| | Important changes to the Agri-Processing Incentive Program | Upcoming food safety training | Upcoming mission to Portland
.
Important changes to the Agri-Processing Incentive Program
The Agri-Processing Incentive Program provides grant funding to processors for up to 50% of eligible costs related to value-added growth or improved competitiveness projects. Feedback from previous grant recipients indicates that the program reduces their risks and encourages them to look seriously at opportunities for expanding their businesses and improving their processing and business management.
Effective immediately, the following changes have been made to the Program:
- The maximum amount per company per fiscal year has been increased from $15,000 to $25,000
- Costs related to new product development are eligible for support. Eligible items would include: raw materials and ingredients; analytical, packaging and sensory evaluation; food scientist and laboratory support services; related consulting services; and label development costs. Eligible costs are for services/materials provided by a third party.
Cost sharing assistance is also available for a variety of projects including feasibility studies; mentorship and coaching for improved business operations or expansions; lean manufacturing/competitiveness assessments; investigation of new and innovative technologies; competitive intelligence; business management skill enhancement; and business plan development.
For additional application and program details, contact one of the following Agri-Processing Development Officers:
Bakeries, Pasta, Alcoholic Beverages, Grains, Oilseeds, Milling, Special Crops, Malt
Karen Hoover, Lethbridge, 403-381-5814 and Nicola Stevens, Airdrie, 403-948-8511
Dairy, Honey, Eggs
Peggy Marce, Edmonton, 780-422-2592
Fruit, Vegetables, Non-alcoholic Beverages
Lynn Stegman, Red Deer, 403-340-7010
Functional Foods & Natural Health Products
Susan Lutz, Edmonton, 780-427-4530
Gail Lemke, Edmonton, 780-422-2552
Meat Processing
- Federal Facilities - Gordon Cove, Red Deer, 403-340-5323
- Retail & Food Service - Arron Best, Edmonton, 780-422-2043
- Provincial Facilities, Pet Food, Feeds - Cody Cunningham, Red Deer, 403-340-7089
Processed Forages
Gordon Frank, Brooks, 403-362-1310
Snack Foods, Sauces, Spices, Condiments, Confectionery, Specialty Foods, Ready Meals
Suzanne Tenold, Airdrie, 403-948-8504
Keep up with current food trends with NUTRAingredients.com
A provider of current news regarding food supplements and nutrition for North America. The information presented includes topics on research, industry, regulation, and consumer trends. It offers free E-newsletters that range from product development to processing and packing. This website is a good source of information and useful resource for today’s food processor, available at: http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/
Upcoming Food Safety Training
- HACCP I: Documenting Your Prerequisite Programs - Edmonton – Sept 12-13,2005
- HACCP II: Development of Your HACCP Plan - Edmonton – Sept 14-16, 2005
Contact Melody Pashko at 403-201-3657 Ext 21 or safety@afpa.com
Upcoming Mission to Portland
Is your company interested in exporting to the Pacific Northwest?
Don't miss out on this mission to Portland, Oregon on September 22-23, 2005 to meet with independent retailers, brokers and distributors. The mission has been planned to allow processors a chance to coordinate with travel to the Food Processing Machinery Expo and Pack Expo in Las Vegas, September 26-28, 2005.
The mission fee is $200/person to cover all events and store tours. Participants are responsible for their own accommodation and travel costs. Companies may be eligible for up to 50% reimbursement of eligible travel costs through the Market Technology Program offered by Food Beverage Canada at www.foodbeveragecanada.com/MTP.htm.
For additional information on this mission, contact Darcy Peters at 780-980-4228 or darcy.peters@gov.ab.ca
Need to speak to an agri-processing specialist?
Start by contacting the Agri-Processing Branch at 780-427-7325, Fax: 780-644-2400 or dial 310-0000 for toll-free access. Your connection to resources for business growth.
Food News is available in pdf format: 98KB |
|