This blog addresses the following topics:
- Agriculture Grants 101 webinar
- Why agriculture is the best industry for grants
- 27 agriculture grants presented (in the same format so it’s easy to understand!)
- Top-secret grant-winning sauce
- Other Agriculture resources
2023 Update:
- Canadian Agricultural Partnership transitioned to the new Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership with programs set to begin accepting applications on April 3, 2023.
- If you’re looking for agriculture technology grants, be sure to check out my recent article: Agriculture Technology Grants.
Do grants exist in agriculture?
Yes
Are there many?
Yes.
Where are they?
Further down this blog.
DOWNLOAD NOW! 5 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!
Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership in Alberta:
Efficient Grain Handling Program
Value: Program funding is 50% of eligible expenses. The minimum grant is $500; the maximum grant is $100,000.
Description:
The Efficient Grain Handling Program assists primary producers with reducing the overall energy use on their farms. The program supports the purchase of grain handling system components that significantly improve energy efficiency over standard practices.
Eligibility:
An applicant must:
- be a Primary Producer
- be responsible for input costs for a crop, bee, or livestock operation that produces at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually
- not be a landlord whose only interest in a crop, bee, or livestock operation is ownership of the land, and
Either:
- have a valid and current Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) certificate or completion letter, or
- submit a copy of an EFP letter of completion or certificate with the Reimbursement Claim Form
Eligible activities:
The cost of grain handling system components that significantly improve energy efficiency above standard configuration are eligible under the program. These components can be factory options on new equipment or retrofits installed on existing equipment. The minister must be satisfied that the applicant’s components offer significant energy efficiency improvements.
Installation and labour costs are not ineligible except as part of an eligible pipeline-to-grain-dryer project.
Deadline: Accepting applications: April 3, 2023.
Contact: Efficient Grain Handling Program team │ 310-FARM (3276) │ s-cap.eghp@gov.ab.ca
Website: https://www.alberta.ca/efficient-grain-handling-program.aspx
Emerging Opportunities
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
Deadline: Accepting applications: April 3, 2023. Contact the department directly to discuss if your project fits within program eligibility and criteria. If deemed a fit, the department will invite you to submit a Letter of Request.
Contact: Emerging Opportunities Program team | 780-422-0907 | s-cap.emergingops@gov.ab.ca
Website: https://www.alberta.ca/emerging-opportunities-program.aspx
Farm Technology Program
Value: The maximum amount is $50,000 over the program term. Grant funding cost share is 50% of eligible expenses.
Description:
The Farm Technology Program supports the adoption of innovative technology that minimizes agricultural waste, optimizes farm efficiency, and encourages the adoption of best management practices in farm security. The program will enable primary producers to better anticipate and manage risks, while reducing environmental impacts and protecting their farm.
The Farm Technology Program has 2 streams:
- Farm Technology Stream – supports adoption of innovative technology that minimizes agricultural waste and optimizes farm efficiency.
- Farm Security Stream – supports producers in their efforts to secure business assets by encouraging the adoption of best management practices in farm security.
Eligibility:
An applicant must:
- be a Primary Producer
- be responsible for input costs for a crop, bee, or livestock operation that produces at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually
- not be a landlord whose only interest in a crop, bee, or livestock operation is ownership of the land, and either:
- have a valid and current Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) certificate or completion letter, or
- obtain their EFP certificate or completion letter before the end of the Project Term
Eligible Expenses:
Many components of “Smart Systems features’ are eligible such as:
- Digital sensors
- Data collection
- Connectivity
- Automated data analysis
- Efficiency improvement
Deadline: Accepting applications: April 3, 2023.
Contact: Farm Technology Program team│310-FARM (3276) │ s-cap.ftp@gov.ab.ca
Website: https://www.alberta.ca/farm-technology-program.aspx
On- Farm Value Added Program
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:
- processing capacity expansion
- food safety improvement
- new product and process development
- market development and access
Deadline Date: Accepting applications: April 3 to May 15, 2023.
Contact: On-Farm Value-Added Program team │ 310-FARM (3276) │ s-cap.valueaddedprograms@gov.ab.ca
Website: https://www.alberta.ca/on-farm-value-added-program.aspx
Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program
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: Intake cycle schedule (retroactive to the start of the intake year)
- Year 1: April 3, 2023 – November 30, 2023
- Year 2: February 1, 2024 – November 30, 2024
- Year 3: February 1, 2025 – November 30, 2025
Wetland intake cycle schedule (retroactive to the start of the intake year)
- Year 1: April 3, 2023 – January 31, 2024
- Year 2: February 1, 2024 – January 31, 2025
- Year 3: February 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026
Contact: RALP team │ 310-FARM (3276) │ ralp@gov.ab.ca
Website: https://www.alberta.ca/resilient-agricultural-landscape-program.aspx
Value Added
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:
- processing capacity expansion
- food safety improvement
- new product and process development
- market development and access
Deadline: Accepting applications: April 3 to May 15, 2023.
