More than 27 agriculture grants presented (in the same format so it’s easy to understand!)
Top-secret grant-winning sauce
Other Agriculture resources
2026 Update:
I’ve been writing and winning agriculture grants for over 13 years. If you want me to teach you how to write and win them, sign up for my Advanced Grant Writing Course.
Do grants exist in agriculture?
Yes
Are there many?
Yes.
Where are they?
Further down this blog.
Download Now! Five Grant Gotchas
There is grant money waiting for YOU! BUT if you step in a “grant trap,” your application is a NO! Learn the FIVE most common errors to AVOID in government grants! Get the 5 Grant Gotchas now to save you countless hours.
Agriculture is the All-You-Can-Eat buffet for grants. Food safety, staff, equipment – they are just full of grants.
If you want to know why, I recommend you register for a political science class.
If you just want to grow your agriculture business, then you should keep reading. This article is likely the best work thing to happen to you all day!
Weeks of research delivered on a silver platter for FREE!
As you will see below, I have laid out all the grants in the same format. You can link to further information as well.
Don’t forget at the end of this grant list, I leave you one of my best secret grant-winning tips!
Have fun!
On-Farm Efficiency Program
Value: The overall program funding maximum per applicant is $150,000 over the duration of the program term (2024-2028).
Description:
The intent of the On-Farm Efficiency Program (OFEP) is to support producers in achieving environmental benefits by improving the efficient use of agricultural inputs. These practices contribute to environmental sustainability by:
reducing emissions
minimizing chemical runoff
promoting the efficient use of natural resources
New technologies that are progressive, commercially available, and that have already been successful in Alberta are most likely to be successful in applications.
The program has 4 Streams. The maximum funding per Stream over the duration of the program is:
$50,000 for Smart Farm Technology
$50,000 for Energy Efficiency
$2,000 for Farm Security
$100,000 for Efficient Grain Handling
Eligibility:
Primary producer that is:
responsible for the day-to-day management of an agricultural operation (such as an annual crop, bee, or livestock operation) in Alberta that produces at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually
responsible for input costs for that operation
not a landlord whose only interest in the operation is ownership
Value: Maximum grant funding provided by this program is $1,000,000 per fiscal year, to a project maximum of $2,000,000.
Description:
The Emerging Opportunities Grant Program supports the Government of Alberta’s strategic objectives related to growth and development of Alberta’s value-added agriculture sector. The program supports projects that focus on innovation and result in significant company growth and sector impact. Projects can include new technologies, best new practises, significant capacity expansions and new builds.
Eligible Applicants:
To be eligible for this program, an entity must be:
registered and operating in Alberta
Eligible applicants not operating in Alberta at the time of application must prove they will operate in Alberta and meet the intended project outcomes by no later than March 31, 2028.
in good standing in accordance with applicable legislation
an agriculture or bio-industrial processor, or an industry organization
Eligible Projects:
Projects conducted by agriculture and bio-industrial processors must have a minimum total project investment of $2 million.
Industry organizations do not have a minimum total project investment value.
Eligible projects must include one or a combination of the following activities:
equipment and engineering related to new processing facilities and significant expansion projects that increase processing capacity in Alberta
initiatives that explore market opportunities and directly address barriers to export and new market access
activities that promote collaboration amongst companies to grow the sector
any other activity deemed eligible by the Minister that supports an emerging opportunity in the sector
Value: Eligible capital expenses: will be cost-shared at 25% grant and 75% applicant. Eligible non-capital expenses: will be cost-shared at 50% grant and 50% applicant up to a maximum total amount of $50,000. The $50,000 maximum includes a $5,000 maximum for travel expenses.
Description:
The On-Farm Value-Added Grant Program supports primary producers in adding value to their agricultural products to grow sales, expand production capacity, explore market opportunities and create jobs in Alberta.
The program has 2 streams:
On-Farm Value-Added Stream A: (maximum grant $50,000) applications are assessed based on eligibility criteria
On-Farm Value-Added Stream B: (grant over $50,000 to maximum grant $250,000) applications are assessed based on eligibility criteria and merit scoring.
Eligible Applicants:
To be eligible, an applicant must:
be a primary producer
be an individual or a corporation registered in Alberta that is operating in Alberta, or that can establish to the satisfaction of the minister that it will operate in Alberta
be responsible for input costs for crops, bees or livestock
produce at least $25,000 worth of commercial agriculture production annually
not be a landlord whose only interest in the crop, bee, cattle operation is ownership of the land
be adding value past harvest or slaughter of the agricultural product
Eligible activities
Applicants can apply for activities under one or more of these funding categories:
Value: The program funding maximums are: $150,000 – active primary producers; $300,000 – Grazing Reserve Associations/operators of a Community Pasture, or an approved Indigenous applicant.
Description:
Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP) funding is offered on a per-acre payment basis for a term of 3 years. In this way, RALP can better support producers in their ability to implement projects on their land that over time can provide significant benefits for the producer, the public and future generations.
Eligible Applicants:
Primary producer: an individual, a corporation registered in Alberta, a post-secondary institution, or an applied research/forage association that is:
responsible for the day-to-day management of an agricultural operation (such as an annual crop, bee, or livestock operation) in Alberta that produces at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually
responsible for input costs for that operation
not a landlord whose only interest in the operation is ownership
Grazing Reserve Association
Operator of a Community Pasture
Approved Indigenous applicants
Eligible activities:
Funding is available under the following categories.
pasture management
cropland conversion
tree establishment
wetland
Deadline: Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a continuous basis within each intake cycle year.
