Organic farming transition conversion support – Stream 2

📋 Eligible Entities - Farm operations transitioning to or already certified organic production - Sole proprietors operating as farmers - Partnerships engaged in agricultural production - Corporations with primary business activity in organic farming - Agricultural cooperatives and producer groups - Applicants must demonstrate commitment to organic certification (current or planned within program timeline) ### 💰 Funding Details - Maximum grant amount: $20,000 per eligible applicant - Cost-sharing requirement: Grant covers up to 50% of eligible project expenses - Matching funds: Applicant must contribute minimum 50% from own resources - Repayability: Non-repayable grant (forgivable funding) - No interest or loan terms: Funds provided as direct financial assistance, not a loan ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Livestock facility construction: Building new breeding facilities to organic standards - Facility modifications: Upgrading existing structures to meet organic certification requirements - Infrastructure improvements: Enclosures, housing systems, and containment upgrades - Materials and labor: Direct construction/modification costs including materials, equipment, and contracted labor - Design and planning: Professional fees for facility design and organic compliance planning - Equipment installation: Systems necessary to meet organic livestock breeding standards Excluded expenses: Land purchases, general farm equipment unrelated to facility construction, operating costs, and pre-existing debt servicing ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Organic certification requirement: Facilities must be used for certified or certifiable organic livestock production - Project completion timeline: Applicants must complete funded construction/modifications within specified program period (typically 12-24 months from funding approval) - Matching funds verification: Proof of 50% cost-share commitment required before funding release - Documentation requirements: Detailed project plans, quotes, and organic certification documentation must be submitted with application - Facility inspection: Completed work subject to verification inspection to confirm compliance with organic standards - Reporting obligations: Recipient must provide progress reports and proof of expense claims within defined milestones - Ineligibility for concurrent funding: Cannot combine with other