Contact: Value-Added Program team │ 310-FARM (3276) │ s-cap.valueaddedprograms@gov.ab.ca
Website: https://www.alberta.ca/value-added-program.aspx
Water Program
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
Deadline: Accepting applications: April 3, 2023.
Contact: On-Farm Irrigation Stream | 403-381-5532 | irrigationefficiency@gov.ab.ca
On-Farm Water Stream | 310-FARM (3276) | farmwatersupply@gov.ab.ca
Website: https://www.alberta.ca/water-program.aspx
Accelerating Agricultural Innovation │ Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR)
Value: Varies.
Description
RDAR is funding agricultural research that will drive real benefits for producers in the barn and on the field. Researchers can count on RDAR to provide predictable funding for leading-edge agriculture projects. This call for proposals is now open and accepting applications.
Through this call, RDAR will fund research and knowledge transfer and translation projects aimed at accelerating agricultural innovations in the livestock and crop industries in Alberta.
Eligible applicants:
Funding will be available to incorporated organizations that directly and/or indirectly participate in the service and development of Alberta’s livestock or crop industry, provided that such organizations are in good standing and not in default under any other agreements or programs with RDAR. Eligible applicants include, but are not limited to:
- a) Marketing boards and commissions established under Alberta’s Marketing of Agricultural Products Act;
b) Educational institutions, including universities, colleges, and technical schools;
c) Provincial and municipal government organizations and agencies;
d) Incorporated non-profit agricultural associations representing Alberta’s agriculture producers; and
e) for-profit entities, including research companies, service providers, and agri-businesses offering custom services, consulting services or general services to agricultural clients
Deadline Date: The call is now closed.
Contact: Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) │ 1-877-503-5955 │ hello@rdar.ca
DOWNLOAD NOW! 5 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.
Alberta Innovates – Alberta Bio Futures
Value: Varies
Description:
Our bio sector is working to develop new sustainability practices, new natural products for world markets, and new economic opportunities and investment in Alberta.
We are embracing and supporting emerging technologies and the creation of new ideas for the growing global bioeconomy. We’re also delivering on the potential of agriculture and forestry in areas such as: value-chain sustainability, advancing the biorefinery, quality food for health, industry challenges, emerging opportunities, and prion and prion-like protein misfolding diseases.
Eligible Activities:
To expand sustainable production, Alberta Innovates has two main priorities:
- Market-Driven Traits and Products:Research investments focus on increasing the global competitiveness of Alberta’s agriculture and forest sectors through: reduced cost of production, value addition (e.g. traits and attributes) and the development of new products (e.g. water and nutrient use efficiency, high value products).
- Agriculture and Forest Sustainability:We answer research questions to optimize the responsible use of Alberta’s agricultural and forested landscapes, addressing Alberta’s economic, social and ecological goals (e.g. control of mountain pine beetle).
Read more about this sector’s various programs and initiatives:
- Sustainable Agriculture and Forest Production
- Smart Agriculture and Food Innovation
- Ecosystems Services and Biodiversity
- Alberta Prion Research Institute
- Bioindustrial Innovation
- Biological Greenhouse Gas Management
Deadline: Opens and closes see link below
Contact: Rebecca Bruce – Bioindustrial Innovation Development Partner | 780-306-3084 | Rebecca.Bruce@albertainnovates.ca
Website: https://albertainnovates.ca/programs/alberta-bio-future/
Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR)
Value: Varies
Description:
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
Current funding opportunities:
Agricultural Climate Solutions On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF)
OFCAF is an initiative to help farmers tackle climate change. The program is delivered with funding from the Agricultural Climate Solutions initiative (ACS), which falls under the $4 billion Natural Climate Solutions Fund, a program managed by Natural Resources Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
Deadline: Ongoing.
Contact: RDAR | hello@rdar.ca
Website: https://rdar.ca/
DOWNLOAD NOW! 5 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.
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.
Description:
The AgriMarketing Program is a $129.97-million program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
The program will:
- 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 should be a member of the Canada Brand
- You are a legal entity capable of entering into legal binding agreements
Eligible Activities:
Eligible activities include:
- 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.
