The Farm Innovation Program (FIP) is a $12,000,000 program that is part of Growing Forward, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. The FIP is one of the Innovation and Science Suite of programs for Growing Forward in Ontario.

The FIP is aimed at boosting agricultural research, competitiveness, and productivity in Ontario’s agricultural sectors. The FIP is administered by the Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) on behalf of Agriculture, Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). Non-supply managed commodities, including Ontario Pork, have been allocated a portion of the grant money.

Ontario Pork is currently in its third phase of taking applications for consideration.  If you have a new idea that could improve the swine industry and need research funding, you may want to consider this program.  This must be a new venture, not one already in progress.

Funding can also cover internal and external communications to the rest of the agriculture community.  This could include brochures, newspaper articles and demonstrations etc.  Ontario Pork will be on-hand to help with this portion of the program and will work with you to develop a strategy to get your research and/or idea recognized.
 
Ontario Pork encourages you to follow the guidelines indicated by AAC and adhere to all deadlines.  Applications must be submitted to Ontario Pork by August 9th, 2010 as they undergo a comprehensive review process.