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Organic Sector Market Development Initiative
The Organic Sector Market Development Initiative provides funding for research and market development projects designed to strengthen Western Canada’s organic grain industry.
The initiative will provide up to $200,000 per crop year for a range of projects from branding to product development. The deadline to apply for funding has been extended to Jan. 1, 2008.
To apply for funding through the CWB Organic Sector Market Development Initiative, complete the application form and submit it to the CWB by 4:30 p.m., January 1, 2008. Submit your application either by email, fax, or mail.
Email: donna_youngdahl@cwb.ca
Fax: include cover letter Attention Donna Youngdahl, 204-983-3841
Mail:
Attention Donna Youngdahl, OSMDI
Box 816, Station Main
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 2P5
Eligible Projects and Criteria
Projects will be chosen according to their benefit to the development of the organic wheat and barley sector as a whole.
Preference will be given to organizations with a public mandate such as producer groups, research institutions, universities, extension associations, round tables, sector coalitions and certification bodies.
The following criteria will be considered:
- Does it raise the profile, brand recognition, and demand for Canadian organic wheat and barley?
- Does it increase agronomic efficiency or sustainability?
- Does it solve processing challenges?
- Does it encourage increased organic production and transition to organic agriculture?
- Does it educate farmers about organic production and marketing?
- Would CWB funding make other funding available due to matching grants?
- Are the applicants sufficiently qualified and experienced to succeed in the proposed project?
- Will it contribute to the sector as a whole?
- Is it original?
Examples of projects that would be considered for funding are:
- trade show/mission, promotional materials development for sector associations, organic branding and advertisement of the Canada Organic logo
- organic farming research and extension
- organic education through conferences and workshops
- organic market research
- research and development to support value added processing
- activities to support development of coexistence protections
- projects to promote transition to organic farming
- other projects deemed to benefit the organic sector as a whole
Projects that would put current businesses at a competitive disadvantage will not be considered (for example, requests for infrastructure funding for a processing facility that would compete with currently operating facilities).
For more information, contact Donna Youngdahl (donna_youngdahl@cwb.ca or 204-983-5799) or Patty Rosher (patty_rosher@cwb.ca or 204-984-1626).