Contact: AgriMarketing Program | 1-877-246-4682 | aafc.agrimarketingagri-marketing.aac@agr.gc.ca
Website: https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/programs/agrimarketing
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.
Description:
The AgriCompetitiveness Program is a $25.7-million program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
The program will:
- 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: 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.
Contact: AgriCompetitiveness Program | 1-877-246-4682 | aafc.agricompetitivenessagri-competitivite.aac@agr.gc.ca
Website: https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/programs/agricompetitiveness
AgriInnovate Program | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Value: The maximum Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) contribution toward a project will normally not exceed $5,000,000.
Description:
The AgriInnovate Program is a program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
The program aims to:
- 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: Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until the end of the program on March 31, 2028, or until funding has been fully committed or otherwise announced here. All projects must be completed by March 31, 2028.
Contact: AgriCompetitiveness Program | 1-877-246-4682 | aafc.agriinnovateprogram-programmeagriinnover.aac@agr.gc.ca
Website: https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/programs/agriinnovate
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.
- Health claims and human clinical trials
- Variety development
- Pest and disease surveillance
- Indigenous knowledge and science priorities
Deadline: Closed.
Contact: AgriScience Program | 1-877-246-4682 | aafc.agriscienceprogram-programmeagri-science.aac@agr.gc.ca
Website: https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/programs/agriscience-program-clusters
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.
Contact: AgriScience Program | 1-877-246-4682 | aafc.agriscienceprogram-programmeagri-science.aac@agr.gc.ca
Website: https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/programs/agriscience-projects/contact-information
AgriDiversity Program | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Value: The maximum AAFC contribution towards a project will normally not exceed $200,000 per year or a maximum of $1 million over 5 years.
Description:
The AgriDiversity Program is a $5-million program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
Eligible Applicants:
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: 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.
Contact: AgriDiversity Program | 1-877-246-4682 | aafc.agridiversityagri-diversite.aac@agr.gc.ca
Website: https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/programs/agridiversity
AgriAssurance Program – National Industry Association Component | 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.
Description:
The AgriAssurance Program is a $64.05-million program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
The program will:
- 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: 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.
Contact: AgriAssurance Program | 1-877-246-4682 | aafc.assurance.aac@agr.gc.ca
Website: https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/programs/agriassurance-national-industry-association-component
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.
Description:
The AgriAssurance Program is a $64.05-million program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
The program will:
- 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.
Contact: AgriAssurance Program | 1-877-246-4682 | aafc.assurance.aac@agr.gc.ca
Website: https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/programs/agriassurance-small-medium-sized-enterprises-component
DOWNLOAD NOW! 5 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.
Business risk management programs
AgriStability | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Value: You may receive a payment if your production margin in the current year falls below your historical reference margin by more than 30%.
Description:
AgriStability is one of the business risk management programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. It 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
Deadline: The deadline to enrol for 2023 AgriStability is April 30, 2023.
Contact: AgriStability Program | 1-866-367-8506
Website: https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/programs/agristability
AgriInsurance | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
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
Deadline: Ongoing.
Contact: AgriInsurance Program | 613-773-2600 │ aafc.agriinsurance-agri-protection.aac@agr.gc.ca
Website: https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/programs/agriinsurance
AgriInvest | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
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.
Contact: AgriInvest Program | 1-877-949-4885
Website: https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/programs/agriinvest
AgriRecovery | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
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);
- Extreme weather (e.g., drought, flooding, tornado); and/or
- Contamination of the natural environment (e.g., chemical event).
Eligible Costs:
Examples of extraordinary costs covered by previous AgriRecovery initiatives include:
- Repairing/re-establishing crop and forage land damaged by flooding or drought;
- Re-establishing fruit trees damaged by a tornado;
- Cleaning and disinfection of buildings and property;
- Destruction/replacement of infected plants not covered by the Plant Protection Act to prevent the spread of a disease; and
- Carrying costs for animals unable to be sold due to quarantine.
Deadline: Ongoing.
Contact: AgriInvest Program | 1-855-773-0241
Website: https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/programs/agrirecovery
DOWNLOAD NOW! 5 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.
Wage Subsidies:
Youth Employment and Skills Program | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC):
Value: Maximum of $14,000.
Description:
The Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) will contribute approximately $13 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: Closed.
Contact: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada | 1-866-452-5558 | aafc.yesp-pecj.aac@agr.gc.ca
Website: https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/programs/youth-employment-and-skills
Career Focus | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada:
Value: 50% of total eligible costs, up to a maximum of $14,000 in matching funds.
