|
Deadline to apply is Jan. 16
TORONTO After a brief hiatus, a provincial grant program is back on track, with $13.4 million still on the table for farmers keen to make a local food pitch. After being swamped with more than 300 applications for double the available funds in its first 10 months, the Local Food Fund was suspended for review earlier this year. Launched in the fall of 2013, the $30-million fund provides 50 per cent cost-shared funding for local food networks, enhancing technology or capacity, research, or marketing and outreach. Up to a 90 per cent cost-share is available in some cases, but under the rebooted program, there is a 50 per cent cap for for-profit businesses. Province-wide, 112 projects already have the green light to receive $16.6 million, including new equipment purchases, retrofits, on-farm market expansions, festivals, and new retail partnerships. Apply by Jan. 16. For guidelines and an application form, visit www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/about.local_food_fund.htm. |
