What Does the AgriScience Program – Clusters Fund?
The AgriScience Program – Clusters is a pivotal initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, designed to foster innovation through collaborative agricultural research. This program supports projects that unite industry, government, and academia to address significant national themes and challenges within the agricultural sector. For comprehensive details, consult the complete program guide.
Overview of the AgriScience Program – Clusters
The AgriScience Program provides funding primarily in two forms: non-repayable contributions and collaborative research support. These funds are aimed at pre-commercial science activities and research that can propel the agriculture and agri-food sector forward. By collaborating with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) scientists, applicants can access substantial support tailored to innovative projects.
Funding Amounts and Rates
Eligible projects may receive between $5 million and $15 million over five years, depending on the combination of Vote 10 and Vote 1 funding. Vote 10 refers to non-repayable contributions for industry-led research activities, while Vote 1 pertains to collaborative research efforts conducted by AAFC scientists. For precise calculations and funding structures, see the complete program guide.
Eligible Expenses
The program covers a broad range of expenses essential to research and development in agriculture:
Salaries and Wages: Compensation for research staff directly involved in the project.
Equipment and Supplies: Costs for purchasing or leasing equipment necessary for project execution.
Consulting Fees: Payments for expert advice or specialized services required for the project.
Travel Expenses: Costs related to travel for project purposes, such as field research.
These categories are indicative and should be verified against the complete program guide for specific eligibility criteria.
Ineligible Expenses
Certain costs are not covered under the program, including:
Overhead costs beyond a set percentage.
Expenses incurred outside the project’s scope or timeline.
Non-project specific administrative expenses.
Refer to the complete program guide for a detailed list of ineligible expenses.
Funding Disbursement and Claiming Process
The disbursement of funds is contingent on the nature of the project and the specific agreement with AAFC. Typically, funds are released upon achieving predetermined milestones or through reimbursement for expenses incurred. Applicants must adhere to stringent reporting requirements to ensure compliance and funding continuity.
Conclusion
The AgriScience Program – Clusters offers significant financial support for projects that drive agricultural innovation through collaboration. By understanding what this program can fund, applicants can strategically plan their proposals to align with funding priorities. For complete application details and funding criteria, always refer to the complete program guide.
