Growing Forward 2 (GF2) is a five-year government-funded program administered in Ontario by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA). GF2 offers cost-share funding under six categories:
- Environment and Climate Change Adaption
- Assurance Systems (food safety, traceability, animal welfare)
- Market Development
- Animal and Plant Health
- Labour Productivity Enhancement
- Business and Leadership Development
Each category has different application requirements, including completing a workshop related to one of the six categories.
Applications for funding are being accepted for one more year under the current program, with two intake periods available:
- Intake 1: February 3 – February 23, 2017
- Intake 2: May 12 – June 1, 2017
Workshops must be completed prior to the application deadline.
We have found that the most common GF2 projects relate to succession, business and/or estate planning. The program covers up to 50% of the accounting and legal fees for succession, business and estate plans, including implementation of the plan (e.g. incorporation and filing fees, tax elections, share transfer documentation, etc.). There are maximum cost-share limits that apply.
To apply for cost-share funding for succession, business or estate planning, a member of the farm business (family member or employee) must have attended the Growing Your Farm Profits workshop within the last 5 years. If you have not attended the workshop, you must enrol and apply for the funding after your workshop is complete.
Cost-share funding will only apply to invoices dated after a letter approving a funding allocation has been issued by OSCIA. You must apply and be approved for cost-share prior to invoices being issued by your accountant and lawyer.
You can apply online through the GF2 portal or use the printable Enrolment, Application and Focus Area Project Information forms. BDO is happy to assist with the application process once your workshop is complete.
For more information and for workshop details, visit www.ontariosoilcrop.org/oscia-programs/.
If you have any further questions, please contact your BDO advisor.