Intake cycle schedule (retroactive to the start of the intake year)
Year 3: February 1, 2025 – November 30, 2025
Wetland intake cycle schedule (retroactive to the start of the intake year)
Value: Eligible capital expenses shall be cost-shared at 25% grant and 75% applicant. Eligible non-capital expenses shall be cost-shared at 50% grant and 50% applicant up to a maximum total amount of $50,000. The $50,000 maximum includes a $5,000 maximum for travel expenses.
Description:
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership Value-Added Program supports the diversification and growth of Alberta’s value-added food and bio-industrial processors through investment in projects that increase company sales and production capacity, expand market opportunities and create jobs in Alberta.
The program has 2 streams:
Value-Added Stream A: (maximum grant $50,000) applications are assessed based on eligibility criteria
Value-Added Stream B: (grant over $50,000 to maximum grant $250,000) applications are assessed based on eligibility criteria and merit scoring
Eligible Applicants:
To be eligible, an applicant must be:
a bio-industrial processor or food processor that is in the business of changing an agricultural product into a value-added product
an individual or a corporation registered in Alberta that is operating in Alberta, or that can establish to the satisfaction of the minister that it will operate in Alberta
For the purposes of Stream B, an applicant must also have $100,000 or greater in global annual gross sales at the time of application.
Eligible activities:
Applicants can apply for activities under one or more of these funding categories:
Value: On-Farm Irrigation Stream projects: up to $15,000 per parcel; On-Farm Water Supply Stream projects: maximum of $35,000 per applicant for the period April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2028.
Description:
The Water Program supports agricultural water management by helping primary producers adopt agriculture water better management practices and priority actions. This supports better management of risks to water quality and supplies, adaptation to climate variability and the efficient use of water resources.
An applicant may apply to one or both of the program streams:
On-Farm Irrigation Stream
On-Farm Water Supply Stream
Eligible Applicants:
On-Farm Irrigation Stream: an applicant must be a primary producer operating in Alberta that:
is responsible for input costs or agricultural crops or livestock producing at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually
does not include a landlord whose only interest in the crop or livestock is that of ownership of the land
owns an irrigated agricultural operation in Alberta
has not been previously approved for payment from the program for the same project type for the parcel described in the application
On-Farm Water Supply Stream: an applicant must be a primary producer that:
is responsible for input costs or agricultural crops or livestock producing at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually, but does not include a landlord whose only interest in the crop or livestock is that of ownership of the land
is liable to pay Alberta income tax or corporate tax (or claim losses) on income from the production of farm commodities under the Income Tax Act (Canada) or the Alberta Corporate Tax Act
Value: The maximum grant payable for eligible non-capital expenses is $250,000 per year, per grant agreement.
Description:
The Resiliency and Public Trust Program enables stakeholders to gain resiliency and build public trust in Alberta’s agriculture and agri-food sectors. This includes opportunities for better awareness and education about industry best practices and the development, adoption and enhancement of assurance systems that will help to build trust and resiliency in the industry.
Maximums
You may not receive more than $500,000 per year under your grant agreement.
The maximum grant payable for eligible non-capital expenses is $250,000 per year, per grant agreement.
Cost shares
Eligible non-capital expenses shall be cost-shared at 60% grant and 40% eligible applicant.
Eligible capital expenses shall be cost-shared 25% grant and 75% eligible applicant.
Eligible Applicants
The following entities are eligible to apply for this program:
agri-processors
industry organizations
fee-for-service providers
post-secondary institutions
not-for-profit organizations, registered in Alberta, that have been operating for a minimum of one year and whose provincial or federal filings are up to date
municipalities
school authorities
any other person deemed by the Minister to be eligible for the program
Indigenous applicants
The province is committed to supporting the success of Indigenous businesses in the agriculture and food sector. We understand that Indigenous businesses may have distinct characteristics reflective of regulatory, operational, cultural, and other factors affecting their business history and operation. We aim for flexibility in our programs. In this provision, “Indigenous” means First Nations, Inuit, or Métis.
Eligible Expenses
The program aims to support the agriculture and agri-food sectors in adapting to evolving challenges, promoting sustainable practices, and building public trust. This will ensure a resilient and prosperous future for Alberta agriculture.
Priority areas to increase resiliency and public trust include:
animal health
animal welfare
biosecurity
sustainability integration
food safety
plant health
apiculture
quality standards
livestock traceability
mental health
farm safety
agriculture literacy
youth agriculture education
industry governance
Deadline Date
Applications being accepted.
Contact
Contact Name: Resiliency and Public Trust Program team
Accelerating Agricultural Innovations 2.0 │ Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR)
Value: Varies.
Description:
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a five-year, $3.5B investment by Canada’s federal, provincial, and territorial governments that supports Canada’s agri-food and agri-products sectors. This includes $1B in federal programs and activities and a $2.5B commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
The launch of AAI 2.0 marks an ambitious path forward in Alberta. Supporting RDAR’s mandate to target strategic investment in producer-led, results-driven agriculture research, AAI 2.0 program funding will power new projects that increase competitiveness, profitability, productivity, and sustainability in Alberta agriculture.
Eligible applicants:
RDAR invites eligible applicants to submit Letters of Intent (LOI)s that support research projects that demonstrate and accelerate the farm-gate adoption of agricultural innovations and processes for the livestock and crop industries in Alberta. Applicants must be one of the following
an Industry Organization;
a Municipal Government or an agency of a Municipal Government;
a Post-Secondary Institution;
a Primary Producer;
a for-profit Legal Entity, including research companies and businesses offering custom services, consulting, or general services to agricultural clients; or
There is grant money waiting for YOU! BUT if you step in a “grant trap,” your application is a NO! Learn the FIVE most common errors to AVOID in government grants! Get the 5 Grant Gotchas now to save you countless hours.
