Slaughter Improvement Program
The Slaughter Improvement Program (SIP) aims to strengthen the competitiveness of the red meat industry by providing interest-free, conditionally repayable contributions to support investments that will improve and modernize slaughter operations as well as enhance slaughter capacity in regions that have a demonstrated regional gap that is constraining sector growth.Objectives
Strengthen the competitiveness of the red meat industry.
Available Funding
The Slaughter Improvement Program is a three-year, $50 million dollar national program delivered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada that provides slaughter facilities with up to 50% of eligible costs. The availability of program funding will be a factor in determining whether a project is approved and for what amount. The 2010 Budget provided an additional $10 million focused on improvements to beef cattle slaughter facilities. To be eligible for this program, projects must be completed by March 31, 2012.
Program Delivery
Successful applicants for financial assistance will be provided an offer for financial assistance and a contribution agreement that will include terms and conditions on payment of assistance and the terms and conditions of repayment.
On receipt of the signed contribution agreement, SIP administrators will provide you with the information, forms and directions on how you may receive interim and final payments under the program. Advances are not available under the SIP program.
Once your project is underway, you will be required to provide regular progress reports. AAFC may also visit sites to verify information received and project progress.
Applicants are advised that the Slaughter Improvement Program is a discretionary, non-entitlement program, subject to the approval of AAFC. Project approval is also subject to the availability of funding and program changes. Even if an application meets all of the program criteria, there is no assurance that funding will be awarded. AAFC reserves the right to impose conditions in the acceptance of the applications.
How are payments to be made to the recipient?
Payments will be made based on claims submitted to AAFC for eligible costs incurred by the recipient in accordance with the terms of the contribution agreement. Each claim is to be supported by a completed statement of work and details of the costs being claimed. All claims must be certified by an authorized official of the recipient.
What are the terms and conditions for repayment?
The repayment of contributions will be linked to the profitability of the recipient and will be repayable over a period of up to ten years, without interest. Repayment will be based on an objective measure related to revenue or income that can be readily verified by program administrators. Applicants must include a repayment plan of up to 10 years as part of the business plans to be submitted.
The repayment period will be 10 years or less, depending on such factors as the useful life of the assets acquired or constructed and the repayment ability of the recipient. Reporting requirements and repayment triggers will be included in a contribution agreement.
The program is no longer accepting applications at this time.
