Agri-tech Innovation Program — Innovators stream

📋 Eligible Entities - Canadian agricultural and agri-food businesses (for-profit enterprises) - Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the agri-food sector - Farming operations and food processing companies - Agricultural cooperatives and producer organizations - Businesses with a physical presence and operations in Canada - Applicants must demonstrate ownership and control of the enterprise ### 💰 Funding Details - Maximum Grant Amount: $750,000 per project - Cost Coverage: Up to 60% of eligible project costs - Matching Requirement: Applicant must contribute minimum 40% of total project costs - Repayability: Non-repayable grant (funding does not need to be returned) - Disbursement: Funds typically released upon project approval and milestone completion - Currency: Canadian dollars ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Development and integration of innovative technologies that reduce COVID-19 exposure - Equipment purchases for disease transmission prevention - Digital tools and automation systems that minimize worker contact - Installation of protective infrastructure (ventilation, sanitation systems) - Worker safety technology and monitoring systems - Labor costs associated with technology implementation and training - Professional services for technology integration and project management - Research and development costs directly related to approved innovations - Productivity-enhancing technology that meets the health mitigation criteria ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Project must demonstrate clear innovation in COVID-19 risk mitigation for agri-food workers - Technology must lead to measurable increases in worker productivity - Applicants must provide detailed project plan with defined timelines and deliverables - Progress reports and financial documentation required at specified milestones - Projects must be completed within agreed timeframe (typically 12-24 months) - Funds must be used exclusively for approved expenses as outlined in the agreement - Failure to meet project milestones may result in funding suspension or recovery - Applicants must maintain records of all expenditures for audit purposes - Grant recipient must acknowledge government funding in project communications - Project outcomes and results may be evaluated and reported publicly