Description:
The Career Focus Program will help fund 65 agricultural internships for Canadian graduates. Each internship will last at least four months to a maximum of 12 months. They will be long enough to provide meaningful experience to the employee. The Career Focus Program within AAFC will provide $864,000 each year to projects that hire recent graduates in agriculture, agri-food science, and veterinary medicine. Please note that this program is not a summer employment program.
Eligibility:
Employers:
Eligible employers are organizations who can offer projects that will give employees:
- Agriculture career-related work experiences in Canada
- Skills acquisition through mentoring and coaching
These organizations may be from:
- Industry
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Provincial and municipal governments
- Associations
- Boards
- Councils
- Universities
Employees:
- Between the ages of 15 and 30
- Unemployed or under-employed
- Have graduated in the last three calendar years from:
- An agriculture-related program in a university, college, or CEGEP or
- A provincial program focusing on biological, agricultural and veterinary science or applied technology
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Eligible Expenses:
Salaries and social benefits
Deadline: Closed. Learn more about other funding opportunities
Contact: Career Focus | 1-866-452-5558 | AAFC.Career.focus-Objectif.carriere.AAC@agr.gc.ca
Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/career-focus.html
Career Focus Green Jobs | BioTalent Canada:
Value: 50% to a maximum of $13,500
Description:
The Career Focus Green Jobs program is a wage subsidy program for employment opportunities that have a green mandate or any job with an employer that has an environmental focus. It helps knock down that cost barrier by covering the cost of a new graduate’s salary. Employers can bring on an eager, educated young worker for a special project – and at the end of the placement end up with a skilled candidate already oriented to their company.
Eligibility:
Employer:
To qualify as a green job either the job needs to have a green mandate or the employer needs to have an environmental focus. Green jobs are employment opportunities that meet the following criteria:
- Help reduce the consumption of energy and raw materials
- Limit greenhouse gas emissions
- Minimize waste and pollution
- Protect and restore ecosystems
Green jobs can also include employment opportunities in:
- Non-profit environmental organizations
- Solar and wind technology companies
- Environmental science centers
- Watershed and water resource agencies
- Farms and farming co-ops
- Conservation organizations
- Museums and educational institutions
- Waste management companies
- Information technology companies
Employee:
- Be a graduate from a post-secondary institution within the last three years
- Be between the ages of 15-30 (inclusive at the start of the placement)
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or hold refugee status
- Be legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial legislation and regulations
- Not be in receipt of Employment Insurance at the start of your placement
Deadline: April 2005 – March 2019.
Contact: BioTalent Canada | careerfocus@biotalent.ca
Website: https://www.biotalent.ca/en/career-focus-green-jobs
Career Focus Program | BioTalent Canada:
Value: Maximum $20,000 towards salary.
Description:
For many new graduates, landing a job without extensive work experience is a challenge. Yet without that first biotechnology position, the necessary experience will never come. BioTalent Canada’s Career Focus Program paves the way to employment by helping offset the costs of orientation, integration and skills development. Not only does the program help young workers develop their skills and abilities in general, but it also forges strong connections between them and the companies that take them on. Nearly every Career Focus participant who completed the program is kept on – hired long term.
The BioTalent Canada Career Focus Program gives employers the freedom to:
- Meet their staffing needs with less financial risk
- Grow their business
- Access a pool of eager-to-learn new workers
- Develop new talent within their companies
The BioTalent Canada Career Focus Program helps knock down that cost barrier by subsidizing the salaries of new grads. Employers can bring on an eager, educated young worker for a special project – and at the end of the placement end up with a skilled candidate already oriented to their company.
Eligibility:
Employee:
- Be a graduate from a post-secondary institution within the last three years
- Be between the ages of 15-30, inclusively
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or hold refugee status
- Be legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial legislation
- Not be in receipt of Employment Insurance at the start of your placement
- Have an offer for potential employment
Employer:
Any Canadian biotechnology company in the private sector needing to fill any position within the company can apply. Eligible placements may involve research, biotechnology promotion and education, or some other combination of business and science skills—and may cover the full spectrum of jobs from manufacturing and production to product commercialization, quality control/assurance, sales, regulatory affairs, biosafety and more.
Deadline: August 2012 to March 2016.
