Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives

Funding Criteria and Eligibility

The ARDI application process is open to all sectors of the Manitoba agriculture and agri-food industry.

Individuals, associations, commodity groups, local organizations, agri-businesses and institutions in Manitoba are welcome to apply!

Project plans should be directly applicable to agriculture and agri-food development and associated research. Remember, ARDI does not fund projects that have no other sources of funding. Projects need to demonstrate industry support, either through a financial commitment or in-kind support.

All applications must fall into at least one of the four broad categories identified in the implementation agreement of the Agricultural Policy Framework. After this overall standard has been met, projects must meet a number of additional criteria.

Projects accepted for ARDI funding assistance must:

• Demonstrate a return on ARDI investment dollars.
• Facilitate adaptation in the agriculture and agri-food industry through diversification, crop and livestock development and growth in the value-added sector, exports, or production technology that is related to enhancing these capabilities (e.g.: quality, niche market specifications, alternative raw product)
• Address a research need and target the creation of new opportunities – or the removal of constraints – to facilitate expansion of the agri-food industry.
• Have significant outside funding, that is, significant industry involvement through direct or in-kind support. Where limited resources are available, as may be the case for some new initiatives, the project must demonstrate that significant economic benefits will flow to the industry upon project completion. ARDI’s overall target is to provide 50% of funding towards projects approved under the initiative.
• Demonstrate probable industry impact within five years of completion of the project with a commitment to the principles of sustainable development.
• Benefit the greatest number of agricultural enterprises in the industry, or the industry as a whole.
• Be compatible with Canada’s international trade obligations.

Applications are assessed by professional advisors representing the interests of the industry. These assessments are forwarded to the ARDI Program Council for final review and funding decisions.