Plant Your Roots Program — Commercial Farm Purchases ### 📋 Eligible Entities - New farm owners (individuals who have recently acquired ownership of a commercial farm) - Canadian citizens or permanent residents operating the farm - Sole proprietorships and partnerships engaged in commercial agricultural production - Incorporated farm businesses (corporations) - Applicants with no prior commercial farm ownership experience (or minimal experience, depending on program rules) - Farms must be located in Canada and operate as a commercial enterprise (not hobby/hobby farms) - Applicants must demonstrate intent to actively manage the farming operation ### 💰 Funding Details - Grant structure: Non-repayable financial assistance (gift funding, not a loan) - Typical grant range: Varies by province and program iteration; generally $5,000–$50,000+ depending on farm type and needs - No matching requirement: Full grant funding available without mandatory owner contribution - No repayment obligation: Funds do not need to be returned if conditions are met - Timing: Funds typically disbursed following approval and verification of farm purchase - Single award: Generally one-time assistance per eligible applicant/farm entity ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Operating capital during the startup/transition phase (first 1–3 years) - Farm equipment purchases or lease payments for essential machinery - Working capital for inputs (seeds, feed, fertilizer, fuel) - Infrastructure improvements (fencing, irrigation, storage facilities) - Business planning and consulting services (agricultural advisors, accountants) - Technology adoption (farm management software, precision agriculture tools) - Debt servicing on farm acquisition loans (in some cases) - Insurance and licensing fees related to farm operation - Training or certification programs for sustainable/specialized farming practices ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Purchase completion: Farm acquisition must be finalized before or shortly after grant application - Commercial viability: Farm must demonstrate a credible business plan with financial projections - Proof of ownership: Title documentation, purchase agreement