Contact: BioTalent Canada | careerfocus@biotalent.ca
Website: https://www.biotalent.ca/projects/career-focus/
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 (S&T) Internship Program – Green Jobs provides funding to eligible employers across Canada to hire and mentor youth in the natural resources sector, including in energy, forestry, mining, earth science, and clean technology. The S&T Internship Program has been part of the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy since 1997.NRCan supports youth and employers by working with third-party organizations to:
- Kick-start careers in the energy, forestry, mining, earth sciences, and clean technology sectors
- Create quality and inclusive work experiences that improve environmental outcomes in the natural resources sector
- Build a skilled and diverse workforce
- Promote equity, diversity and inclusion by targeting 60% participation from employment equity groups
Eligibility:
NRCan’s Science & Technology Internship Program—Green Jobs supports youth between the ages of 15 and 30 (inclusive) gain work experience and skills in the natural resources sector through paid internships and training opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and other related fields to promote positive environmental outcomes.
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.
- Environmental Careers Organization (ECO) Canada
- United Nations Association in Canada
- Electricity Human Resources Canada
- Clean Foundation
- Colleges and Institutes Canada
- Project Learning Tree
- Mining Industry Human Resources Council
- Indigenous Clean Energy
- First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Sustainable Development Institute
Deadline: Application intake for 2022-23 is open.
Contact: Science and Technology Internship Program | nrcan.stip-psst.rncan@canada.ca
Website: https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/climate-change/canadas-green-future/green-jobs/87
Summer Farm Employment Program | Alberta Agriculture and Forestry:
Value: $500 per month. Program runs from July 1 to August 31.
Description:
The Summer Farm Employment Program is funded and administered by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. Employees and employers must apply together for the program, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry does not do any matching. The primary objective is to provide opportunities for full-time farm work experience for young people. Employers must be full-time farmers; employees must between 15 and 24 years of age and cannot be a direct relative of the employer. The program runs from July 1 to August 31.
Eligibility:
Employer:
- Employers must own or rent a farming operation, located in Alberta; must produce farm commodities valued at a minimum of $25,000 annually; and must be available to supervise their employee full-time
- Employers may only appoint another person to supervise the employee if that person will be working with the employee for at least 60% of the time. All program information will then be sent to the supervisor listed. An eligible supervisor must be at least 18 years old, cannot be a direct relative of the employee, and must be directly involved in the employer’s farming operation on a daily basis so that appropriate training and direction regarding farm tasks and safety concerns may be given
- Employers will be limited to one employee
- Employers may not exchange (swap) employees or “job share” on this program (employers may not assign, subcontract, or transfer their employee to another employer or organization)
- Employers must not receive other provincial or federal funding for hiring the employee
Employee:
- Employees must be Alberta residents; legally entitled to work in Canada; and between 16 and 24 years of age by July 1
- Employees must not be a direct relative of the employer or related to any person directly involved in the farming operation (e.g. another employee or shareholder). “Direct relative” includes child, step-child, foster child, brother, sister and son-or-daughter-in-law. Direct relative also includes a niece, nephew or grandchild permanently residing on the employer’s farm
- Employees must be unemployed. Existing part-time employees are eligible if total hours worked over the previous three months averaged less than 20 per week
- Employees working for the employer full-time prior to July 1 are not eligible under the program
- Employees must not be working full-time anywhere else or attending school while participating in this program
Deadline: Opens and closes see link below.
Contact: 310-FARM (3276)
DOWNLOAD NOW! 5 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.
Canadian Agricultural Partnership Programs (closed March 31, 2023)
Products to Market | Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (Small Projects)
Value: a maximum of $50,000 per Applicant per Fiscal Year
Description:
The purpose of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership Products to Markets Program is to support growth of Alberta’s agricultural industries by supporting the development of New Products and/or Processes, commercialization of products in New Markets, and expansion into local, domestic and international markets.
Eligibility Applicants:
- Bio-Industrial Processors
- Food Processors
- Processor Organizations
- Producer Organizations
- New Entrants
- Producers who are:
Eligible Activities:
Projects must include eligible activities and expenses that directly relate to the development of New Products/Processes and/or access to New Markets.
For funding purposes, the Program has the following two streams with separate budgets: Stream A – Activities 1 to 7; Stream B – Activity 8
Stream A Activities
- Product and Process Development
- Label and Package Development
- Processing Capacity Expansion
- Market Development
- Export Preparation and Planning
- Product Demonstration
- Activities to Support Aggregation and Distribution of Food
Stream B Activity
- AF-led Outbound Trade Initiatives
Deadline: Currently not Accepting Applications.
Contact: AF.AG-GRANTS@GOV.AB.CA
Irrigation Efficiency
Value: Varies.
