FOOD SAFETY:
GOVERNMENT FUNDING PROGRAMS


The Food Safety Initiative: The Food Safety Initiative (FSI) is one element of the Canadian Food Safety and Quality Program. In Ontario, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) is responsible for managing the following programs and projects developed under the FSI:

GMP/HACCP Grant Program: This component of the Food Safety Initiative will provide funding for non-federally registered food processing plants to enhance their food safety systems by developing and implementing food safety programs such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) (also known as "Pre-requisite Programs") and/or Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) programs. The government will contribute 90 per cent of eligible costs to a maximum of $15,000 for implementation of GMPs or $20,000 for implementation of GMPs and one HACCP plan. Plants are eligible for an additional $3,000 per HACCP plan for up to a maximum of three additional HACCP plans per plant. This is a first come, first served program and it is recommended that you apply well in advance of the application due date. Application Deadline: December 31, 2007. For more information, call 1-866-641-3663(FOOD) 

Web link to: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/infores/foodsafe/grant.html

Traceability Grant Program: Direct grants will be available to assist eligible applicants to implement a facility level traceability system. OMAFRA will reimburse 75% of an applicant's eligible costs (incurred after January 15, 2007), up to a maximum of $20,000 per facility. Payments will be made based on proof of facility level traceability system implementation as outlined in Schedule B of the Guidelines. Funds for the Traceability Grant Program will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Funds are limited to $2 million; it is recommended that you apply well in advance of the application deadline. Application Deadline: Monday, April 30, 2007 For more information, call 1-866-641-3663(FOOD) 

Web Link to: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/infores/foodsafe/traceinfogrant.html

The Meat Plant Assessment Services (MPAS) is funded by OMAFRA and compliments the provincially funded Meat Plant Assistance Program (MPAP) click here. The assessment service is delivered in conjunction by the Ontario Independent Meat Processors and the Alliance of Ontario Food Processors and provide technical and business advice for provincial meat plants that must comply with the new meat regulation. Funds provided for this program by OMAFRA are available until March 31, 2007; however program deadlines and availability are determined by MPAS. Contact Carla Royston; Project Manager, Meat Plant Assessment Services for more information on this program. Tel: 1-866-399-MPAS (6727) Fax: 519-763-1904 For more information, visit www.foodsafetyfacts.ca or www.oimp.ca