Alberta Innovates – Agri-Food and Bioindustrial Innovation Program
Value: Up to $500,000 per project and up to 75% of total project costs.
Description: The Agri-food and Bioindustrial Innovation Program aims to support the development of technologies that provide solutions to the challenges faced by the agri-food and bioindustrial sectors in Alberta. The objectives of the Agri-Food and Bioindustrial Innovation Program are to:
Sustain, grow, and optimize productivity, while reducing the cost of production of Alberta’s agri-food and bioindustrial industries.
Add value to enhanced and new commodities in the agri-food and bioindustrial sectors.
Increase environmental sustainability and social benefits for Albertans.
Eligibility: This program is open to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), industry organizations, research and development organizations, post-secondary institutions, and government research laboratories. Applicants don’t need to be based in Alberta, but their project must demonstrate clear benefits for the province. We will prioritize projects taking place in Alberta with long-term positive impacts for the province.
Eligible Expenses: Strategic focus areas include:
Data and digital solutions: new applications for digitalization of the agri-food and bioindustrial sectors and supply chain functionality, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain technology.
Autonomous systems: development of automated solutions for operational processes or monitoring to optimize agri-food and biomaterial processing, including novel robotics technology and integrated monitoring systems.
Agricultural biotechnology: use of novel molecular tools, beyond conventional breeding, genomic and gene editing approaches, to mitigate the impact of biotic and abiotic stress, increase farm productivity, and improve environmental sustainability.
Food processing innovation: development of novel solutions for food waste reduction, smart packaging, emerging food processing technologies and integrated supply chain solutions.
Biofiber utilization: novel utilization of wood resources, agriculture residues and waste streams from industrial crops.
Value-added biomass: development of bio-based products, processes, productions and systems to enhance the value of biofibres in Alberta.
Green construction: development of construction industrialization and sustainable building practices to increase productivity, improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact and achieve a low-carbon future throughout the building lifecycle.
Deadline: Application submission is on a continuous intake. There is no deadline to apply.
RDAR (Results Driven Agriculture Research) works with our partners to accelerate the impact of agriculture research in Alberta. Our priorities meet producers’ needs. RDAR is committed to directing strategic investments in research and innovation that can maximize benefits and increase profitability. By collaborating with producers and researchers, we tap into existing talent and fund ideas generated by innovators to push the boundaries of Alberta’s agriculture potential. Our activities are funded through the Canadian Agriculture Partnership, a federal-provincial investment in strategic programs and initiatives for the agriculture sector and tasked with directing the Government of Alberta’s $37 million annual commitment to agriculture research.
RDAR funds research that supports:
Enhanced productivity, profitability and competitiveness
Sustainable and responsible agricultural production
Market demands; food safety, quality, value-added products and diversification
Extension and knowledge transfer
Click here to learn current opportunities to access funding
Encourages improvement in agriculture and in the quality of life of persons living in an agricultural community.
Agricultural Societies Infrastructure Revitalization Program – The Agricultural Societies Infrastructure Revitalization Program provides annual capital funding to help agricultural societies make major repairs to existing infrastructure. In 2024/25, the program awarded $2.5 million in grants to ag societies around the province.
There is grant money waiting for YOU! BUT if you step in a “grant trap,” your application is a NO! Learn the FIVE most common errors to AVOID in government grants! Get the 5 Grant Gotchas now to save you countless hours.
Federally funded programs:
AgriMarketing Program | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Value: The maximum AAFC contribution toward a project will normally not exceed $2 million per year. If you have multiple projects funded under this program, the total of all projects cannot exceed $2 million per year or a maximum of $10 million over 5 years.
support national agricultural sectors to increase and diversify exports to international markets and seize domestic market opportunities
grow the economy by increasing and diversifying Canadian exports of agriculture, agri-food, agri-based products, including fish and seafood, by increasing the visibility of Canadian products and increasing the capacity of exporting producers to identify and seize market development opportunities in targeted markets
Eligible Applicants:
You are a not-for-profit organization (an organization that operates solely for social welfare, civic improvement, pleasure or recreation, or any other purpose except profit) or Indigenous organization (a First Nation, Métis or Inuit organization)
You demonstrate the ability to deliver a national and/or agriculture and agri-food sector-wide project
You are a legal entity capable of entering into legal binding agreements
Eligible Activities:
industry-wide advertising and promotion, including in-store and food service promotions and product demonstrations for buyers (businesses and consumers)
incoming, outgoing and exploratory missions to advance market development and trade- visit travel advice and advisories by destination (Government of Canada).
market research that aligns with the objectives of the program
technical training for buyers about Canadian products and product handling
trade seminars designed to inform industry representatives of specific attributes of Canadian agriculture, agri-food, fish and seafood products
industry-to-industry trade advocacy (note: activities aimed at lobbying Canadian and foreign governments are ineligible)
participation in or attendance at signature trade shows and multilateral industry meetings and conferences
Deadline: Applications will be accepted from March 6, 2023 until September 30, 2027; however, the application period may close sooner if funding has been fully committed or otherwise announced here. The program ends March 31, 2028.