Description:
The purpose of this program is to increase water savings and reduce energy use in irrigated agriculture by assisting producers with the purchase of more efficient irrigation equipment and systems. This program assists producers with eligible costs incurred for the purchase and installation of a new low-pressure centre (LPCP) pivot irrigation system, a drip irrigation system or an upgrade of an existing irrigation system.
Eligible applicants include:
- operate as a producer in Alberta
- own an irrigated agricultural operation in Alberta
- have a Long-Term Irrigation Management Plan; and
- not have been previously been approved for payment from the program for the parcel described in the application.
Eligible Activities:
Applicants are only eligible to receive one payment per parcel of land under the program. For each parcel, applicants are eligible to receive either:
- 40% of the eligible costs, up to a maximum of $5,000, for: equipment upgrades on the parcel; or an upgrade on the parcel from an existing irrigation system to a surface drip irrigation system; or
- $15,000 of the eligible costs for an upgrade on the parcel from a gravity, side-wheel or high-pressure centre pivot irrigation system to a new LPCP system or a subsurface drip irrigation system.
Eligible equipment upgrades include:
- new low-pressure centre pivot to replace a gravity, side-wheel or high-pressure centre pivot,
- retrofit of a high-pressure centre pivot to a low-pressure centre pivot, including booster pumps, nozzle packages and pump modifications,
- high-efficiency sprinkler nozzles and related equipment to upgrade an existing low-pressure centre pivot,
- variable-rate irrigation equipment (controllers and software),
- control panel upgrades, including base stations for telemetry,
- surface or subsurface drip irrigation to replace gravity, side-wheel or high pressure centre pivot.
Deadline: Accepting Applications.
Contact: Marie.oxley@gov.ab.ca | 310-FARM (3276)
Agriculture and Food Sustainability Assurance Initiatives Program
Value: Varies
Description:
The Agriculture and Food Sustainability Assurance Initiatives Program will support industry associations and industry-led non-profit assurance initiatives to develop and enhance sustainability certification or assurance systems to demonstrate to the public the quality, safety and sustainability of products produced by producers and food companies.
Eligible Applicants:
Eligible applicants include:
- an industry-led non-profit assurance initiative;
- an agricultural group registered under the Societies Act, such as an applied research/forage association;
- a commodity group;
- an incorporated not-for-profit organization; or
- a post-secondary institution.
Eligible Expenses:
One or more of the following activities related to the development and/or enhancement of sustainability certification or assurance systems are eligible for funding and may be included in an Application:
- benchmarking studies including life cycle analyses, environmental foot-printing and gap analyses;
- short-term funding for operating costs related to pilot studies, audits;
- development of governance;
- administrative support directly associated with the Project;
- promotion of label and certification standard associated with the sustainability assurance initiative;
- support for industry organizations to develop sustainability assurance programs; and
- support communication efforts regarding consumer perceptions, verification standards, BMPs and performance metrics.
Deadline: All year round
Contact: Alberta Department of Agriculture and Forestry | 310-FARM (3276) | cap.publictrust@gov.ab.ca
Youth Agriculture Education
Value: The maximum funding that may be approved for Projects is $200,000 per Applicant in each Fiscal Year of the Program Term. The maximum Project Term is three Fiscal Years.
Description:
The program stream supports the development and delivery of effective agriculture education programs that are science-based, topic-driven, curricular-linked and help students use critical thinking to engage in meaningful and informed conversations about issues that affect public trust in agriculture.
Eligible Applicants:
- An agricultural group registered under the Societies Act
- A commodity group
- A university or college*
- A school district*
- An incorporated not-for-profit organization*, or
- A recognized (as determined by the Minister) form of rural municipal government in Alberta, including a Municipal District (including a County and Hamlet), a Special Area, a Specialized Municipality or an Improvement District.*
*Please note that any non-agriculture industry groups require collaboration with and support from the agriculture industry.
Eligible Expenses:
The following expenses which are incurred for eligible activities may be included in an Application:
- a) guest speaker fees and travel within Alberta in accordance with the Canadian Agricultural Partnership Travel Expense Policy as posted on the Alberta Canadian Agricultural Partnership Website, as may be amended;
- b) costs associated with student and teacher field trips within Alberta (busing, facility rentals, and substitute teacher costs);
- c) costs for new, expanded or adapted agriculture education programs, and associated resource development costs;
- d) salaries related to Project development/implementation; and e) any other expense related to the development and implementation of new, expanded or adapted agriculture education programs.
Deadline: Ongoing
Contact: Dean Dyck | 403-742-7958 | CAP.PublicTrust@gov.ab.ca
Risk Mitigation | Agriculture and Forestry
Value: Maximum of $750,000 per project. 75% grant. 25% applicant.
