| | Agri-processor programs for growth | Agri-value investor network | Upcoming food safety workshop | Distribution awareness workshop
Agri-Processor Programs For Growth
Agri-Business Expansion Program
This financial incentive program is designed to encourage projects and activities that promote value-added growth, diversification and improved competitiveness in the agri-processing industry. It is intended to complement existing programs of other supporting organizations and applicants are encouraged to investigate all options available to them. Cost sharing assistance is available for a variety of projects in the following areas: feasibility studies; mentorship and coaching for improved business operations or expansions; lean manufacturing/competitiveness assessments; investigation of new and innovative technologies; competitive intelligence; business plan development; or product development. Grants are normally made on a 50:50 cost-shared basis with the applicant, up to a maximum of $25,000 being granted to any one company in any one government fiscal year. Eligible costs are for services/materials provided by a third party. Application for assistance must be made prior to undertaking a project. Projects must demonstrate a significant value-added contribution to the Alberta agri-processing industry.
Workforce Development Program
This program will provide cost-shared financial assistance to address specific workforce issues in primary agricultural production and agri-processing sectors. Assistance is available to retain workers and reduce worker turnover; recruit workers within Canada and internationally; and assess and adopt technologies and automation to increase worker productivity. Examples of eligible activities include: hiring consulting expertise for retention strategies, pilot retention projects, recruitment job fairs, recruiting missions, technology evaluation, and hiring engineering expertise for analysis of automation opportunities. Financial assistance is provided on a 50:50 cost shared basis for eligible incremental and third party costs. Consulting projects can be supported to a maximum of $25,000. You will be required to submit a completed application form along with a detailed project proposal. The program will be in effect until January 1, 2010.
For additional program details or to obtain an application form, contact a Development Officer in one of the following branches:
Livestock Products Branch, 403-340-5323
Support provided for agri-processors in the following sectors: Federally and Provincially Registered - Beef, Bison, Eggs & Egg Products, Elk, Fish & Aquaculture, Horse, Lamb, Meat Entrees & Ready Meals, Meat Snacks, Other Meats, Pork, Poultry & Poultry Products, Processed Meats; and Pet Foods.
Processed Foods Branch, 780-427-7325
Support provided for agri-processors in the following sectors: Alcoholic Beverages; Bakery; Confectionery; Dairy; Food Ingredients; Fruit & Fruit Products; Functional Foods; Grains & Cereal Products; Herbs, Spices & Seasonings; Natural Health Products; Non-Alcoholic Beverages; Oilseeds & Edible Oil Products; Pasta & Pasta Products; Snack Foods; Special Crops; Specialty Foods; Sugar, Honey & Sweeteners; Vegetables.
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Agri-Value Investor Network
If you are an investor looking for a deal or an agrivalue entrepreneur or company looking for investment, AVNet will be a good fit for you. Visit www.avnetonline.ca or call Corey Keith, President at 403-225-4129 to get acquainted with all that AVNet has to offer.
Upcoming Food Safety Workshop
Managing Allergen Issues
Edmonton – May 28-29, 2008
Course and registration details are available on-line at www.afpa.com/snq/train.shtml
Distribution Awareness Workshop
April 22, 2008 Grand Prairie AB
The Peace Value Added Food & Ag Association together with the Peace Region Economic Development Alliance, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development and Farm Credit Canada invite you to a training session associated with the Agriculture and Food Distribution in the Peace Project.
Product distribution and logistics are issues faced by agripreneurs as they develop and expand their businesses. The project involved a group of 15 of these small businesses who have just completed the analysis of their current shipping and distribution patterns, identified common issues and began to explore options to more efficiently and effectively distribute their products to regional and other market locations.
Brian Dumsday of QGI Consulting will facilitate a one-day training session for economic development officers, service providers, agency partners and others who want to know more about distribution logistics in the Peace. To register contact Sherry or Mavis at 780-5386208 or sherry.smith@gov.ab.ca
To find out more about this project, contact Karen Goad at 780-538-5629 or by email at karen.goad@gov.ab.ca
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Need to speak to an agri-processing specialist?
Processed Foods Branch - 780-427-7325
Livestock Products Branch -403-340-5322
Business Commercialization Branch - 780-980-4722
dial 310-0000 for toll-free access.
Your connection to resources for business growth.
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