The Food Safety and Traceability Initiative (FSTI) provides 50% funding up to $25,000 to Ontario food processors and producers towards:

• Implementing a Food Safety Program or a Traceability System: Develop, write and implement a food safety program, individual food safety practices, or a working traceability system. Please note that applicants must attend a program funding information session before applying. Maximum funding is $15,000.
• Supporting Investment in an Existing Food Safety Program: Available only to applicants currently certified, audited or verified under a recognized food safety program and whose project involves further food safety improvements to their existing food safety program. Maximum funding is $15,000.
• Improving Food Safety or Traceability: Purchase equipment, engage in training, or obtain certification, audit or verification (first time only) of a recognized food safety program. Maximum funding is $5,000.

Under the FSTI, an applicant may submit separate applications to carry out more than one project. However, the total amount of program funding awarded to an applicant is capped at $25,000. Federally registered food processing facilities OR applicants whose project is directly involved in the commingling or movement or storage and warehousing of food products along the agri-food chain are only eligible for traceability activity related funding.

Eligible food safety and traceability related expenditures include system equipment and software purchases, minor structural modifications to accommodate the installation of equipment or infrastructure associated with a traceability system, staff education or training, consulting, materials/supplies (plans, procedures, record keeping, manuals), scientific testing, first time recognized food safety program certification, audit or verification, in-kind activities (maximum rate $20/hour not to exceed 50% of project costs). Ineligible expenses include rental or leasing expenses, travel expenses unrelated to education or training, items or expenses that are peripheral or not directly connected to food safety or traceability.

Applications will be accepted after 9:00 a.m. on March 1, 2010. Applications received prior to this date will not be processed.  Early submission is strongly encouraged as funds are limited