Agricultural and On-Farm Diversified Uses Grant

Purpose 

To aid towards the conversion and re-use of existing agricultural buildings for new or expanded value-added agricultural activities, on-farm diversified uses, and rural commercial opportunities. It is designed to encourage businesses to expand their operations and improve the physical and visual attractiveness of their facilities. 

Grant Amount Available 

The grant amount available for this program is up to sixteen thousand five hundred dollars ($16,500) per property (excluding HST), based on a fifty/fifty (50/50) matching cash contribution of the Applicant. 

Eligible Costs 

Eligible Costs: Examples of eligible agricultural building and facilities improvements include, but are not limited to:  

• facade improvements (similar to those noted in the Building Facade Improvement Program); 
• substantial physical improvements or alterations made to existing agricultural properties, buildings and facilities, including source water protection activities; 
• on-farm housing for farm workers directly related to farm operations on the subject lands; 
• renovations or additions to barns/storage buildings, agricultural/food processing facilities, and greenhouses;  
• agri-tourism and on-farm diversified uses, including renovations or construction, such as for bed and breakfast establishments, pick-your-own, farm markets, and other facilities open to the public, provided such uses are consistent with the requirements of the Norfolk County Official Plan.  
• Costs of professional services for architectural, planning engineering and site plans or drawings for eligible improvements are also eligible. 

Ineligible Costs:

In-kind contributions are not eligible contributions. 

Eligible Areas 

The program is available to properties in the agricultural area only.  

Other Eligibility Requirements 

1. Tenure Type: The program is available to property owners only. Tenants are not eligible.  

2. Non-Retroactive: This grant will not be offered retroactively for costs incurred prior to the approval of the application. 
3. Type of Buildings: All non-residential buildings or structures in the agricultural area are eligible. 
4. Required Documentation: Submission of drawings and/or plans may be required as part of the application. 
5. Encroachments: Where a sign, awning or lighting projects onto the municipal road allowance, the grant will be conditional upon the Applicant entering into an encroachment agreement with Norfolk County. 
6. General Program Terms also apply.  

Grant Payment 

The grant will be payable upon completion of the works, submission of paid invoices, proof of payment (cancelled cheques or bank records), and final inspection of any works covered by the program.