Growing Forward - Food Safety and Traceability Initiative

Program Update:

All cost-share funds for 2009-10 for the Food Safety and Traceability Initiative under Growing Forward have now been committed. As a result, we are no longer accepting applications.

Applications are currently being reviewed and notification of the status of applications will be sent out within the next four weeks. Under the Food Safety and Traceability Initiative, program funds are allocated annually and distributed on a first come, first served basis. Once the annual program funds are fully committed, we can no longer accept applications for cost-share funding for that year.

The next round of cost-share funding for the Food Safety and Traceability Initiative will be available in 2010. Applicants are encouraged to review program guidelines before submitting their applications.

For information on other cost-share opportunities under Growing Forward, please visit www.ontario,ca/growingforward or call 1-888-479-3931.

| How does FSTI work? | Project Options | Who can Apply? | Food Safety and Traceability Resources|

How does FSTI work?

FSTI provides 75% reimbursement of eligible expenses up to a maximum of $20,000 to:

• implement written food safety programs
• implement a working traceability system
• assist in the purchase and installation of equipment that improves food safety or traceability
• train staff to increase the adoption of food safety and traceability

Projects Options Include:

Project Option 1: Implementing a Food Safety Program or a Traceability System

• Applicant will develop, write and implement a food safety program, individual food safety practices, or a working traceability system
• Up to $20,000 in funding per Applicant

All Project Option 1 Applicants must attend an OMAFRA Information Session before applying. A certificate will be given to all participants that attend the information session. A copy of the certificate must be attached to your application form.

Project Option 2: Supporting Investment in an Existing Food Safety Program

• This option is available only to Applicants currently certified, audited or verified under a recognized food safety program (See Schedule I) and whose project involves further food safety improvements to their existing food safety program
• Up to $20,000 in funding per Applicant

Project Option 3: Improving Food Safety or Traceability

• Applicants may purchase equipment, engage in training, or obtain certification, audit or verification (first time only) of a recognized food safety program (See Schedule I ).
• Up to $5,000 in funding per Applicant

Who can Apply?

For Food Safety and Traceability:

1. Food Producers: crops or animals for human consumption
2. Food Processors: food products for human consumption
   

For Traceability only (Project Options 1 and 3):

1. Operations involved in commingling, movement, storage and/or warehousing of food products, livestock or crops such as beverage wholesaler/distributors, auction barns and grain elevators
2. Federally registered food processing facilities
   

For more details, refer to the FSTI Application Guidebook.

Food Safety and Traceability Resources

• Food Processing Sector
  
• Agriculture Sector
  
• Traceability
  

Learn More:

• FSTI Application Guidebook
• Schedule 1: Recognized Food Safety Programs
• Information Sessions
• Other Growing Forward Programs
  

For more information:
Toll Free: 1-888-479-3931 (1-888-GRWFWD1)
E-mail: FSTI.omafra@ontario.ca
Fax: (519) 826-3398