AgriCompetitiveness Program | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Value: The maximum Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) contribution toward a project will normally not exceed $1 million per year or a maximum of $5 million over 5 years. The maximum AAFC contribution for a project undertaken by a national fair to carry out awareness or educational activities during the fair will normally not exceed $100,000 per year or a maximum of $500,000 over 5 years.
encourage projects that aim to increase sector development of environmental information and benchmarking
assist industry-led efforts to provide information needed to build capacity and enhance the sector’s development
support sector-led activities such as producer-oriented seminars and conferences that identify industry best practices and build the capacity of the sector to allow agri-businesses to transition, adapt, and improve their profitability by nurturing entrepreneurial capacity and cultivating industry leadership
support projects undertaken by national domestic agricultural fairs and exhibitions that deliver broad agricultural awareness and educational activities, and strengthen public trust about the origin of food and how it is produced
focus on projects that improve farm management, including risk management activities, as well as deliver farm safety information and tools
Eligible Applicants:
You are a not-for-profit organization (an organization that operates solely for social welfare, civic improvement, pleasure or recreation, or any other purpose except profit) or Indigenous organization (a First Nation, Métis or Inuit organization)
You demonstrate the ability to deliver a national and/or agriculture and agri-food sector-wide project
You are a legal entity capable of entering into legal binding agreements
Deadline: Closed. Information about the second intake of applications will be available here in February 2025, for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 program years.
incent targeted commercialization, demonstration and/or adoption of innovative technologies and processes that increase agricultural and agri-food sector competitiveness and sustainability benefits
Eligible Applicants:
You are a for-profit organization that is incorporated in Canada
Businesses and/or corporations
Co-operatives
Corporations and cooperatives in Indigenous communities
You are a legal entity capable of entering into legal binding agreements
Eligible Costs:
Eligible costs under the program are the incremental, relevant, reasonable and essential expenses required to carry out the eligible activities to which they relate as specifically set out in the contribution agreement.
Eligible costs will not necessarily include all or be limited to the following:
Capital expenditures
Contracted services
Salaries/ Benefits
Other direct project costs
Deadline:
Due to high demand, the AgriInnovate Program intake will close soon. Apply as soon as possible to meet the following deadlines:
November 30, 2025 — deadline to submit a Project Summary Form
December 31, 2025 — deadline to submit a full application (if invited to apply)
Applications received after the deadlines will not be considered.
AgriScience Program – Clusters | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Value: The AAFC funding for a Cluster (combined contribution funding and collaborative research assistance) will not exceed $15 million and will be no less than $5 million over 5 years (combined Vote 1 and Vote 10).
Description:
The AgriScience Program, under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), aims to accelerate innovation by providing funding and support for pre-commercial science activities and research that benefits the agriculture and agri-food sector and Canadians.
The program has 2 components:
Clusters Component — supports projects intended to mobilize industry, government and academia through partnerships, and address priority national themes and horizontal issues
Projects Component — supports a single project or a smaller set of projects that would be less comprehensive than a Cluster.
Eligible Applicants:
You must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible.
You are a not-for-profit organization (an organization that operate solely for social welfare, civic or collective improvement, pleasure or recreation, or any other purpose except profit)
You consent to share a summary of your proposal with other federal departments and other provincial and territorial governments
You are a legal entity capable of entering into legal binding agreements
Eligible areas of research:
The areas of research identified below are subject to specific AAFC guidance.
AgriScience Program – Projects | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Value: The maximum funding for any single project is $5 million over the duration of the program (2023 to 2028). The maximum total funding available to you under the projects component of the program is $10 million over the duration of the program (2023 to 2028).
Description:
The AgriScience Program, under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), aims to accelerate innovation by providing funding and support for pre-commercial science activities and research that benefits the agriculture and agri-food sector and Canadians.
The program has 2 components:
Clusters Component — supports projects intended to mobilize industry, government and academia through partnerships, and address priority national themes and horizontal issues
Projects Component — supports a single project or a smaller set of projects that would be less comprehensive than a Cluster.
Eligible Applicants:
You must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible.
You are a for-profit or not-for-profit organization
You consent to share a summary of your proposal with other federal departments and other provincial and territorial governments
You are a legal entity capable of entering into legal binding agreements
Eligible areas of research:
The areas of research identified below are subject to specific AAFC guidance.
Health claims and human clinical trials
Variety development
Pest and disease surveillance
Indigenous knowledge and science priorities
Deadline: Applications will be accepted until funding has been fully committed or until otherwise announced here. The program ends March 31, 2028.
You must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible.
You are one of the following organization types
Not-for-profit: Organizations that operate solely for social welfare, civic improvement, pleasure or recreation, or any other purpose except profit.
Not-for-profit Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) organization: A First Nation, Métis or Inuit organization.
Academia: Organizations involved in providing education or developing educational materials or tools.
You demonstrate the ability to deliver a national and/or agriculture and agri-food sector-wide project that includes
You are a legal entity capable of entering into legal binding agreements
Eligible activities:
Building entrepreneurial capacity and business skills
Developing skills to take on a greater industry leadership roles
Enhancing involvement in the agriculture sector, including awareness of career opportunities
Strengthening their capacity to be leaders in the sector
Deadline: The application intake period is now closed. Information on the second intake for the 2025-2026, 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 program years will be available here in December 2024.
contribute to the overarching objectives of Resiliency and Public Trust Strategic Initiatives of Sustainable CAP by enabling the development and adoption of industry-led sector-specific assurance systems to manage risks, enhance resiliency and address market considerations and challenges to public trust at the national level
help small and medium-sized enterprises export products by supporting the adoption of assurance systems and tools to make verifiable claims in order to meet market requirements
The program has 2 components:
National Industry Association Component
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Component
Eligible Applicants:
You must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible.
