Open
AgriAssurance Program – National Industry Association Component
Supports industry-led assurance systems for Canadian agriculture exports
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,000,000
Timeline
- Open Date : February 3, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
The AgriAssurance Program – National Industry Association Component provides up to $1 million per year in funding to national industry associations for the development or enhancement of assurance systems that manage sector risks and ensure product safety and quality. The program supports activities such as meeting market and regulatory requirements, and helps increase exports through the adoption of credible, verifiable assurance tools.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,000,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : February 3, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Language Minorities
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Environment
- Animal Protection
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Business Associations
- Professional Associations
- Unions
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- People with disabilities
- Women & girls
- LGBTQ+ community
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Development, maintenance, improvement, and integration of assurance systems, standards, and related tools within the agricultural and agri-food sector.
- Benchmarking assurance systems and standards against international or private standards.
- Creation of industry-led surveillance systems for ongoing collection, analysis, and sharing of high-quality data.
- Integration of assurance systems across the value chain, including the use of digital platforms and technologies to enhance proactive risk management.
- Communication, knowledge transfer, and dissemination of standards, systems, and tools throughout the industry.
Eligibility
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.
Additional information
- 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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the AgriAssurance Program – National Industry Association Component Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the AgriAssurance Program – National Industry Association Component. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the AgriAssurance Program – National Industry Association Component?
The AgriAssurance Program – National Industry Association Component provides up to $1 million per year in funding to national industry associations for the development or enhancement of assurance systems that manage sector risks and ensure product safety and quality. The program supports activities such as meeting market and regulatory requirements, and helps increase exports through the adoption of credible, verifiable assurance tools.
How much funding can be received?
AgriAssurance Program – National Industry Association Component Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the AgriAssurance Program – National Industry Association Component program?
To be eligible for the AgriAssurance Program – National Industry Association Component program, you must:
Applicant must be a non-profit organization or an Indigenous organization (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit).
Must demonstrate capacity to carry out a national project in the agriculture and agri-food sector.
Must be a legal entity able to enter into legally binding agreements.
What expenses are eligible under AgriAssurance Program – National Industry Association Component?
Development, maintenance, improvement, and integration of assurance systems, standards, and related tools within the agricultural and agri-food sector.
Benchmarking assurance systems and standards against international or private standards.
Creation of industry-led surveillance systems for ongoing collection, analysis, and sharing of high-quality data.
Integration of assurance systems across the value chain, including the use of digital platforms and technologies to enhance proactive risk management.
Communication, knowledge transfer, and dissemination of standards, systems, and tools throughout the industry.
Who can I contact for more information about the AgriAssurance Program – National Industry Association Component?
You can contact Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) by email at aafc.assurance.aac@agr.gc.ca or by phone at 1-877-246-4682.
Where is the AgriAssurance Program – National Industry Association Component available?
The AgriAssurance Program – National Industry Association Component program is available across Canada.
Is the AgriAssurance Program – National Industry Association Component a grant, loan, or tax credit?
AgriAssurance Program – National Industry Association Component is a Grant and Funding