The new intake for the Sustainable New Products and Productivity (SNAPP) program will open on December 6th 2021. The program offers funding grants of up to $10 000 at 50% cost-share for northern Ontario farms, food producers, and agricultural businesses. SNAPP funding is divided into three streams:
New Products: This stream is intended to support the creation of products that are new to the business and provide a competitive advantage. An example of a new products project is the purchase of flash freezing equipment for the Carriage House Market in Powassan. The flash freezer allows the Market to freeze and preserve vegetables during harvest that might otherwise go to waste, and ensures that they are able to provide nutritious, locally-grown vegetables year-round. New Products projects could also include purchases like processing or packaging equipment to create value-added products.
Productivity Enhancement: this stream supports the improvement of existing agricultural practices, operations, or products. An example of a productivity enhancement project that was funded previously was a sheep handling system in a farm in Desbarats. The handling system allowed the farmers to work quicker, and with less stress to both animals and people. Some other items that have been funded in the productivity enhancement stream include specialized seed drills, GPS equipment, greenhouses, and mushroom farming equipment.
Clean Tech in Agri-food: This stream supports projects that involve the adoption of clean technology that will support improved environmental performance. For example, a farm in Richard’s Landing received funding for the purchase of a no-till seed drill which would result in an array of benefits, including reduced soil erosion, increased carbon sequestration, and better overall soil health. Some other clean tech projects that have been funded include the purchase of a solar watering system for cattle and fencing to facilitate rotational grazing.
To learn more about the SNAPP program, including more examples of successful projects, check out http://rainalgoma.ca/snapp/ or reach out to your SNAPP regional representative. The representatives can discuss your project with you, determine your eligibility and assist with any questions that arise during the application process. The representatives will also be hosting a webinar discussing SNAPP eligibility and project examples on December 9 at 7PM EST. Email Cathy Bouchard below to register.
Algoma, Manitoulin:
Cathy Bouchard – snapp@rainalgoma.ca or 705-942-7927 ex 3135
Sudbury, Nipissing, Temiskaming, Cochrane, Parry Sound, Muskoka:
Cameron Ford – cameron.nofia@gmail.com or 705-647-4782