RAIN announces critical COVID-19 Recovery Fund

July 6, 2020

Sustainable New Agri-Food Products & Productivity (SNAPP) Program COVID-19 Recovery Fund

.FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 6, 2020

RAIN announces critical COVID-19 Recovery Fund

Sault Ste. Marie, ON - As COVID-19 continues to impact all sectors of the local and regional economy, a new funding program has been introduced to meet the challenges of expanding the agri-economy in northern Ontario.

The Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN), a division of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC), is pleased to announce the new Sustainable New Agri-Food Products & Productivity (SNAPP) Program COVID-19 Recovery Fund. The fund is available immediately for investment into eligible projects. For more information about this program, visit www.rainalgoma.ca/covidresponse. 

“COVID-19 has posed a significant challenge for the agri-food sector to adapt in the face of market disruption,” says RAIN Manager David Thompson. “This funding delivered through the SNAPP Program will assist agri-food businesses with adaptation projects and value chain development.”

The project is being led by RAIN in collaboration with the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre (NOIC) and the Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance (NOFIA). SNAPP is proudly supported by FedNor and the Government of Canada.

"The NOIC is very pleased with this commitment from FedNor to the SNAPP program,” says NOIC Director of Business Development Ryan Lipcsei. 

“It is the nature of the food & agriculture industry to be adaptable and innovative. COVID-19 has proven to be a formidable challenge, this program will be a huge boost as we assist farmers and producers alike adapt to this new reality."

The program would assist agri-food business with projects such as: 

• Equipment that can automate or reduce labour in agri-food production or processing (handling facilities, harvest/post-harvest processing equipment and food processing equipment)
• Cooler/freezer unit outfitted onto vehicles or trailers to ensure safe delivery of product and increase markets  
• Packaging equipment (labelling, bottling, packaging, etc.) to improve safety and increase capacity for regional supply

"NOFIA is pleased to be partnered with RAIN on this initiative,” says NOFIA Executive Director Emily Potter. 

“This timely funding opportunity will help those in the agri-food and agriculture industry adapt to the current challenges, as well as develop and strengthen new and existing value chains through innovation."

“The agricultural economy in northern Ontario has an important role to play in our economic recovery,” says SSMIC Executive Director Peter Bruijns. “This sector can create and sustain jobs and resolve our food security issues over time. This funding is valuable in helping sustain the agri-food economy and helping us prepare for the food challenges of the future.”

Contact:
David Thompson
Manager, Rural Agri-Innovation Network
(705) 942 7927 x3027
dthompson@ssmic.com
-30-

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Northern Ontario Value-Added Agriculture (NOVA) Program Launches

October 11, 2024
The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) has launched the Northern Ontario Value-Added Agriculture (NOVA) Program to empower agri-food entrepreneurs across Northern Ontario to develop new food products. By offering workshops, training sessions, networking events, and a mentorship program, NOVA aims to equip Northern entrepreneurs with the essential skills and knowledge needed for long-term business growth and sustainability. Supported by $42,080 in funding from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, NOVA will address the critical need for professional development in the agri-food sector. It focuses on enhancing entrepreneurial skills, improving safety and risk management practices, and providing strategies to expand market presence at home and abroad. “The agri-food promise and potential of Northern Ontario is immense, and our government will continue to work with Northern partners like the SSMIC to help seize it,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “NOVA will help unlock more of the huge untapped entrepreneurial energy and ambition of Northern agri-food entrepreneurs to build strong local businesses, create good-paying jobs and strengthen Northern Ontario’s economy.” Program goals include strengthened business capabilities, job creation, and increased economic activity, leading to a more vibrant and sustainable agri-food sector in Northern Ontario. By fostering public engagement with agriculture and local food, NOVA will also contribute to rural development and enhanced community well-being. "Through the NOVA Program, we are excited to provide agri-food entrepreneurs with the tools and networks they need to thrive," said Peter Bruijns, Executive Director of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre. "This initiative not only supports individual businesses but also strengthens our entire region's agricultural ecosystem." For more information visit: https://rainalgoma.ca/programs/the-northern-ontario-value-added-agriculture-nova-training-program/ SSMIC would also like to thank FedNor the Government of Canada, and the Sault Ste Marie Community Development Corporation for their support in this exciting program. 

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