Description:
The Plant Health Subject Area provides support for the development and knowledge transfer of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) controls to effectively address the risks of new/emerging and existing crop and/or bee pests under Alberta conditions.
Eligible Applicants:
The eligible applicants for the program include:
The following entities are eligible to apply under this Subject Area:
(a) Applied Research and Extension Associations;
(b) Post-Secondary Institutions;
(c) Fee for Service Providers;
(d) Industry Organizations;
(e) Municipalities;
(f) Indian Bands; and
(g) Metis Settlements
Eligible Activities:
The following activities may be included in an Application under this Subject Area:
(a) risk assessment for crop and/or bee pests in Alberta related to development of IPM controls;
(b) development, modification, adaptation, evaluation and verification of IPM controls for crop and/or bee pests under Alberta conditions;
(c) diagnostics and testing for identification of Alberta crop and/or bee pests, and/or for the verification of effectiveness related to IPM controls; and
(d) extension to transfer knowledge to intended beneficiaries on effective IPM control options.
Deadline: Currently not Accepting Applications.
Contact: Tanya Warren | 780-643-9486 | Tanya.Warren@gov.ab.ca
Website: https://cap.alberta.ca/CAP/program/RISK_MITIGATION
Risk Mitigation | Food Safety
Value: Maximum of $50,000 per project. Three within five years and two can be in the same year.
Description:
The Plant Health Subject Area provides support for the development and knowledge transfer of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) controls to effectively address the risks of new/emerging and existing crop and/or bee pests under Alberta conditions.
Eligible Applicants:
- Agri-Processor Applicants
Eligible Expenses:
- Food safety training of staff
- Pre-audit and/or gap assessment of a food safety system
- Certification audit of a food safety system, conducted by an accredited/approved auditing body;
- Development and implementation of a food safety system;
- Validation Studies (e.g. effectiveness of cleaning and sanitizing, water treatment, allergen controls, and food safety control measures outlined in HACCP Plans/CCPs);
- Facility modification including installation of equipment that supports the implementation of a food safety system and training by the vendor to operate the equipment;
Deadline: Opens and closes.
Contact: | CAP.foodsafety@gov.ab.ca
Risk Mitigation | Animal Health Traceability
Value: $20,000 per Intermediary Site over the Program Term.
Description:
The Animal Health Traceability Subject Area supports livestock traceability technology adoption and evaluations, training/education activities, and other elements of livestock traceability in order to better anticipate, assess and manage risks and threats associated with animal health.
Eligible Applicants:
- Operator Applicants: i. adoption of livestock traceability technologies at an Intermediary Site
- Industry Organization: i. testing and evaluation of existing and new, emerging traceability;
technologies that benefit the livestock industry as a whole, or a segment of the livestock industry; and development and delivery of traceability training sessions (such as
seminars, conferences, and workshops), and/or development of traceability information materials.
Eligible Expenses:
- Operator Applicants: i. reasonable purchase costs of RFID Readers and RFID Software that are appropriate for the Applicant’s operation to be able to participate in a traceability system, as well as installation costs (if done by a licensed service provider)
- Industry Organization Applicants: manpower costs and professional fees
Contact: Myles Sosnowski Myles.Sosnowski@gov.ab.ca | 780-427-7708
Deadline Opens and closes
Environmental Stewardship and Climate Change – Producer
Value: $15,000 – $100,000
Description
The purpose of the Environmental Stewardship and Climate Change – Producer program is to support producers in reducing negative impacts on the environment while enhancing sustainable production, managing climate change and increasing profitability in the agriculture sector.
Eligible Applicants:
To be eligible to apply to the Program, a person must be either:
- a) an Active Producer operating in Alberta that has a current EFP certificate or letter of completion from an EFP technician; or is currently working on an EFP and is in a position to receive and EFP certificate or letter of completion from an EFP technician before the end of the project term; or
- b) a Commercial Manure Applicator that has completed a manure management training event or course after January 1, 2019; or will complete a manure management training event or course before the end of the Project Term.
Please Note: A valid Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) is a prerequisite to this program. EFP has implemented a 10-year renewal starting 2018, therefore and EFP completed before 2008 will not be considered valid.
Eligible Expenses:
Agricultural Input and Waste Management
- Improved Pesticide Management (301)
- Improved Nutrient Management (302)
- Plastic Rollers and Compactors (303)
- Shelterbelts and Eco-Buffers (304)
- Agricultural Input and Waste Management Strategies
- Innovative Solutions (401)
Contact: 310-FARM (3276) | CAP.ESandCCProgram@gov.ab.ca | www.cap.alberta.ca
Deadline: Currently not Accepting Applications.
