AgriAssurance Program – National Industry Association Component

• The maximum contribution from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is normally up to $1 million per year per project.
• Eligible project costs are typically shared: AAFC covers up to 75%, and the applicant provides at least 25% (cash and/or in-kind, with in-kind limited to 10% of eligible costs).
• Administrative costs are reimbursed at a fixed rate of 10% of total eligible costs and are included in the cost-share calculation.
• Capital expenditures above $10,000 require prior approval.

• The applicant must be a non-profit organization or an Indigenous organization (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit).
• The organization must be a legal entity authorized to enter into legally binding agreements.
• The applicant must demonstrate the capacity to deliver a national project or one that impacts the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector, supported by evidence such as stakeholder engagement and letters of support.
• The project must support the development or improvement of assurance systems for managing risks or ensuring product safety and quality within the agricultural sector.

Who is eligible?

• Non-profit organizations, including associations and sector councils
• Indigenous organizations (First Nations, Métis, Inuit)
• National industry associations within the agriculture and agri-food sector
• Legal entities capable of entering into binding agreements

Who is not eligible

• For-profit companies or organizations.
• Individuals or sole proprietorships.
• Businesses or entities that are not legally incorporated or do not have registered legal status.
• Organizations whose primary activities are not related to the agricultural or agri-food sector on a national scale.

Eligible expenses

• Administrative costs calculated at a fixed rate of 10%, including project management salaries, office supplies, rent, utilities, and related administrative expenses.
• Salaries and mandatory benefits for employees carrying out project activities.
• Professional or specialized contractual services (such as inspectors, consultants, research, translation, project management, and environmental assessments).
• Travel expenses directly related to the project, including accommodation, meals, transportation, and eligible per diems.
• Capital expenditures for equipment and assets necessary for the project (with a useful life of more than one year), provided expenditures over $10,000 are pre-approved.
• Direct project costs such as shipping, conference registration fees, construction materials, translation, printing costs, marketing materials, volunteer recruitment, and rental of meeting rooms or audio-visual equipment.

Eligible geographic areas

• Organizations legally established anywhere in Canada are eligible.
• Applicants headquartered in Quebec must comply with Quebec's M-30 legislation.

• Completeness of the application and eligibility of the proposed project.
• Alignment of proposed activities and expected results with the program's objectives.
• Disclosure of all funding sources, including in-kind contributions, for the proposed project.
• Applicant's capacity to deliver the project based on resources, timelines, and past experience with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) programs.
• Relevance and necessity of the proposed activities and costs in achieving the project's objectives.
• Degree to which the project addresses current or potential market opportunities or needs.
• Linkage of the project to the themes of resiliency and public trust.
• Demonstrated progress over previous projects or advancement toward the completion of an assurance system, if applicable.
• Potential impact of the project on the sector over the next 5 to 10 years.
• Support of government priorities such as diversity and inclusion, sustainability, economic growth, and fostering public trust.

• Application intake periods are subject to closure when demand is high; check for future announcements regarding new application dates.
• The program concludes on March 31, 2028, and activities must be completed by this date.
• All applicants must demonstrate compliance with relevant provincial regulations, such as Quebec's M-30 law, if applicable.
• Funding recipients are required to submit progress, performance, and financial reporting throughout the project life cycle.