Assurance Systems Program ### 📋 Eligible Entities - Farm operations (agricultural producers) - Food processing enterprises (primary and secondary processors) - Post-farm agri-food enterprises (distribution, storage, retail, food service operations) - Agricultural cooperatives and producer groups - Small to medium-sized agri-food businesses Note: Eligibility may vary by province/delivery agent. Verify with your provincial agriculture ministry. --- ### 💰 Funding Details - Cost-shared funding model (shared investment between applicant and government) - Typical cost-share ratio: 50/50 or similar split (varies by program delivery agent) - Grant structure: Non-repayable contribution (not a loan) - Funding amount: Varies by project scope and provincial guidelines - Matching requirement: Applicant must contribute own funds or in-kind resources for the project --- ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Assurance system certification costs (standards compliance, audits, certifications) - Implementation planning and consulting services - Equipment and technology for risk monitoring and traceability - Staff training and capacity building on assurance protocols - Documentation and record-keeping systems - Third-party audits and verification - Traceability infrastructure (tracking, labeling, testing systems) - Risk assessment and mitigation planning --- ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Eligible assurance systems: Must align with recognized food safety, quality, or risk management standards - Pre-approval required: Applications must be submitted and approved before expenses are incurred - Matching contribution: Applicant must demonstrate committed funding for the cost-share portion - Project timeline: Must be completed within specified funding period (typically 12–36 months) - Reporting obligations: Progress reports and financial documentation required - Eligible cost documentation: All expenses must be supported by receipts and invoices - Completion milestones: Project completion certificate and assurance system implementation proof required - No retroactive funding: Expenses incurred before