The AgriProcessing Initiative (API) provides grants up to $100,000 or 8-year interest free unsecured loans for purchasing and installing new equipment and machinery that will sustain or enhance a processor’s global competitiveness. The program’s maximum contribution is 50% or $2 million, whichever is less, towards project costs. Eligible project costs include equipment and technology purchases and installation, as well as, other expenses related to technology, process and product selection, or design. Projects must be result in one or more of the following:

• increase operational efficiency
• improve environmental sustainability
• product creation or improvement
• market creation, development or expansion.

Request for support will be evaluated on project job retention/creation, incremental revenue generation and/or increase demand for Canadian agricultural goods. Applicant facilities must be predominantly involved in the physical or chemical transformation of raw agricultural commodities or ingredients. All projects must be scheduled for completion by March 31, 2014. The total program budget is $50 million.