in my application budget?

Obtaining quotes helps businesses to develop a well thought-out project budget, and to follow a process that is transparent, fair and promotes the best value for the money when incurring eligible costs. Where it is specified in the program Guidelines, you are required to obtain quotes and submit them with your application. Quotes older than six months at the time of submission will not be accepted.

Can I stack this funding with other government funding for the same project?

Applicants can only access one funding source under the Partnership for a single project. However, applicants may access other government funding as long as those other programs also allow stacking. The maximum level of total assistance provided from all sources is 100 per cent of the total eligible costs. All funding for a project, including from additional sources, must be listed on the application.

Application Declaration

To apply, you must agree to be bound by the Terms and Conditions of Canadian Agricultural Partnership ("the Partnership") Cost-share Funding.

The applicant must be a legal entity that is eligible under the Partnership Cost-share Funding. The individual who submits the application form must be a person who is authorized by the applicant to submit the form on behalf of the applicant and to bind the applicant to the contents therein. This person is referred to as "you" below.

You must certify on the application that:

• You have read, understand, and agree to abide by all requirements of the Partnership Cost-share Funding. This Guideline sets out the Terms and Conditions for the Partnership Cost-share Funding, and the project category descriptions.
• All information submitted on the application is true and complete, to the best of your knowledge, belief and understanding.
• All sources of funding for the proposed project, other than your own, have been disclosed in the application, including sources and amounts from federal, provincial and municipal governments, and such funds do not, and will, not exceed 100 per cent of total project costs.
• The applicant does not currently owe any money to Ontario, or you have attached a description of the applicant's debt to Ontario to the application.
• You are not, nor is any officer, director or employee of the applicant (if any) a current or former federal public office holder or federal public servant, or, if you, or any officer, director or employee of the applicant (if any) are a current or former federal public officer holder or federal public servant, you or that officer, director or employee of the applicant (if any) are in compliance with the Conflict of Interest Act, the Conflict of Interest Code for Members of the House of Commons, the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector and the Policy on Conflict of Interest and Post-employment, as applicable.
• You are not, nor is any officer, director or employee of the applicant (if any), a member of the House of Commons or of the Senate, or if you, or any officer, director or employee of the applicant (if any) are, you or the officer, director or employee of the applicant (if any) are permitted under the Parliament of Canada Act to receive funding from Canada under the Partnership.

You must further certify on the application, that the applicant:

• Shall retain all records relating to any payments made to the applicant under the Partnership, including all invoices and proof of payment for at least seven (7) years from the date on which payment was received by the applicant.
• Shall consent to Ontario, Ontario's program administrator (if any) or Canada publishing information about the project/activities funded including the amount of funding the applicant has been approved to receive and/or has received under the Partnership, the nature and results of any project/activities funded, along with the applicant's name.

You must further acknowledge and accept that:

• The Partnership is a discretionary, non-entitlement program and that you are not entitled to funding merely as a consequence of having submitted an application. Payment is subject to Ontario receiving all the necessary appropriations from the Ontario Legislature, Ontario receiving all the necessary monies from Canada, eligible activities criteria, eligible expenses criteria, ineligible activities criteria, ineligible expenses criteria, and priorities and target audiences, as well as the applicant's compliance with all terms and conditions of the Partnership.
• If it is determined that the applicant has received a payment the applicant was not eligible to receive, through administrative error or otherwise, the applicant will repay any and all payments that the applicant was not eligible to receive as well as any surplus funding.
• Any payments made to the applicant may be subject to recovery or offset against the applicant's pre-existing debts to the Crown in Right of Ontario or Canada.
• Ontario, Ontario's program administrator (if any) or Canada, including, their respective Ministers, directors, officers, agents, employees or representatives (as applicable) shall not be liable for any damage or loss whatsoever, or howsoever arising, including damage or loss arising from any advice, opinions, representations, warranties or the provision of information under the Partnership.
• The information provided for the Partnership may be disclosed by Ontario or Ontario's program administrator (if any) on behalf of Ontario to verify compliance with other provincial and federal funding initiatives administered by Ontario or another program administrator on behalf of Ontario or by Ontario in order to confirm the information provided, to verify eligibility and to ensure there is no duplication of funding.
• The information provided for the Partnership may be subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Ontario), the Access to Information Act (Canada) or Privacy Act (Canada).

You must consent to the following on behalf of the applicant:

• To provide accurate, timely and full information, including supporting documentation, to Ontario or Ontario's program administrator (if any) and will notify Ontario or Ontario's program administrator (if any) immediately in the event that there are any changes to information provided.
• To provide Canada, Ontario and Ontario's program administrator (if any), as well as their authorized representatives, with any information or access to a person, place or thing within ten (10) business days of any request, field verification or audit.
• To comply with onsite field inspections and/or audits by Ontario or Ontario program administrator (if any) upon notice, and during normal business hours, to verify eligibility, and to evaluate compliance with the requirements of the Partnership.
• To comply with reviews by Ontario of information related to other programs and initiatives delivered by, or for, Ontario in which the applicant is enrolled or has applied.
• The use of the applicant's name and contact information by Ontario, Ontario's program administrator (if any) and/or Canada to contact the applicant for the purpose of evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of the Partnership programming, or for any other similar purpose.

This is the Guideline for Other Business, an initiative under the Partnership.

In the event of a conflict between anything set out in Guides, Guidebooks, Guidelines and the Minister's Order, the Minister's Order will prevail.

Errors and Omissions Excepted.