$75,000 in Funding Support Available For Agri-Business Making Energy Efficient Upgrades 

The Input Efficiency and Waste Reduction (IEWR) aims to increase input efficiency and reduce waste in an agri-food or agri-product processing facility. Any processor with projects within the agri-foods sector may apply, but preference will be given to the following processor type:  

• Meat Processing and meat product manufacturing 
• Bakeries and tortilla manufacturing 
• Fruit and vegetable preserving and specialty food 
• Dairy product manufacturing 

Eligible Applicants 

Applicants must comply with one or more of the following criteria: 

• A processor that manufactures products in a facility with fewer than 200 employees 
• Completed an audit, assessment or labour productivity plan that demonstrates the need and impact of the project in addressing current deficiencies, opportunities and risks 
• Baseline Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for energy usage and waste management 
• Meet one of the following criteria at a minimum:
  • Be implementing advanced manufacturing technology, automation, or robotics 
  • Be an Indigenous partner business 
  • Be operating in Northern Ontario 

Eligible Projects

Costs considered eligible for this program include the following: 

• Costs of energy input and waste measurement, permanent metering and monitoring equipment, associated costs of: 

• • Software and reporting equipment 
  • System installation, calibration, and optimization  

• First-time activities and advisory services for: 

• • First-time KPI analysis for input and waste 

• • Development of performance reports and report cards 
  • Integration of ingredient and waste KPI feedback data with product costing models 

• Capital expenses and installation or configuration costs directly related to achieving input efficiencies and waste reduction with new automated, advanced manufacturing, robotic equipment and technology and/or software systems 
• One-time labour costs specifically required for the project— such as third-party advisory fees 
• One-time costs related to the training of essential personnel on new equipment, technology, and software systems directly related to the project 
• One-time rental costs required for project needs such as the following: 
  • Facilities 
  • Processing equipment 
  • Machinery 

Funding Details

• Up to 25% of eligible costs is available for funding assistance, to a maximum of $75,000