You are a not-for-profit organization (an organization that operates solely for social welfare, civic improvement, pleasure or recreation, or any other purpose except profit) or Indigenous organization (a First Nation, Métis or Inuit organization)
You demonstrate the ability to deliver a national and/or agriculture and agri-food sector-wide project
You are a legal entity capable of entering into legal binding agreements
Eligible activities:
Eligible activities for the National Industry Association Component are of the following nature and type:
development, maintenance, enhancement, and integration of assurance systems, standards, and tools
benchmarking of assurance systems and standards to international or private standards
development of industry-led surveillance systems for the ongoing, systematic collection, analysis, and sharing of high-quality data
integrating assurance systems throughout the value-chain and leveraging digital platforms and technologies to increase proactive risk management
development and operation of data storage and data management systems above and beyond normal organizational operations
communication, knowledge transfer, and dissemination of standards, systems, and tools
alignment of Environmental Farm Plans and Best Management Practices
development of commodity-level roadmaps for 5 to 10 years to facilitate greater integration of assurance systems and coordination of programming nationally
other activities that support the objective of the program
Deadline: Due to the high demand, the application intake period is now closed. Additional application dates may be announced in the future. The program ends March 31, 2028.
AgriAssurance Program – Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Component | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Value: The maximum Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) contribution toward a project will normally not exceed $50,000. If you have multiple projects funded under this component, the total of all projects cannot exceed $100,000.
contribute to the overarching objectives of Resiliency and Public Trust Strategic Initiatives of Sustainable CAP by enabling the development and adoption of industry-led sector-specific assurance systems to manage risks, enhance resiliency and address market considerations and challenges to public trust at the national level
help small and medium-sized enterprises export products by supporting the adoption of assurance systems and tools to make verifiable claims in order to meet market requirements
The program has 2 components:
National Industry Association Component
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Component
Eligible Applicants:
You must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible.
You are a not-for-profit organization (an organization that operates solely for social welfare, civic improvement, pleasure or recreation, or any other purpose except profit) or Indigenous organization (a First Nation, Métis or Inuit organization)
You operate in the agriculture, agri-food and agri-products industry including the fish and seafood industry
You are directly involved in growing, harvesting, processing, or otherwise transforming or consolidating your products
Your project is aimed at meeting actual market-specific certification requirements (support under this component is only provided for initial certifications, not subsequent renewals)
You have up to 500 full-time equivalent employees
Your annual revenues don’t exceed $100 million
You are a legal entity capable of entering into legal binding agreements
Eligible activities:
contracting professional services to obtain the certification for agricultural and agri-food products required to access a specific export opportunity or domestic markets
the salary of individuals dedicated to working on the development of documents and/or training for such certification
travelling to enable the certification
lab testing costs required to obtain the certification or recognition
Deadline: Applications will be accepted from March 6, 2023 until September 30, 2027; however, the application period may close sooner if funding has been fully committed or otherwise announced here. The program ends March 31, 2028.
Supply Management Processing Investment Fund │ Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Value: Over the life of the program, the maximum AAFC contribution to an organization will normally not exceed:
$10 million for dairy processors
$5 million to all other eligible applicants
The overall program budget from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2028, is $397.5 million.
Description:
The Supply Management Processing Investment Fund (SMPIF) helps processors of supply-managed commodities adapt to market changes resulting from the implementation of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The program provides non-repayable contributions to support investments in dairy, poultry, and egg processing facilities that improve productivity and/or efficiency through the purchase of new automated equipment and technology.
Eligibility:
Eligible applicants are:
for-profit organizations, including corporations and cooperatives; processors of supply-managed commodities; Dairy processors; Poultry Primary processors (chicken and turkey); Poultry Further processors (chicken and turkey); Hatcheries (broiler, egg-type or turkey); Egg graders; Egg processors
In addition, eligible applicants must be:
federally or provincially registered legal entities capable of entering into legally binding agreements; operating in Canada; processors buying domestic raw commodities; holding an active federal or provincial licence to carry out activities with respect to food processing and; able to provide financial statements demonstrating ongoing revenues from processing for a minimum of 2 years prior to application
Priority consideration will be given to:
small and medium enterprises (SMEs); first-time applicants; projects that improve productivity
Eligible Expenses
The following costs are eligible if they are reasonable and directly related to the project:
Costs for the purchase and installation of new equipment
Costs related to the contracting of external expertise for services related to the equipment installation
Costs for the modification of the processing facility necessary for the installation of the equipment
Deadline: The application intake period for contribution funding is now open. Applicants may apply at any point during the life of the program until available funds have been fully allocated. Once all funds have been allocated, a notice will be posted on this website.
Price Pooling Program │ Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Value: Varies.
Description:
The Price Pooling Program provides a price guarantee that protects marketing agencies and producers against unanticipated declines in the market price of their products. Program participants use the price guarantee as security in obtaining credit from lending institutions.
Under the Price Pooling Program, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food enters into an agreement with a marketing agency (associations of producers, processor or selling agent) for the marketing of agricultural products under a cooperative plan.
Eligibility:
The Price Pooling Program is open to any marketing agency that meets the definition in Section 2(1) of the Agricultural Marketing Programs Act:
an association of producers whose objective is the marketing, under a cooperative plan, of agricultural products produced by the producers
a person engaged in the processing of agricultural products for marketing under a cooperative plan
a person authorized by one or more associations or persons mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b) to market agricultural products under a single cooperative plan
Eligible agricultural products:
an animal, a plant or an animal or plant product
a product, including any food or drink that is wholly or partly derived from an animal or plant
Deadline: Open.
Contact: Price Pooling Program │ 1-866-367-8506 (toll free) or 613-773-2600 │ aafc.fgp-pgf.aac@agr.gc.ca
The Agriculture Funding Consortium (AFC) is a voluntary body that has no legal standing and is comprised of a number of organizations, each of which is responsible for establishing its own research and innovation priorities and investment mandate.
