How much funding can be received?

Support for research and innovation projects that will generate solutions leading to enhanced production efficiency including adoption of automation such as implementation of robotics, data-based decision making, and validation of new technologies through

grant_single_labels|projects

Projects funded by the Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN) are typically associated with Canadian organizations, aligning with federal funding from Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED).

Registered businesses operating within Canada.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$75,000

Research on sustainable pest management techniques in apple orchards

$150,000

Developing a data-driven decision-making platform for precision agriculture

$150,000

Implementing automation and robotics in dairy farming for enhanced animal welfare

$90,000

Cybersecurity solutions for protecting data integrity in agri-food production systems

$120,000

Developing an advanced traceability system for organic produce supply chains

grant_single_labels|admissibility

The eligibility criteria for this grant are defined by the types of projects and species that qualify for consideration.

Projects must focus on automation, digital technologies, and demonstration in agri-food production.
Eligible project topics include agricultural production and efficiency, food safety, technology for carbon capture, reduction in GHG emissions, and impacts on land, soil health, water, and air quality.
Crops eligible for this competition are cereal and grain crops, forage crops, fruit crops, oil seed crops (excluding hemp), and vegetable crops.
Animal species eligible include bovine (beef and dairy cattle, bison), porcine, poultry, ovine, caprine, bees, and alternate livestock species (elk, deer, moose), and production of their primary products.
Secondary food products, packaging, sensory science, genomics, traditional breeding methods, CRISPR, and aquaculture projects are not eligible.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

There are specific types of companies eligible for the CAAIN 2023 Open Call grant:

Canadian agri-food producers
Agricultural technology companies
Research institutions focusing on agri-food production
Agri-food innovation startups

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant does not explicitly exclude any industries or company statuses based on the provided context. However, certain project topics are deemed ineligible for funding.

Projects focused on secondary food products.
Projects involved in packaging.
Research or innovations in sensory science.
Projects using traditional breeding methods.
CRISPR technology projects.
Projects related to aquaculture.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

This grant supports projects that aim to advance automation and digital technologies in agri-food production, emphasizing environmental sustainability and efficiency. Eligible activities prioritize innovative solutions that enhance production processes and improve ecological outcomes.

Research in environmental sustainability, focusing on ESG factors and carbon capture in agriculture.
Innovation in technologies aimed at increasing production efficiency and traceability.
Development of solutions for food safety and quality enhancement.
Advancements in primary processing of agri-food commodities.
Implementation of cybersecurity solutions tailored to agriculture and agri-food sectors.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of the project.

Personnel salaries and benefits for project-related roles.
Purchase of equipment and materials necessary for project execution.
Travel and accommodation expenses directly associated with the project.
Consulting fees for external expertise or technical support.
Marketing and outreach costs for promoting project outcomes.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Review Program Guide
- Download and read the Program Guide from the CAAIN website to understand project eligibility and application requirements.
Step 2: Complete Expression of Interest (EOI) Form
- Access the EOI Form through the CAAIN website.
- Fill out the form carefully, providing all requested information about your project.
Step 3: Prepare Financial Workbook
- Download the Financial Workbook template provided by CAAIN.
- Complete the workbook with detailed financial information related to your proposed project.
Step 4: Submit EOI and Financial Workbook
- Ensure that both the EOI Form and Financial Workbook are completed and signed.
- Email your submission to info@caain.ca before the deadline.
Step 5: Await Invitation for Full Project Proposal
- If your EOI is successful, expect an invitation on June 26, 2023, to submit a Full Project Proposal.
Step 6: Submit Full Project Proposal (FPP)
- Prepare your detailed Full Project Proposal as instructed in the invitation.
- Submit the FPP by August 08, 2023.
Step 7: Receive Notice of Decision
- Await the notice of the decision regarding your application in September 2023.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

CAAIN will not accept partial, incomplete, or late submissions, emphasizing the importance of timely and complete application submissions.
Applicants are encouraged to complete their submissions well in advance of deadlines to avoid last-minute issues.
Program Managers are available to assist with questions via email, providing support and guidance to applicants throughout the application process.
The competition timeline is subject to change at CAAIN's discretion, highlighting the need for applicants to stay updated on potential schedule changes.

grant_single_labels|contact

info@caain.ca

Apply to this program

Advancing Innovation in Agri-Food Production through Canadian Grants

The Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network's 2023 Open Call is aimed at enhancing innovation and technological advancements in agri-food production, fostering environmental sustainability, and improving production efficiency. With a funding commitment of $5 million, this initiative supports projects that incorporate automation, digital technologies, and innovative demonstrations within the agriculture and agri-food sectors.

In-Depth Overview of the Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network's 2023 Open Call

The Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN) launched its 2023 Open Call to inspire and facilitate groundbreaking advancements in the agri-food sector. This initiative is a testament to Canada's commitment to fostering technological innovation that not only drives production efficiencies but also prioritizes environmental health. Addressing key areas in agricultural production, the program endorses projects focused on enhancing farm productivity through automation, robotics, and data-driven decision-making.The emphasis on environmental sustainability is prominent, as projects targeting carbon capture, greenhouse gas emission reductions, and improvements in soil, water, and air quality are given particular attention. This focus aligns with broader environmental goals and reflects an awareness of the pressing need for sustainable agricultural practices.With a total funding pool of $5 million supported by Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED), CAAIN invites researchers and innovators to present solutions that could redefine the future of agri-food production. The call for projects covers various eligible crop types, including cereal, grain, forage, fruit, vegetable, and oil seed crops, excluding hemp. Additionally, animal production categories such as bovine, porcine, poultry, and various alternate livestock species are part of the eligible sectors.A critical aspect of this grant initiative is its support for projects that integrate emerging technologies such as cybersecurity approaches pertinent to food safety and primary processing. The competition recognizes the increasing importance of safeguarding digital infrastructure within agriculture to ensure the integrity and traceability of food supplies.This CAAIN funding opportunity, however, excludes certain categories such as secondary food products and advanced genetic technologies such as CRISPR, reflecting a targeted approach to maximize the impact within specific innovation domains of the agri-food sector.Applicants had the opportunity to submit their Expressions of Interest (EOI) and Financial Workbooks by June 5, 2023, with a thorough review process in place to identify projects with the highest potential for practical and scalable impact. Following an invitation to present a Full Project Proposal (FPP), successful candidates will be notified of funding decisions by September 2023, adhering to a strict evaluation schedule designed to reward innovation and practicality in project execution.The strategic alignment of this grant with national objectives underscores the critical role of innovation in ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability and efficiency in Canada. By supporting projects that incorporate cutting-edge technologies and methodologies, the 2023 Open Call stands as a pivotal force for change and improvement in the agricultural landscape, promising significant contributions to both economic growth and environmental conservation. Beneficiaries of this initiative not only gain financial support but become part of a pioneering movement that sets new benchmarks in agri-food innovation.