Who Can Apply to the AgriScience Program – Clusters

The AgriScience Program – Clusters, part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, is designed to accelerate innovation in Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector. By fostering collaboration between industry, government, and academia, this program supports projects that address national themes and priority issues. If your organization is interested in leveraging this opportunity, it's crucial to understand the eligibility criteria.

Overview of the AgriScience Program – Clusters

The AgriScience Program offers non-repayable contributions and collaborative support for pre-commercial science activities and research. The Clusters Component, in particular, is aimed at projects that mobilize various stakeholders to tackle key national agricultural challenges. The program's objective is to enhance the sector's innovation capacity while addressing environmental sustainability and economic resilience.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility for the AgriScience Program – Clusters is based on several factors, including organizational type, project focus, and collaboration potential. To determine if your organization qualifies, consider the following general criteria:

• Organizational Type: Eligible applicants typically include research institutions, industry associations, and private firms involved in agriculture and agri-food sectors. Collaborative projects involving multiple stakeholders are encouraged.

• Project Focus: Projects should align with the program's priorities, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing economic growth, or addressing societal challenges. For a detailed list of eligible project types, refer to the complete program guide.

• Geographic Scope: The program is open to organizations across Canada, emphasizing projects with national relevance or significant regional impact.

Financial and Operational Criteria

To qualify for funding, organizations must demonstrate financial stability and operational capacity to manage the project effectively. This includes:

• Financial Health: Applicants should have a sound financial base and the ability to manage project budgets and reporting requirements.

• Operational Capacity: Demonstrated experience in managing large-scale projects is beneficial. Organizations must also be able to collaborate effectively with other partners.

Ineligible Applicants

Certain applicants may not qualify for the AgriScience Program – Clusters. These include:

• Organizations with outstanding compliance issues with previous federal funding

• Projects that do not align with the program's strategic objectives

• Entities primarily focused on commercial sales rather than research and development

For complete eligibility requirements, see the complete program guide.

Special Cases and Exceptions

The program may consider special cases such as joint applications or projects led by Indigenous organizations. These cases are assessed individually to ensure they meet program objectives and eligibility criteria.

Conclusion

Understanding the eligibility criteria for the AgriScience Program – Clusters is crucial for potential applicants. By aligning your project with the program's strategic objectives and demonstrating capacity to collaborate, your organization can take advantage of this funding opportunity. For full details, including specific requirements and application steps, consult the complete program guide.