Northern Food Development Program

Overview of the Northern Food Development Program program:

This Program provides funding for commercial producers, harvesters, and processors of food in the NWT, with the goal of building the commercial food production and processing sectors and increasing the availability of local food to northern consumers. Products include agriculture, agri-food, commercial fishing sectors, and wild food harvesting, including non-timber forest products but not including big game, small game, or fur-bearing species.

Benefits of the Northern Food Development Program program:

• Infrastructure, Equipment and Supplies:
  • Design, construction, and expansion of facilities (including harvesting, processing, storage, greenhouse, sales infrastructure)
  • Equipment or technology aimed at increasing yields, improving efficiency or profitability (processing and packaging equipment, alternative energy technology, etc.)
• Agriculture Specific:
  • Land development costs (clearing, drainage, irrigation system, soil development, etc.)
  • Initial livestock costs including materials and supplies (fencing, watering, feeding, housing, etc.). For livestock projects, an Environmental Farm Plan may be required.
  • Input freight assistance $0.30 / loaded kilometer (feed, seed, animals, fertilizers, compost and amendments)
  • Product transportation costs
• Fishing specific:
  • Boat, motors, nets, etc.,
  • Water safety equipment
  • Winter equipment support
• Marketing
• Market planning and promotion costs
• Product and packaging design and development
• Costs related to participating in community market events (such as farmers markets) or trade shows (excluding conferences)
• Capacity Building
• Specialized training including costs associated with workshops, online courses and professional development.
• Staff training and development: 75% of project costs to a maximum of $7,500 per worker (in-kind expenses are not eligible).
• Internship: Up to 75% of the intern wages to a maximum of $7,500 per intern (can include in-kind wage expenses such as room and board for the intern - funding will only be provided for actual expenses paid).
• Mentorship: Up to 75% of expenses incurred for the mentorship to a maximum of $7,500
• Sales Rebate
• The rebate is cash back to the producer for a total of 25% of their reported sales from the previous season for eligible applicants with sales of under $10,000.
• Utilities Rebate
• This rebate will provide 10% - 15% subsidy on reported sales up to $2,500 in support for producers.
• The following rates apply to the various scale of producer:
• $1,000 $5,000 in sales 10% of gross sales
• $5,001 $10,000 in sales 15% of gross sales
• $10,001 + in sales - $2,500 maximum contribution

Eligibility criteria of the Northern Food Development Program program:

• Eligible applicants include
• Any commercial food producers in the NWT. Registration or incorporation under relevant legislation is required.
• Applicants who are just starting commercial activities should be able to demonstrate relevant experience and a capacity to engage in food production or processing
• Fishers must also hold a valid commercial fishing license and vessel certificates if applicable.