Traceability Adoption Program provides cost-shared funding towards the purchase and installation of traceability systems, practices, technologies, or infrastructure to help businesses meet new and existing regulatory requirements for the traceability of food, animals, and seafood products.

The Traceability Adoption Program (TAP) is funded by the Governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. The program is delivered by IAF.

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Traceability Adoption Program

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Overview

Approach

Eligibility

Livestock Tag Readers

Application

Resources

Program Objective

TAP seeks to increase the implementation of facility-based traceability systems across the agrifood and seafood chain in BC’s primary and secondary production and processing sectors. The program’s intent is to help to enable businesses to meet both existing, and new, regulatory requirements for traceability systems.

Approach

Program Structure

Applicants can apply for On-Farm (e.g., growers, packers, and ranchers) or Post-Farm (e.g., processing, packaging, warehousing, transporting, distributing, and importing operations) activities. Two unique applications are required if you would like to apply to both On-Farm and Post-Farm.

TAP is a first-come, first-served program. Following the submission of an application and before funding decisions are made, project applications are screened and reviewed by IAF. This review involves:

  • Ensuring application completeness.
  • Organization/Applicant eligibility check.
  • Project alignment and eligibility check.

Applications will be received, reviewed, and adjudicated on a first-come, first-served basis until available funds are fully committed. Applications may be assessed by a technical expert to ensure viability and reasonableness. Submitting an application is not a guarantee of funding, projects are funded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are fully committed. IAF will provide notice of application closure via the TAP webpage and TAP newsletter.

Funding decisions will be sent via email within eight weeks of the complete application submission. Applicants will have three months to complete their projects from the date of project approval.

IMPORTANT: High demand is expected for TAP. Submit completed application(s) as soon as possible to increase your funding chances. Submitting an application is not a guarantee of funding, projects are funded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are fully committed.

Funding Limits

Each participant may receive up to $20,000 per fiscal year (April 1 to March 31) for eligible activities, regardless of whether they are seeking funding for on-farm or post-farm activities, unless otherwise stated. Activities will be cost-shared at up to 70%, see the table below. Funding will not exceed $40,000 over the four-year operation of the program (April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2028).

Note: In-Kind expenses and GST are not eligible for reimbursement.

Eligible Activities Category Cost-share ratio Activity Funding Limit (Maximum) Fiscal Year Funding Limit (Maximum) Program Funding Limit*  (Maximum)
Consultant Fees Up to 70% $20,000 $20,000 $40,000
Hardware purchase and installation Up to 70% $20,000 $20,000 $40,000
Software purchase/license and installation Up to 70% $20,000 $20,000 $40,000
Staff Training Up to 70% $20,000 $20,000 $40,000
Electronic Devices (multi-use) Up to 50% $20,000 $20,000 $40,000

*April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2028

For funding details regarding the Livestock Tag Reader (LTR) see below.

Livestock Tag Readers

The Livestock Tag Reader (LTR) activity offers cost-shared funding to BC livestock operators to purchase hand-held or panel livestock tag readers, reader installation, related software, and related training. This activity aims to help livestock operators meet federal livestock traceability requirements.

Applicants must be registered in the BC Premises Identification Program to be eligible to apply for Livestock Tag Reader activities.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible Applicants

Eligible participants for the Traceability Adoption program include agriculture, food, or seafood businesses such as:

  • Producers
  • Transporters
  • Packagers
  • Harvesters
  • Warehouses
  • Importers
  • Processors
  • Distributors
  • Exporters

Applicants must:

  • Have an active 9-digit CRA business number.
  • Constitute a legal entity.
  • Be based and operating in BC and file business or farm income taxes in BC.
  • Be registered with the BC Premises Identification Program if animals are raised (as defined in the Premises Identification Regulation made under the Animal Health Act)

Ineligible Applicants

Ineligible participants for the Traceability Adoption program include:

  • Health and/or nutrition supplement processing/handling operations.
  • Pet food processing/handling operations.
  • Restaurants or other food service operations.
  • Industry associations

Eligible Activities and Costs

Eligible activities for the Traceability Adoption Program include:

Hire an Accredited Third-Party Consultant

  • Consultant fees for assessing, planning and/or implementing the project.
  • Consultant fees for developing or improving recall plans, specific to the newly implemented traceability system.
  • Consultant fees for conducting recall exercises of the newly implemented traceability system.
    • IMPORTANT: Fees related to recall plans/exercises cannot be the sole activity in an application.