The purpose of the AFC is a collaborative one-window approach to coordinate the application, review and funding process for proposed agriculture and food research and innovation projects and stimulate private/public sector participation in Alberta’s agriculture and the food industry
Eligibility:
The applicant and the project team may be comprised of qualified researchers from the following types of organizations:
Provincial governments and their public agencies;
Federal government and federal crown corporations;
Non-profit research institutions;
Academic institutions, including universities, colleges, and technical schools;
Industry associations serving the agriculture, food and beverage industry;
Existing or prospective companies and supply chain partners that can increase the value and sales of Alberta products; and/or
Other research institutions, firms or enterprises approved by the members of the AFC.
Eligible Expenses:
Personnel – research team: Time for specific activities on the project, prorated at usual annual salary rates, only for investigators not already employed by the institution or the collaborating institution conducting the project.
Personnel – consultants: Outside consultants justified as essential to the project.
Administration and Management of Project Finances: Eligibility of “direct” or “indirect” costs will vary with the policy of the AFC member.
Travel: Travel to project sites.
Capital Assets/ Equipment: Purchase cost of equipment directly required for the project up to a maximum of 10-20%* of total project costs.
Supplies: Cost of supplies directly required for the project.
Communication, and Knowledge Dissemination (CDL): Audio-visual and other costs to support uptake of results; Costs relating to linkage and exchange such as costs of meetings, teleconferences, etc.; Publishing costs.
Deadline:
February 18, 2026 AFC Call Opens
February 20, 2026 Webinar #1 – Tailoring Proposals to Funder Priorities
April 1, 2026 Letters of Intent (LOIs) Due
June 2, 2026 Invitations to Full Proposal
June 5, 2026 Webinar #2 – How to Address Feedback Appropriately & Overview of the Review Process
July 23, 2026 Full Proposal Deadline
December 18, 2026 Funding Decision Announcements
There is grant money waiting for YOU! BUT if you step in a “grant trap,” your application is a NO! Learn the FIVE most common errors to AVOID in government grants! Get the 5 Grant Gotchas now to save you countless hours.
Business risk management programs
AgriStability | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Value: Starting with the 2023 program year, the compensation rate under AgriStability will increase from 70% to 80%. You may receive a payment if your production margin in the current year falls below your historical reference margin by more than 30%. AgriStability covers 80% of the loss for every dollar below the threshold.
Description:
AgriStability protects Canadian producers against large declines in farming income for reasons such as production loss, increased costs and market conditions. AgriStability is a margin based program designed to help producers manage large income declines. Each year, you must enrol in the program, pay your fee and submit a form by the applicable deadlines.
Eligible Applicants:
You are eligible to participate in AgriStability if you:
farm in Canada
file an income tax return reporting farming income (loss) to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) by the final filing deadline for the program year
filed farming income (loss) for tax purposes for all reference years in which you farmed
complete a minimum of six consecutive months of farming activity and a production cycle, unless you experienced a disaster
enrol in the program, pay your fee and file a form by the applicable deadlines
Participants include:
individual producers
partners in a partnership
corporations
co-operatives
communal organizations
landlords in a joint venture
estates
trusts
limited partnerships
Status Indians and Band Farms farming on a reserve
Important changes to AgriStability start with the 2024 program year:
The final deadline to submit your AgriStability program forms will change
New optional program features will be made available to participants
Value: You get a payment when you experience a production loss during the year. We contribute a portion of total premiums and administrative costs to this provincially delivered program. We also provide a reinsurance arrangement (deficit financing) to provinces.
Description:
AgriInsurance aims to reduce the financial impacts of production losses by providing affordable insurance protection and by offering reinsurance. AgriInsurance is a federal-provincial-producer cost-shared program, delivered provincially, that stabilizes your income by minimizing the economic effects of primarily production losses caused by severe but uncontrollable natural hazards.
Examples of possible eligible perils:
drought
flood
wind
frost
excessive rain, heat, snow
uncontrolled disease
insect infestations
wildlife
Eligible Applicants:
Currently, 5 provinces participate in the reinsurance arrangement:
Alberta
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Saskatchewan
The program is currently available to most producers in all provinces. Eligibility criteria for this program, as established at the provincial level, will continue to evolve as provinces add new commodities to their lists of insurable agricultural products. The Provincial contact information section provides links to program details in each province.
Commodities covered by the program:
Examples of traditional crops the plans cover: wheat, corn, oats, barley
Examples of horticultural crops the plans cover: lettuce, strawberries, carrots, eggplants
Some provinces also provide coverage for bee mortality as well as maple syrup production
Value: Each year, you can deposit up to 100% of your Allowable Net Sales to your AgriInvest account and receive a matching government contribution on 1% of your Allowable Net Sales.
Description:
AgriInvest is one of the Business Risk Management programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) five-year, $3 billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the agriculture and agri-food sector. AgriInvest is a self-managed producer-government savings account designed to help you manage small income declines and make investments to manage risk and improve market income.
Your AgriInvest account grows as you make deposits, receive matching government contributions and earn interest. You can withdraw funds from your AgriInvest account any time. Funds are withdrawn from your account in the following order:
Fund 2 – government contributions and interest (included in income for tax purposes)
Fund 1 – your deposits (not taxable)
Eligible Applicants:
farm in Canada
file an income tax return reporting farming income (loss) to the Canada Revenue Agency by the final filing deadline for the program year
file an AgriInvest form reporting sales and purchases of allowable commodities by the final deadline for the program year
Participants include: individual producers, partners in a partnership, corporations, co-operatives, communal organizations, landlords in a joint venture, estates, trusts, limited partnerships, Status Indians and Band Farms farming on a reserve, custom feedlot operators
Deadline: The application intake period for the program is open.
