Closed
Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 1
Cost-shared funding for agri-tech upgrades
Last Update: June 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 100,000
Timeline
- Open Date : February 15, 2024
- Closing date : March 28, 2024
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program provides up to $49,999 in cost-shared funding for Stream 1 agri-tech projects. It supports Ontario producers and processors investing in innovative equipment, technology, and processes to improve productivity, food safety, cybersecurity, or energy efficiency.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase production or service capacity
- Implement environmental initiatives
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 100,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : February 15, 2024
- Closing date : March 28, 2024
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Implementing new or modified equipment, technology, or machinery for production or manufacturing
- Advanced manufacturing through automation, robotics, or digitization
- Food safety, traceability, cybersecurity, and software-related upgrades that support the project
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Quotes for proposed eligible costs
- CRA Business Number
- Valid Premises ID Number
- Final Report form for claims
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Producers
- Processors
- Ontario-based agri-food businesses
Who is not eligible
- Businesses outside Ontario
- Applicants without the required business registrations
- Applicants trying to apply as both producer and processor without separate businesses
Eligible expenses
- New or modified commercially available equipment, technology, and machinery
- Food safety and traceability equipment, software upgrades, and facility or cybersecurity changes
- Third-party expertise and services such as engineering, training, installation, and project management
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs incurred before project approval or after September 30, 2027
- Application and reporting preparation costs
- Land or building purchase or lease, vehicles, and general farming machinery
- Travel, meals, hotel costs, salaries, wages, and in-kind costs of the recipient
- Ongoing software fees, subscriptions, maintenance, and capital leases
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Selection criteria
- Project and outcomes are well described
- Need and rationale for the project
- Expected growth and productivity impact
- Resources, experience, and capacity to implement the project
- Innovation and advanced manufacturing value
How to apply
- Step 1
- Create an account in AAC’s online application portal.
- Set up the applicant profile and, if needed, add authorized representatives.
- Step 2
- Complete the online application form.
- Enter the correct program stream and required business information.
- Upload quotes and any required supporting information.
- Step 3
- Submit the application through the AAC portal before the intake deadline.
- Wait for the confirmation email after submission.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after the intake closes.
- Only complete applications are assessed.
- Eligible applications are evaluated using merit and innovation criteria.
- Applicants are notified by email once a decision is made.
- Approved applicants must sign a funding agreement before receiving payments.
Additional information
- Applications were reviewed after the intake closed, not on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Funding decisions were expected within 60 business days of the intake close date.
- The program closed on March 28, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. EST.
- Approved projects must be completed by September 30, 2027.
Contacts
Other components of this program
Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.
- Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 2Supports agri-food innovation and efficiency
- Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 3Cost-shared support for agri-food energy efficiency
Frequently Asked Questions about the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 1 Program
What is the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 1?
This program provides up to $49,999 in cost-shared funding for Stream 1 agri-tech projects. It supports Ontario producers and processors investing in innovative equipment, technology, and processes to improve productivity, food safety, cybersecurity, or energy efficiency.
How much funding can be received?
Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 1 Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $100,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was March 28, 2024.
Who is eligible for the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 1 program?
To be eligible for the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 1 program, you must:
Ontario-based business
Producer or processor
Required business registrations
What expenses are eligible under Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 1?
Implementing new or modified equipment, technology, or machinery for production or manufacturing
Advanced manufacturing through automation, robotics, or digitization
Food safety, traceability, cybersecurity, and software-related upgrades that support the project
Who can I contact for more information about the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 1?
You can contact Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) by email at admin@adaptcouncil.org or by phone at 1-800-769-3272.
Where is the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 1 available?
The Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative : Stream 1 program is available the province of Ontario.