Note: Consultants must be accredited third-party individuals.­

Purchase/License and Install Hardware

  • Purchases and installation of hardware for traceability systems, including:
    • Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) or barcode readers.
    • Label printers (including those with bag closure functionality).
    • On-site database and web servers.
    • Wireless or wired connectivity within the enterprise, as required for the traceability system.

Purchase/License and Install Software

  • Purchase or new annual licensing/subscription and installation of traceability software to gather, store, process, report, and track information.
    • IMPORTANT: Only that portion of livestock or crop production software with traceability functionality will be eligible for funding.

Train Staff

  • Staff training by vendor (preferred) or approved accredited third-party consultant to implement traceability systems.

Purchase Electronic Devices (multi-use)

  • Incremental costs for the lease, rental, or purchase of a multi-use electronic device(s) to support traceability systems. (Examples: Computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones.)
    • IMPORTANT: Multi-use electronic device(s) cannot be the sole activity in an application.

Ineligible Activities and Costs

Ineligible activities and expenses include:

  • Good and Services Tax (GST).
  • In-kind expenses.
  • Capital costs (such as vehicles, furnishings, land, and buildings).
  • Equipment purchased and/or facility modifications intended to increase capacity.
  • Project consisting solely of multi-use electronic device purchase.
  • Software development project plans.
  • Software maintenance and updates.
  • Taxes and duty or shipping costs.
  • Costs inherent in the day-to-day operations of the business or for ongoing maintenance (e.g. ongoing expenses for employee salaries, existing software subscription costs, etc.).
  • Consumables including livestock ear tags, labels, printer ink, load bars, livestock handling systems, etc.
  • Purchase of multi-purpose/commonly used equipment such as computer hardware/software, digital cameras, GPS; and drainage activities for non-traceability use (e.g. for personal use or general office use).

Note: Purchases made before receiving the approval decision and funding approval letter will not be reimbursed unless participating in Livestock Tag Reader activities.

Livestock Tag Reader Activities

Livestock Tag Reader (LTR) activities are eligible under the Traceability Adoption Program (TAP). All program guidelines for TAP also apply to LTR, except where noted.

To participate you MUST be registered with the BC Premises Identification Program and meet all other eligibility requirements for TAP.

LTR Funding Limits

LTR has a maximum funding amount of $3,500 per fiscal year at a cost-shared ratio of 70%. This $3,500 is inclusive in the $20,000 fiscal year limit and $40,000 program limit.

Eligible Activities Categories Cost-shared ratio Activity Funding Limit (Maximum) Fiscal Year Funding Limit (Maximum) Program Funding Limit (Maximum)*
LTR activities Up to 70% $3,500 $20,000 $40,000

*(April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2028)

Eligible LTR Activities & Costs

  • Purchase and install livestock tag readers (hand-held or panel readers) from the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency’s Approved Livestock Tag Reader List (as of Nov 2021).
  • Related software and installation.
    • Applicants must prove they already have a tag reader in place (proof of purchase) and provide confirmation from either tag reader or software supplier that the two are compatible.
  • Vendor or third-party consultant fees to train staff on livestock tag reader or software.

Retroactive Approval

Livestock Tag Reader activities are eligible for retroactive approval, pending available program funds. The purchase must have been completed in the same fiscal year as the application. For 2024/25, if an eligible purchase was completed on or after April 1, 2024, it is eligible for reimbursement.

Applications

Important Dates

Applications were accepted starting on May 9, 2024, at 9 AM. TAP applications closed on Friday, June 28 at 4PM in anticipation of fully committing 2024/25 fiscal year funding.

Applications will be received, reviewed, and adjudicated on a first-come, first-served basis until available funds are fully committed. Applications may be reviewed by a technical expert for viability and reasonableness. Funding decisions will be sent by email within eight weeks of the complete application submission.

Approved projects may begin on or after May 9, 2024. Applicants will have three months to complete their projects from the date of project approval. All projects must be completed by February 28, 2025.

