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OMAFRA expands Growing Forward 2 in final year with new project category

In order to position Ontario producers to be responsive to the threats posed by diseases and pests, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) has expanded the Growing Forward 2 program for 2017 with the addition of a new project category under the Animal and Plant Health focus area – preventing access from wildlife, pests and rodents. The new category will provide cost-share funding assistance to help eligible producers focus on modifications to production areas and facilities to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases and pests.

Under the new project category, some of the eligible activities producers can undertake include: installing screening or plastic curtains to keep pests out of production facilities, installing pest control devices, or purchasing equipment for freezing honey bee equipment.

In order to apply, producers must participate in an applicable Biosecurity Workshop and complete an assessment of their operation against the National Biosecurity Standards or a commodity-specific health or pest-risk management program. Producers should click here for full program details.

While the new project category is focused particularly on preventing access, the Animal and Plant Health focus area offers producers many opportunities to help protect their business from biosecurity risks.

GF2 is a merit-based program. Applicants must be specific about the results they plan to achieve and demonstrate the knowledge and planning that will lead to a successful project. GF2 is intended to drive positive change, therefore, only the most impactful projects will be funded. Applications are only accepted during intakes and all projects must be completed by December 15, 2017. There are two intakes in 2017:

•    February 3 to 23, 2017

•    May 12 to June 1, 2017

January 20, 2017  By OSCIA