REGINA – A new Saskatchewan Agriculture Development Fund program has been announced to develop the province’s value-added agricultural industries.
Chris Ruschkowski, food and marketing program co-ordinator of the agriculture research branch, said the Agri-Value Program is designed to encourage smaller companies or individuals to develop their ideas.
The program will provide up to $10,000 per project if the application is approved by a committee of the ADF board and representatives from several government departments.
Ruschkowski said the applicants will wait no more than 30 days from the application date to find out if their proposals have been accepted.
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The first date for applications was Sept. 1 and Ruschkowski said several of the proposals looked promising.
Applications will be accepted for review until the first day of each month. A maximum of $100,000 will be spent on the program this year.
Ruschkowski said both the short waiting period and the monthly application deadlines make it easier for smaller entrepreneurs to make their plans.
Value-added refers to any post-harvest products or processes.
Encourage processing
“Although it’s hoped this program will encourage the food-processing industry in this province, it is by no means restricted to food,” Ruschkowski said. “Any proposal that involves further processing will be considered. This may be anything from a new technique for compressed hay bales to an engineering design or marketing plan.”
Eligible costs under the program include materials, project travel, equipment rentals, professional or technical fees, and workshop or seminar costs. Ineligible costs include overhead, purchase of land or buildings, equipment or other capital expenses and expenditures made prior to ADF funding approval.
Applications are available from Rural Service Centres.