IAF will provide notice of application closure via this webpage and the TAP newsletter.

  • Applications open: May 9, 2024, at 9 AM
  • Project start date: May 9, 2024 or later*
  • Project close date: Within 3 months of project start date**
  • Projects must be complete by: February 28, 2025

*Livestock Tag Reader Activities can take place retroactively from April 1, 2024, forward.

**While IAF encourages participants to complete and report on their projects promptly, applications for projects requiring longer timelines will also be considered, provided the project can be completed before February 28, 2025.

REMINDER: High demand is expected for TAP. Submit completed application(s) as soon as possible to increase your funding chances. Submitting an application is not a guarantee of funding, projects are funded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are fully committed.

Application Process

Applications are accepted through the IAF Client Portal. The application process consists of:

REMINDER: Do not wait to start this process – it can take up to two business days to validate your organization!

  • Go to IAF’s Client Portal.
  • Create a personal profile (name and email).
  • Provide your organization’s information.
  • IAF will validate your account, then you will receive an email granting you access to the portal. Please note this can take up to two business days.

Select the Traceability Adoption Program from Funding Opportunities, and provide:

  • Additional Site Information (such as project location, farm status, etc.)
  • BC Premises ID number (if applicable) – mandatory for LTR activites
  • Demographic Information
  • Traceability information
  • Selection of activities and project costs per activity
  • Copies of relevant documents
  • Funding request/project budget

Applicants will be required to provide supplementary materials (such as quotes, document with links to relevant websites, etc.) in support of their application. These documents can be uploaded through the IAF Client Portal as attachments to the application.

IAF staff are available to answer questions regarding eligible activities, costs and/or the application process. IAF may also contact applicants for additional information or clarification to assess their application. Applicants can contact tap@iafbc.ca with any questions about the program.

Applicants are encouraged to include only activities they are confident will be completed on time and within budget limits.  

Need help with IAF’s Client Portal?

We’ve created a number of tutorials and FAQs about the IAF Client Portal to help you navigate this resource successfully.

Demographic Information

As this program is funded under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, you are required to provide additional demographic information. The demographic information is collected by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and must be done prior to submitting your application. To provide your demographic information:

  • Start drafting your application in the IAF Client Portal.
  • Copy your application ID (it will be provided to you at the Demographic data section of the application, or see the top of your application form). You will need to put this ID into the Ministry’s form.
  • Visit the Ministry’s webpage through the link on the application and complete the form. (Note: this will open a new browser tab).
  • Once the form is complete, copy the Ministry’s confirmation number and enter it in the application form. It should look something like this AB123456

Note: Demographic information will not be used to assess eligibility for the program.

Review and Adjudication

The TAP is a first-come, first-served program. Before funding decisions are made, project applications are screened and reviewed by IAF and may be reviewed by a technical expert. This review involves:

  • Ensuring application completeness.
  • Organization/Applicant eligibility check.
  • Project alignment and eligibility check.

IAF will email the applicant within eight weeks of submitting a complete application with a funding decision. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is fully committed. All decisions regarding application status are final. All applicants will receive a funding decision email from IAF via the IAF Client Portal. The status of an application can be found in the IAF Client Portal.

Notifications & Obligations

Funding Notifications & Contracts

If the project is approved, IAF will notify the applicant of the details of the decision and any associated terms and conditions by email. Notification will be provided within eight weeks of a completed application submission.

Funding is application and project-specific and must be used for the approved project and related expenses. Funds are non-transferable. Retroactive costs will not be considered, except for Livestock Tag Reader activities.

Approved projects may begin on or after May 9, 2024, and must be completed within three months of approval. Livestock Tag Reader participants are eligible for activities starting on or after April 1, 2024, and must be complete with three months of approval. If the project is not approved, the applicant will receive an email response from IAF.

Funding Acknowledgement

This program is funded by the Governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. As such, acknowledgement of funding is required when publicly communicating about a project. To ensure appropriate acknowledgement, all communications and marketing materials, including public announcements or social media posts, must be pre-approved by the IAF Communications Team. Details on how to correctly acknowledge funding can be found on the project resource hub. Materials must be submitted via the IAF Client Portal.