Surveillance
Value: $750,000
Description: The purpose of the Surveillance Program is to close gaps in Surveillance in order to increase the early detection of existing and emerging livestock diseases, Crop Pests, Bee Pests, foodborne hazards, and other risks affecting plant, animal, and public health.
Applicants are encouraged to develop Projects in which the Applicant communicates their findings to the Alberta agriculture industry. For funding purposes, the Program has three areas of focus (plant health, animal health, and food safety), each with separate funding constraints.
Eligible Applicants:
- Agri-Processors,
- Industry Organizations,
- Municipalities,
Post-Secondary Institutions, - Applied Research Associations,
- Fee-For-Service Providers,
- First Nations and Métis Settlements.
Eligible Expenses:
- Incremental costs for labour or salaried services and related employment and/or consultant expenses to develop, deliver, adapt, implement, promote and communicate Surveillance activities;
- Costs of supplies/materials and services (e.g. laboratory testing) to design, develop, implement, deliver and promote Surveillance activities, and to communicate Surveillance activity findings;
- Costs to develop and deliver surveys, interviews, workshops, training seminars, demonstrations, webinars, e-resources, and visual aids, including costs such as procurement, advertising, print materials, website and media/app development;
- Costs to perform feasibility and risk/gap assessment activities related to the adoption of Surveillance activities;
- Reasonable travel expenses for travel within Alberta directly related to the Project, as set out in the Alberta Canadian Agricultural Partnership Travel Expense Policy posted on the Alberta Canadian Agricultural Partnership website, as may be amended; f) costs for rental or lease of facilities;
- Costs for computer and computer software to undertake the Project, up to a maximum of $3,000 per Project;
- Reasonable costs for specialized lab equipment and software required for such equipment to undertake the Project;
- For all Applicants other than Fee for Service Provider Applicants, In-Kind Contributions up to a maximum of 25% of the total Eligible Expenses.
Contact: Plant Health – Tanya Warren | Tanya.Warren@gov.ab.ca | 780-643-9486; Animal Health – Drew Hiltz | Drew.Hiltz@gov.ab.ca | 780-427-8228; Food Safety | CAP.foodsafety@gov.ab.ca
Deadline: Currently not Accepting Applications. Previous deadline – May 29, 2020.
DOWNLOAD NOW! 5 Grant Gotchas
There is grant money waiting for YOU! BUT if you step in a “grant trap,” your application is a NO! Learn the FIVE most common errors to AVOID in government grants! Get the 5 Grant Gotchas now to save you countless hours.
Alberta Greenhouse Rebate Program (AGRP) | Alberta Agriculture and Forestry
The Alberta Greenhouse Rebate Program (AGRP) is a discretionary non-entitlement program to facilitate the transition to greater efficiencies in the Alberta greenhouse industry.
This program provides eligible greenhouse operators with a grant equal to 80% of the carbon levy paid on their purchase of eligible natural gas and propane for crop production related heating within their greenhouses.
Website: https://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/general/progserv.nsf/all/pgmsrv460/$FILE/agrp11406-pov.pdf
TOP-SECRET GRANT-WINNING SAUCE
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.
AGRICULTURE GRANT RESOURCES
Alberta Beef Producers: https://www.albertabeef.org/
Alberta Canola Producers Commission: https://albertacanola.com/
Alberta Cattlemen’s Penning & Sorting Association: http://altacattlepenning.com/
Alberta Chicken Producers: https://www.chicken.ab.ca/
Alberta Elk Commission: https://www.albertaelk.com/
Alberta Food Processor Association: https://www.afpa.com/
Alberta Lamb Producers: https://www.ablamb.ca/
Alberta Pork Producers: https://www.albertapork.com/
Alberta Water Portal Society: https://albertawater.com/virtualwaterflows/agriculture-in-alberta
Bison Producers of Alberta: https://www.bisoncentre.com/
Canadian Cattlemen’s Association: http://www.cattle.ca/
Other Financing
Farm Credit Canada
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.
Website: https://www.fcc-fac.ca/en.html
CALL TO ACTION
DOWNLOAD NOW! 5 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.
David Kincade
davidk@albertabusinessgrants.ca
780-297-6177
Get a copy of the NEW Guide for Winning Government Grants: https://albertabusinessgrants.ca/100-grant-rules/