Value: Compensate affected producers for up to 70% of the extraordinary costs.
Description:
The AgriRecovery Framework is part of a suite of federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) Business Risk Management (BRM) tools under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. AgriRecovery is an FPT disaster relief framework intended to work together with the core BRM programs to help agricultural producers recover from natural disasters.
Types of disaster events can be considered for assistance under AgriRecovery
Those associated with natural disaster events such as:
Disease (e.g., Bovine Tuberculosis, Potato Wart);
Pest infestation (e.g., Potato Cyst Nematodes, Grasshoppers);
Advance Payments Program | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada:
Value: You may be eligible to receive up to $1,000,000 per program year
Description:
The Advance Payments Program is a federal loan guarantee program which provides agricultural producers with easy access to low-cost cash advances.
Under the program, you can access up to $1,000,000 in total advances based on the value of the eligible agricultural products you will produce or that you have in storage. The Government of Canada pays the interest on the first $100,000 of your advance (the first $250,000 for 2022 and 2023). You make repayments to the advance as you sell the agricultural products, with up to 18 months to fully repay the advance for most commodities (up to 24 months for cattle and bison).
Eligibility:
Producers
To be eligible you must be:
a Canadian citizen or permanent resident; or
a corporation, cooperative or partnership of which the majority interest is held by Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
You must also:
be the age of majority in the province of operation;
have produced/be producing and own the agricultural product; and
be responsible for its marketing.
For a corporation, cooperative or partnership, one or more of the stakeholders must be the age of majority in the province of operation.
Eligible agricultural products:
The majority of agricultural products are eligible for an Advance Payments Program (APP) advance, including:
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Wage Subsidies:
Youth Employment and Skills Program | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
Value: Varies.
Description:
The program offers support for 50% of wages to a maximum of $14,000. If approved, the following employers are eligible to receive 80% of total eligible costs, up to a maximum of $14,000:
Indigenous individuals or organizations
Employers who hire a youth facing barriers
The program can also provide up to $5,000 in additional support to offset the employment barrier faced by the employee hired.
Description:
The Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) will contribute approximately $13.5 million to projects that employ youth and youth facing barriers. Each project will be eligible to receive up to $14,000 in matching funds to employ one (1) employee. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is one of several Government of Canada departments participating in the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy.
Eligible employers:
You are an agricultural-related organization who can offer opportunities that will give youth agriculture career-related work experiences and skills in Canada
You are a legal entity capable of entering into legal binding agreements
You are responsible for hiring and verifying the eligibility of participants for the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) activities
You assign only one employee to each project (the employee may be hired for all kinds of employment statuses [part-time, full-time, casual, seasonal, etc.])
You cannot hire yourself for a project (for example, sole proprietors cannot be the employer and employee)
Eligible employees:
The employee is between the ages of 15 and 30 (inclusive) at the project start date
The employee is unemployed or underemployed
The employee is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada or a status refugee under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
The employee does not receive Employment Insurance (EI) during the project period
Eligible Costs:
Program funds may be allocated for salaries and social benefits. Social benefits paid to the employee, such as health benefits and vacation pay, are eligible expenses. Employer’s contributions to benefits programs, such as CPP and EI, and in Quebec, QPP, QPIP, CNESST, and the Health Services Fund, are eligible expenses.
If the employee is a youth facing barriers, you’re eligible to claim pre-approved expenses to address the employee’s barrier, supported at 80% to a maximum of $5,000. These expenses could include critical transportation, relocation, assistance with dependents, accommodation needs, accessibility equipment/technology, etc. Non-barrier youth may also be eligible for pre-approved relocation costs at the 50% funding level to a maximum of $5,000. All expenses you claim must involve a cash payment. Taxes you pay for barrier-related expenses are not eligible for reimbursement.
Upper cost limits may be imposed on certain types of items or services.
Deadline: The intake period is now open. Submit your application on or before February 24, 2025.
Science Horizons Youth Internship Program | Government of Canada
Value: Up to $25,000 in funding for wage subsidies and up to $5,000 in funding for skills development, training, and wrap-around services.
Description:
The Science Horizons Youth Internship Program (Science Horizons) provides wage subsidies to eligible employers across Canada to hire recent university, college and polytechnic graduates for 6 to 12 month internships in the environmental science, technology, engineering and mathematics sectors.
Science Horizons provides the following funding to eligible employers:
wage subsidies up to $25,000
funding up to $5,000 for wrap-around services (skills development, certification and training, job accessibility, other supports)
Eligibility:
Employers:
not-for-profit organizations (including voluntary organizations and foundations)
municipal governments
Indigenous organizations (including band councils, tribal councils and self-government entities)
for-profit organizations
public health, educational and cultural institutions
provincial and territorial governments, institutions, agencies and Crown Corporations
Interns:
graduate of degree or diploma programs from universities, colleges, post-secondary schools of technology, post-secondary institutes and CEGEP (collège d’enseignement général et professionnel, Québec)
legally entitled to work in Canada
Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person who has been granted refugee status
not in receipt of Employment Insurance during their internship
between 18 and 30 years of age at the start of the internship
To find out if you are eligible for funding, apply now through one of our six delivery organizations:
Green Jobs in Natural Resources | National Research Council Canada (NRC):
Value: The program will cost-share a portion of the salary costs of a youth candidate, with the company responsible for fringe benefits and overhead costs.
Description:
Youth play an important role in shaping the future of Canada’s economy. The Science and Technology Internship Program (STIP) – Green Jobs provides funding to eligible employers across Canada to hire and mentor youth in the natural resources sector, including in energy, forest, mining, earth science, and clean technology. The STIP – Green Jobs has been part of the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy since 1997.
