NEWS RELEASE
RURAL AGRI-INNOVATION NETWORK (RAIN)
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In partnership with FedNor, Northeast Community Network, Rethink Green, Cloverbelt Local Food Co-operative, and the Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN) has established a multi-year funding program for farm and food businesses in northern Ontario.
The Sustainable New Agri-Food Products and Productivity (SNAPP) Program supports Northern Ontario agriculture and food producers, businesses, collaboration, communities and First Nations to create new products, enhance abilities for season extension, scale up production or enhance productivity.
Last year, FedNor announced $921,300 in SNAPP funding over a three-year period, $825,000 of which will be used as microgrants to support eligible project costs. Northeast Community Network oversees the funding of SNAPP, and works with the committee of northern partners to review applications.
SNAPP’s first in-take period was November 15, 2016 to February 28, 2017. During this period project partners distributed just over $313,000 in grants to 63 applicants, bringing the total value of investment to $744,519.
In the Cochrane, Temiskaming and Nipissing region, 11 applicants were approved. Each applicant is eligible to receive up to $5,000 at 75% cost share to purchase equipment for approved projects, and collaborations of three or more entities are allowed. Details of all approved applicants can be found at www.rainalgoma.ca/snapp/grants.
Bussiere Italian Sausage, located in Cochrane, ON is one of the 63 applicants that was approved for a grant of $5,000 to increase productivity. Bussiere Italian Sausage is a growing family business that specializes in the manufacturing and processing of specialty meats such as Italian Sausage and Pepperettes.
“The recent expansion of our business was a huge success but we incurred additional expenses that were unforeseen. With the funding, we received from the SNAPP Program, it provided financial relief to us and allowed us to purchase additional equipment to better serve our customers,” says Denis Bussiere, President of Bussiere Italian Sausage.
The next in-take will be open from July 1, 2017 to Aug. 31, 2017. Details can be found here.
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