Purpose

The Agri-Food Research and Development Initiative (ARDI) funds innovation in agri-food production and processing in Manitoba.

Priority is given to projects that result in:

• new farm income streams,
• growth in the value-added sector,
• reduced costs for primary production.

On a partnership basis, ARDI funds research and development projects that:

•  expand knowledge,
• translate knowledge into new products and practices, or
• verify new technology and practices under Manitoba conditions.

ARDI’s target is to provide 50 per cent of the funds for approved projects, with the remainder coming from project partners. For more information about expected outcomes, performance measures, eligible applicants and eligible costs, please see the complete Terms and Conditions.

Since 1998, ARDI has approved more than $30 million to more than 500 projects. Manitoba’s agricultural industry has invested more than $40 million in these same projects, for a combined investment of nearly $80 million.

Structure

ARDI is managed by a Program Council, an Administrator and Program Advisors.

Program Council

The Program Council is an independent committee consisting of 13 members.

The Chairperson is:
Andrea Coulling, a farmer services program manager at the Canadian Wheat Board

The appointed members are:
Chris Hamblin, a seed grower and former Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Grain Commission
Goldwyn Jones, a producer from Tilston
George Hacking, a realtor in the Selkirk area
Judy Kostyshyn, a credit union loans officer and cattle producer from Ethelbert

Four positions on Council are currently vacant. In addition, two federal and two provincial government representatives sit on council as non-voting members.

Responsibilities of Program Council include development of ARDI program objectives and policies, development of criteria for project assessment, and the prioritization and approval of eligible project proposals.

Administrator

The day-to-day administration of ARDI is the responsibility of the Manitoba Association of Agricultural Societies (MAAS). MAAS plays an important role in soliciting proposals, developing grant agreements with project leaders, and administering the disbursement of funds available from governments to successful program applicants. MAAS also provides regular reporting on the status of approved projects.

Program Advisors

Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives provides two Program Advisors to deliver advisory assistance to the Manitoba Association of Agricultural Societies and the Program Council.