Reporting Requirements

Successful applicants must complete a project report prior to receiving funds from the program. This report must be filled out and submitted to IAF along with all invoices for the project to be considered for funding reimbursement. It is important that the final report is submitted on time and with all required information. Expenses will be reimbursed based on the submitted receipts, the approved project budget, and the corresponding cost-share ratio. All reporting will be completed via the IAF Client Portal.

Apply

TAP applications closed on Friday, June 28 in anticipation of fully committing 2024/25 fiscal year funding.

Resources

FAQ

Your organization must register through the IAF Client Portal to apply to IAF programs. Please note, if you have not already registered this process can take up to 2 business days and must be completed before the application deadline.

Yes, nursery and floriculture production businesses are eligible for TAP.

Yes, provided you do not exceed the maximum of $20,000 funding per fiscal year (April 1 to March 31), and $40,000 over the lifetime of the program (April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2028).

A complete application is an application that doesn’t require edits or more information. If an application is incomplete, IAF will return the application via the IAF Client Portal for resubmission with missing information/clarifications requested.

NOTE: The timestamp at the time of submission or resubmission is what determines your position in the first-come, first-serve queue. If the application is sent back to you, the application will move to the bottom of the queue upon resubmission.

No, provided the last time you completed the form was in the same fiscal year, you can input the confirmation number provided by the Ministry into another application form. If you last completed the form a year or more ago, please complete a new Demographic Data Collection Survey for IAF Applicants.

Please provide the status of the permit and any supporting documentation at the time of application.

All recipients are required to comply with all necessary laws and regulations.

Yes. Eligible participants may apply for funding each year for eligible activities.

The fiscal year maximum funding cap for the Traceability Adoption Program is $20,000 per applicant. There is a four-year cap of $40,000 per farm or organization (covering fiscal years: 2024/25 to 2027/28).

IAF recommends that you reach out to the livestock or crop production software provider for an estimate of the traceability functionality included in their software. A letter or email from the software provider (on letterhead or similar) should be uploaded to your application to confirm the eligible amount

Yes, any funding received as a part of Livestock Tag Reader activities is included in the maximum funding amounts.

IAF’s technical experts have extensive experience and expertise in food traceability and safety. They may review applications for viability (example: is it possible to complete the activities?) and reasonableness (examples: is the funding requested reasonable? Are the outlined activities reasonable for the applicant’s business?).

IAF is committed to providing funding decisions within 8 weeks of a complete application submission. If IAF staff have reached out to you for more information or clarification and you are asked to resubmit, the date you submit the final and complete application is the start of the 8 weeks.

No, purchases made prior to receiving the approval decision and notification will not be reimbursed, unless you are participating in Livestock Tag Reader activities, which are eligible for retroactive reimbursement (provided purchased on or after April 1, 2024).

Project close 3 months after the project start date. All projects in the 2024/25 fiscal year must be complete by February 28, 2025.

If you feel you will not meet your deadlines, please contact the program team as soon as possible.

Please submit your claim (or report) via the IAF Client Portal. For more information follow the instructions found on the TAP Project Resource Hub.

IAF provides payments by EFT (direct deposit). To get your EFT information set up to ensure timely delivery of your payment(s), please follow the directions provided here to update your client portal.

Have a Question?

Contact the IAF Team

Program Guide

Download the Program Guide.

Funding Acknowledgement Requirements

Download the Funding Acknowledgement Requirements.

Have an Active Project?

Please visit the program’s Project Resource Hub for more information.

BC Premises Identification Program

All operations in which animals are raised are required to be registered in the BC Premises Identification Program.

Approved Livestock Tag Readers

Download the list of Canadian Cattle Identification Agency’s approved livestock tag readers.

Previously Adopted Software Vendor List

Download a list of software vendors which offer software that has been successfully adopted by recipients of Traceability Adoption Program funding.

Land Owner Statement

Download the Land Owner Statement for the Traceability Adoption Program.

Traceability Experts List

Download a list of pre-approved Traceability Experts.

Funding provided by:

Sustainable CAP Logo, Province of BC Logo, Government of Canada Logo

Please note: the Government of BC may, from time to time, give instructions to IAF in relation to the delivery and administration of this program. IAF must and will comply with those instructions.