Eligibility:
Eligibility requirements for employers:
Organizations in the natural resources sector who can offer youth full-time (min. 30 hours/week, some exceptions may apply) work experience for up-to-12 months
Legal entities incorporated or registered in Canada, including for-profit and not-for-profit organizations
Indigenous organizations and groups
Provincial, territorial, regional and municipal governments and their departments and agencies
Eligibility requirements for participants:
Must be between 15 and 30 years of age
Eligible to work in Canada
Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or have refugee status
Internships are for full-time employment and require participants to be available at least 30 hours per week
Visit the following websites to learn more about each delivery organization and to submit an application. Each organization will have their own application process.
50% of the wages (to a maximum of $5,000) for each net new placement. 70% of the wages (to a maximum of $7,000) for each net new placement for under-represented groups including women in STEM, Indigenous students, newcomers, and persons with disabilities, visible minority as well as first-year students.
Description
AGRI Talent supports the development of connections and networks among post-secondary students, institutions and employers and contribute towards preparing a job ready workforce. These networks will help bridge the gap between respective groups and create sustainable relationship for the future.
Eligible Applicants
Employer Eligibility:
Registered Canadian businesses and not-for-profit organizations from the Agriculture Industry (including but not limited to: field crops, primary producers, greenhouse, horticulture, aquaculture, veterinary clinics servicing farm animals/ livestock, farm equipment dealerships, input dealers and agriculture focused media agencies)
Willing to hire students from both agriculture and non-agriculture background to provide quality work integrated learning experience to post-secondary students across Canada
Willing to hire post-secondary students from under-represented groups such as women in STEM, first-year students, Indigenous communities, students with disabilities, visible minorities and newcomers to Canada
Committed to paying the student for the role and having the financial capacity to pay the student for the duration of the placement in full (the wage subsidy will be administered after receiving the final pay stub at the end of the placement)
Compliant with all federal and provincial human rights and labour legislation, regulations, and any other relevant standards including the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Employment Standards Act
Where legally required, responsible for Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) or alternate workplace insurance coverage
Student Eligibility:
Registered as a domestic student in a recognized post-secondary institution in a full-time or part-time program.
Undergraduate, graduate, diploma or certificate programs eligible.
Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or persons to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
Legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations
Undertaking a placement recognized as a Work-Integrated Learning component by the student’s institution in connection with a course, degree, certificate, diploma, or other recognized program offered by the institution.
International students are NOT eligible
Eligible Expenses
50% of the wages (to a maximum of $5,000) for each net new placement.
70% of the wages (to a maximum of $7,000) for each net new placement for under-represented groups including women in STEM, Indigenous students, newcomers, and persons with disabilities, visible minority as well as first-year students.
Deadline Date
Ongoing. Winter Term: January 1-April 30; Summer Term: May 1-August 31; Fall Term: September 1-December 31
AFPA’s Food Futures Program │Alberta Food Processors Association (AFPA)
Value
Wage subsidies of 50% (maximum subsidy $5,000).
Description
The Alberta Food Processors Association (AFPA) has received funding from the Alberta Government to support Work Integrated Learning placements in the food processing industry. This funding will support up to 90 student placements per year for three years, concluding on Sep 30, 2025.
Eligible Applicants
Participating Employers must:
Be an Alberta-based company.
Be in the food processing, or related, industry.
Have no unsatisfied employment standards judgments against them.
Student Candidates must:
Be a current student or recent graduate (within 6 months) of an Alberta post-secondary institution.
Be legally able to work in Canada.
Be interested in gaining work experience in the food processing industry.
Eligible Expenses
Wage subsidies of 50% (maximum subsidy $5,000) are available to hire current post-secondary students and recent grads (within 6 months) for temporary work experience placements (minimum 200 hours), which can take place at any time during the year. Placements can be in any area relevant to the industry, including: nutrition and food science, agriculture, technologists, accounting and finance, human resources, IT, logistics, safety, engineering, business, etc.
There is grant money waiting for YOU! BUT if you step in a “grant trap,” your application is a NO! Learn the FIVE most common errors to AVOID in government grants! Get the 5 Grant Gotchas now to save you countless hours.
HELPFUL GRANT-WINNING RESOURCERS
The grant agency is looking for great businesses to “partner” (i.e. give you money) with. These grant agencies want to help you, and it’s really important that you give the grant agency a win. You want to call them, be respectful and organized, and then make your case. Here is a valuable resource to read before you call. You will likely find them to be really helpful.
What you’re trying to do here is give them (specifically the person you are talking to) a win. They will help you (not write for you) get the grant. In my experience, some won’t fully understand your work load. Some staff seem to think you have time to write applications by yourself (some of you do), but most of you don’t (sales vs. grants?). I would just do what they say, and you can get your staff or a grant writer to do the background work. I know some companies hire lobbyists to actually attend the meetings with you. That is another option for you to consider. Make sure you know the rules if you get into that game.
A financially self-sustaining federal Crown corporation. The only lender 100% invested in Canadian agriculture and food.
FCC supports Canadian agriculture, agribusiness and food.FCC reports to Parliament through the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. Our corporate office is located in Regina, Saskatchewan. We lend money and provide other services to primary producers, food operations and agribusinesses that provide inputs or add value to agriculture.
There is grant money waiting for YOU! BUT if you step in a “grant trap,” your application is a NO! Learn the FIVE most common errors to AVOID in government grants! Get the 5 Grant Gotchas now to save you countless hours.
There is grant money waiting for YOU! BUT if you step in a “grant trap,” your application is a NO! Learn the FIVE most common errors to AVOID in government grants! Get the 5 Grant Gotchas now to save you countless hours.
