COVID Resources

Table of Contents

[VIDEO] COVID Guidelines for Production

Video by the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association on staying safe during production.

[VIDEO] COVID Guidelines for Retail

Video by the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association on keeping your retail space safe.

Funding

Enhanced Agri-Food Worker Protection Program (NEW DEADLINE)

Deadline: November 30, 2021

Summary:

The program provides funding in the following categories:

  • Preventative occupational health and safety measures
    • Example purchases: PPE, medical testing equipment, enhanced cleaning and disinfection
    • 70% of eligible expenses, up to $15,000
  • On-Farm Worker Safety Improvement Program
    • Example purchases: housing modifications, workspace adjustments, equipment to allow greater physical distancing for workers
    • 70% of eligible expenses, up to $100,000

A recorded webinar explaining the program and application will be uploaded to this website: https://www.ofvc.ca/videos.html

Eligibility:

  • Cost must have been incurred on or after March 15, 2020
  • Ontario farm business under a valid Farm Business Registration Number or allowable exemption

How to apply:

Regional Development Program
The Regional Development Program takes a coordinated approach to supporting business growth in eastern and southwestern Ontario. The program supports eligible small and medium-sized businesses investing in new equipment and training to expand operations in these regions and provides support to municipalities and economic development organizations investing in economic development projects. Eligible applicants may receive financial support and advisory services to help navigate other government programs, such as guidance on compliance approvals, assistance with skills and talent. 
Visit the Government of Ontario’s website to learn more. 

Insurance and Lending

Advanced Payments Program

  • A federal loan guarantee program that helps producers meet their financial obligations and benefit from the best market conditions by improving their cash flow throughout the year
  • Provides up to $400 000 advance with the first $100 000 interest free and the following $300 000 at prime interest rate

For maple syrup:

  • Advance rate: $2.14/lb
  • Advance available date: April 1, 2021 – March 15, 2022
  • Repayment deadline: September 30, 2022 or December 31, 2021 if NOT stored

Click here fore a link to the 2021-2022 Product Rate List and Worksheets for Ontario

Agristability

  • AgriStability is one of the business risk management programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. It protects Canadian producers against large declines in farming income for reasons such as production loss, increased costs and market conditions.
  • AgriStability is a margin-based program designed to help producers manage large income declines.
  • Each year, you must enrol in the program, pay your fee and submit a form by the applicable deadlines.
  • You may receive a payment if your production margin in the current year falls below your historical reference margin by more than 30%.
  • Use the AgriStability Benefit Estimator to help you understand how the program works and to calculate an estimated benefit.
  • In Ontario, AgriStability is delivered by Agricorp. Click the link above for more information.

Farm Credit Canada Covid-19 support program

FCC is a lending organization. They do not provide grants or interest-free loans. Normal lending due diligence will be taken on all applications.

  • FCC has put in place:
    • a deferral of principal and interest payments up to six months for existing loans; or
    • a deferral of principal payments up to 12 months
    • term loans up to $2.5M, with no fees and an 18-month interest-only option available over a 10-year amortization. These funds can be used for working capital and to modify production due to the impacts of COVID-19.

Canada’s Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP)

Deadline: Ongoing

  • For small and medium-sized businesses
  • Covers payroll and operating costs caused by current economic situation
  • Repay over 5 years, with 6 month principal payment postponement

Worker Benefits

Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit

  • The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) gives income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they are sick or need to self-isolate due to COVID-19, or have an underlying health condition that puts them at greater risk of getting COVID-19.
  • If you are eligible for the CRSB, you can receive $500 ($450 after taxes withheld) for a 1-week period.
  • If your situation continues past 1 week, you will need to apply again.
  • You may apply up to a total of 4 weeks between September 27, 2020 and October 23, 2021.

Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)

  • The CRCB is for care givers who are unable to work for at least 50% of the week because of caring for a family member
  • $500 per week for up to 42 weeks per household between September 27, 2020 and October 23, 2021
  • If your situation continues past 1 week, you will need to apply again for another one-week increment

More Resources

Food manufacturing and processing health and safety during COVID-19

Develop your COVID-19 workplace safety plan