Agri-Food Market Development and Access

The Agri-Food Market Development and Access program provides structured financial support to eligible projects concentrating on enhancing market capabilities. This assistance includes specific financial limits and coverage percentages applicable to various activities.

• Funding covers up to 50% of eligible project expenses.
• The financial cap is set at a maximum of $15,000 per individual project.
• A combined annual maximum funding limit of $45,000 for each applicant is enforced.
• Eligible projects include activities related to market readiness, development, and direct consumer interaction.
• Out-of-province per diems for company employees include specific daily rates based on travel location, with varying limits for in-Canada, US, and international travel.
• Incoming buyer per diems are capped at three days with a specified daily rate.

Eligibility for this grant is determined by the type of business and its operations within New Brunswick.

• The applicant must be a food and beverages producer or processor in New Brunswick.
• Eligible applicants include agriculture, aquaculture, and seafood producers and associations.
• Agri-businesses, aquaculture businesses, and seafood businesses are eligible, excluding food service enterprises such as restaurants and catering.

Who is eligible?

All food and beverages producers and processors in New Brunswick, agriculture, aquaculture and seafood producers and associations, and agri-businesses, aquaculture businesses, and seafood businesses, excluding food service enterprises such as restaurants and catering, are eligible to apply for this grant.

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies primarily based on their main activities. The restrictions are aimed at targeting funds towards non-food service enterprises in New Brunswick.

• Restaurants and catering businesses.

Eligible expenses

The grant provides financial support for specific activities aimed at enhancing market readiness, market development, and direct-to-consumer sales.

• Market assessment and research through third-party services.
• Consulting services for market analysis.
• Customer focus groups.
• New product development with in-house technical training programs by third parties.
• Specialized product testing and nutritional analysis.
• Design and development of nutritional or specialty labels and packaging.
• Purchase of equipment for product packaging and labeling.
• Market access certification fees and associated training costs.
• Costs for first-time audit fees for certifications.
• Tradeshows, missions, and promotional events including travel expenses for incoming buyers.
• Rental and other costs for tradeshow booths.
• Product shipping for events.
• Interpreter and consultant services for trade activities.
• Culinary demos or sampling activities.
• Creative services for marketing material design.
• Website and e-commerce platform development and enhancement.
• Development of marketing strategies and campaigns via a third-party consultant.
• Translation services.
• Electrical and plumbing upgrades for farmer's markets.
• Purchase of display units for food, including coolers and freezers.
• Costs supporting on-site tourism activities in agriculture, aquaculture, and fisheries sectors.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is tailored for companies and organizations operating within a specific Canadian province. The eligible geographic area is focused on fostering development within New Brunswick.

• Businesses located in New Brunswick, Canada.

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. Applications will be assessed based on the following criteria:

• Demonstrated market readiness and understanding of target markets.
• Clear plan for market development and expansion into new markets.
• Evidence of direct-to-consumer strategies and activities to increase sales.
• Alignment with program objectives and guidelines.
• Potential for regional collaboration and impact across provinces.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• Applicants may need to be familiar with specific administrative guidelines prior to application, which can be accessed online.
• Successful applicants will receive reporting requirements as part of their letter of offer, detailing the impact of funding received.
• It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that any necessary permits and environmental approvals are obtained before completing their project.
• Projects demonstrating benefits to more than one province might be eligible for regional funding.
• Completed applications can be submitted via email or mail to the provided addresses.