Collins Barrow and Growing Forward: Cost Sharing Opportunities - Business Development for Farm Busin
‘Growing Forward', is the federal-provincial-territorial initiative endorsed in July 2008 to replace the former Agriculture Policy Framework. It is a program with products, services and cost share categories to support the farm business manager.
As the program heads into year 3, revisions to the cost-share categories and cost-share funding have been introduced. The revisions are for years 3 and 4 of the program and are not retroactive to year 1 and 2 applications. The calculations and examples used in this article relate to the province of Ontario. For those practicing outside of Ontario, visit the specific province or territory's website or contact your local Collins Barrow advisor.
Increased Benefits for New Farmers
The major revisions relate to the support provided to ‘New Farmers'. New farmer eligibility is based upon specific criteria:
- Gross Farm Income in the fiscal years (2 & 3) prior to enrolment - less than $7,000.
- Ownership position in an eligible farm business in the fiscal years (2 & 3) prior to enrolment - 45% or less.
- Taking over an existing business - ‘a' and ‘b' above and ownership position is not less than 45%.
- A signed declaration regarding current ownership is required.
Applicants wanting to be qualified for ‘New Famer' cost share benefits must also meet specific requirements, prior to submitting a project application. They must:
- Submit a ‘New Farmer' application form;
- Demonstrate that they intend to have $7,000 or more annual gross farm income within 3 years of start-up;
- Meet one of the following:
- Copy of letter from Farm Tax Property Program, stating acceptance in that program, or
- Proof of ownership or control of productive agricultural assets, or
- Confirmation that the property is classified "Farm Taxable: Full" and proof of an individual farm membership.
For those "New Farmers" meeting the criteria and requirements, the benefits are:
Advanced Business Planning (ABP):
- May receive cost-share funding for up to 75% (up from 50%) to a maximum of $20,000 for up to 3 different ABP's. Limit $12,000 per plan (up from $8,000).
Business Plan Implementation (BPI):
- May receive cost-share funding for up to 75% (up from 50%) to a maximum of $20,000 for up to 3 different ABP's. Limit $4,500 per plan (up from $3,000).
Additional Benefits for New Farmers:
Agriculture Skills Development
- Cost-share is now 75 per cent to a maximum of $4,500 for formal training (ASD-01) and customized one-on-one training (ASD-02). Within the $4,500 cap, funding of $750 is available for ASD-02.
- Leadership and governance is a new opportunity under skills development. Cost-share is 75 per cent to a maximum of $4,500.
Increased Benefits for Existing Farmers:
Agriculture Skills Development
Leadership and governance is a new opportunity under skills development. Cost-share is 50 per cent to a maximum of $3,000. Total funding available under Agriculture Skills Development is $6,000.
Advanced Business Planning
Cost-share is 50 per cent to a new maximum of $20,000. (The previous funding cap was $8,000). Up to three projects may be completed with a maximum cost per project of $8,000.
Important Note to all Farmers
As the program heads into year 3, the amount of funding being requested is increasing. However, each year has a ‘maximum' cost-share allocation. There are no guarantees that funding will not run out within a specific year. Ensure that your project application is submitted early in the New Year. §
For more information on this program, contact the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (http://www.ontariosoilcrop.org) at 1-800-265-9751 or contact your local Collins Barrow advisor.