Agriculture Awareness Initiative Program (AAIP)

• Completed AAIP pre-approval application form
• Authorization to sign on behalf of the applicant, if applicable

Who is eligible?

• Individuals
• Corporations, co-operatives, First Nation Bands, partnerships, public institutions and non-profit groups
• Students and teachers
• Commodity organizations, agri-businesses and researchers
• Agricultural producers or groups, urban organizations, Indigenous communities or individuals, volunteer organizations, and other individuals or organizations wanting to tell the story of agriculture in partnership with people in the industry

Who is not eligible

• Organizations receiving core funding from the Ministry of Agriculture
• National organizations

Eligible expenses

• Costs for planning and organizing public trust conferences, speakers and workshops, including speaker fees and travel expenses, conference room and equipment rental, and event promotion
• Development of educational resources, including brochures, pamphlets and trade show material, with writing, design and printing costs, assembly and distribution, focus groups, and delivery training
• Creation of awareness and educational campaigns, including filming and editing fees, graphic design, website development or enhancement, writing and printing costs, promotion and hosting fees, and equipment costs pertaining to the project
• Costs associated with work provided by amplifier groups such as Farm and Food Care Saskatchewan; development of displays; organization of agricultural tours; and research activities measuring public perception of agriculture
• Training for third-party delivery agents; in-kind contributions from applicants may be considered

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Wages and salaries, training, in-kind labour or program development, or travel costs of the applicant or employees, including payments to non-third party contracted staff
• Administration costs and other activities not directly related to the project; core organizational activities and other typical operating expenses; legal, accounting or auditing expenses
• Alcohol or gifts, including swag bags or promotional items; technology transfer or extension activities where building public trust is not the primary objective; initiatives whose goals or messaging do not improve understanding of modern agriculture
• Capital costs, such as infrastructure and equipment, unless dedicated to the project; per diems, travel, food and beverage costs except where necessary for project success and pre-approved; conference registrations or attending trade shows as a non-exhibitor
• Projects that have already begun or have been completed; gratuities or taxes; total combined funding from all government sources cannot exceed 100 per cent of total eligible expenses, and any excess must be returned within 60 days of completion

• Review the AAIP details and ensure you have consulted with a public trust specialist.
• Submit completed application packages by email to agprograms@gov.sk.ca or by mail to Agriculture Awareness Initiative Program, Ministry of Agriculture, Programs Branch, 329 – 3085 Albert Street, Regina SK S4S 0B1.
• Applications are accepted on February 1, April 1, June 1, August 1, October 1 and December 1, with the final application deadline for pre-approval on October 1, 2027.
• Claim forms will be sent to eligible applicants when pre-approval for the project has been obtained.
• When the project is fully completed, email the claim form along with all invoices and proof of payment to the program.
• Projects must be complete and claims for funding must be submitted by the earlier of the project completion deadline date indicated on written project approval or February 1, 2028.

• Applications are reviewed by the Ministry of Agriculture for pre-approval.
• Eligible applicants receive claim forms after pre-approval is granted.
• Final payment is issued only after the project is completed and the claim package is submitted.
• The ministry may request additional records and may audit or inspect the project.

• Collaboration between organizations is encouraged.
• Applicants must disclose any real or perceived conflict of interest.