Starting November 9th, maple syrup producers with 1,000 taps or more (as of April 1, 2023) may be eligible for a new cost-share funding program aimed to improve Ontario maple producers’ sustainability, productivity, and growth. Eligible projects can include new equipment purchases and woodlot management activities. Up to $1 million will be invested as part of this initiative.
About the Initiative
The purpose of this initiative is to encourage the economic growth of Ontario’s maple syrup sector by providing cost-share funding for equipment, technology, and consultation services that will increase sustainability, productivity, and growth.
Funding for this initiative comes from the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP), a 5-year agreement between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments to help strengthen the agricultural sector.
- Up to $1 million is being invested
- Program recipients are eligible to receive 50% of project costs to a maximum of $20,000
- Eligible costs can be retroactive to April 1st, 2023
Please note that you are only allowed to have one project submitted to the program at a time.
Program Eligibility
To be eligible for the program you must meet the following requirements:
- Have a minimum of 1,000 taps as of April 1, 2023
- Have a Premises Identification number (PID)
- Have or be enrolled in one of the following:
- Valid Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN)
- An Order from the Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal exempting you from having a FBRN
- A letter from the Indian Agriculture Program of Ontario
- Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP)
Examples of Eligible Equipment Expenses
- Remote monitoring technology
- Generators for remote operations operating off the electrical grid
- Sap collection systems including lateral lines and main lines and their required supporting structures, fittings and parts
- Sap collection pumps (vacuum and transfer)
- Sap coolers
- Reverse osmosis systems
- Evaporator and evaporator monitoring systems
- Preheater attachments for evaporator
- Steam hood for evaporator
- Holding tanks for sap and permeate
- Reverse flow mechanisms and pans
- Sap/syrup processing pumps
- Filter presses
- Syrup bottling/packaging/labelling equipment
Examples of Eligible Activities
- Planning for tubing systems conducted by a third-party service provider (ie. certified maple equipment dealer or independent maple consultant)
- Woodlot improvements conducted by registered professional foresters including the development of a forest plan and/or tree marking
Examples of Ineligible Expenses
- Normal, ongoing operation and/or maintenance costs (i.e., consumables such as filter paper, bottles, labels etc.)
- Building improvements or modifications
- Activities that support the retail, marketing, or tourism related aspects of a maple syrup operation
- Use of funding to subsidize the purchase of common items that can be used for multiple purposes (i.e., digital cameras, printers, shovels, smartphones, measuring tapes etc.)
- Any in-kind contributions (including self-labour and self-installation)
- Costs associated with planting new trees
How to Apply
For more information on the program and how to apply visit:
Maple Production Improvement Initiative – Ontario Soil Crop.
You can read the Program Guide here: Maple Production Improvement Initiative – OSCIA-Delivered Program Guides (ontariosoilcrop.org)