AgriInnovate Program

• Completed business plan
• Organizational chart and diagram of your organization's corporate structure
• Audited or Reviewed Engagement Financial statements, latest interim financial statements, and Pro Forma Financial Statements
• Signed copies of all financing agreements related to the project financing plan, and market research studies and/or letters of supports
• Organization's Certificate or Articles of Incorporation or, if applicable, alternative proof of legal status for Indigenous organizations, plus the Detailed project budget and other required supporting documents such as quotes, permits, patents, technical information, and inter-company agreements

Who is eligible?

• For-profit organizations incorporated in Canada
• Canadian legal entities capable of entering into a legally binding contribution agreement with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Eligible expenses

• Capital expenditures, including renovations, site improvements, leasehold improvements, building purchase, construction and related costs, and machinery, equipment, and software purchase and installation costs
• Contracted professional or specialized services needed to undertake eligible project activities, including Indigenous elders, and contracted work related to compliance with the Impact Assessment Act
• Labour costs, including wages, salaries, benefits, and specific per diem fees
• Rental or lease of facilities, equipment, or machinery, plus goods and services and all related shipping and transportation costs
• Start-up costs, production of required materials, limited marketing costs up to 20% of total eligible costs, materials and consumables, training, and other reasonable costs directly related to the project at the discretion of AAFC

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Post-project launch operating costs, research costs, travel, and hospitality such as meals, entertainment, and gifts
• Land lease or purchase, goodwill, and existing equipment or buildings owned by a related party
• Capital items not specifically required for the execution of the project
• The refundable portion of GST/HST, value-added taxes, and any cost that would not result in a direct, out-of-pocket expense for the recipient, such as amortization or in-kind contributions
• Costs related to regulatory compliance, any portion of a cost that exceeds fair market value in AAFC's opinion, and any other expenditure not specifically listed as eligible or otherwise approved as eligible

• Alignment with program objectives and priorities, including the degree to which the project and applicant drive significant innovation, contribute to the development, expansion or diversification of the agricultural and agri-food innovation ecosystem, provide broad sector market benefits, and contribute to program priorities.
• Technical feasibility, including evidence that the innovation has been tested and is ready for the next stage of commercial development, that technical risks are mitigated, that activities are scientifically sound, relevant, and feasible, and that timelines are realistic.
• Applicant capability, including technical, financial, and managerial capacity, secured project funding, ability to cover project-related shortfalls and other operational or growth activities, and capacity to repay a repayable contribution where applicable.
• Market orientation, including demonstrated market need and demand for the innovation and, if applicable, related products or services in domestic and international markets, plus potential to increase demand for primary and secondary agriculture and agri-based inputs, revenues, and job creation.
• Higher priority is given to cutting edge innovative technologies or processes, projects incorporating more than one program priority area, and commercialization or demonstration projects that enable the competitiveness and sustainability of other agri-based organizations; lower priority is given to adoption projects whose benefits accrue primarily to the applicant, although adaptation is prioritized over customization.

• Access your program information, click the Grants and contributions button, choose a secure sign-in method, sign in or sign up, and start a new application process.
• Download the AgriInnovate Program Project Summary Form, then complete and save it on your computer.
• Upload the completed Project Summary Form and any additional information, complete the Pre-screening details, and submit your form.
• If invited to stage 2, access your program information again, sign in, and complete the AgriInnovate Program Application Form online.
• Download, complete, and save the Detailed Project Budget form, then upload it together with the required supporting documents.
• Complete all application details and submit your complete application.

• After you submit your application, an acknowledgement notice will be sent to you, and your application is not considered submitted until you receive that notice.
• AAFC may contact you for details on your application or additional information where necessary for assessment.
• Once the assessment process is complete, you will receive an approval or rejection notification letter; if approved, the letter will specify the level of funding awarded and any other conditions, and a program representative will work with you to begin a contribution agreement.
• If approved, you must provide progress reports, annual and end-of-project performance reports, financial reports for reimbursement requests, annual reporting on repayable contributions, and any other reports requested.
• Service standards include acknowledging receipt within 1 business day, assessing the project summary form within 30 business days, and sending an approval or rejection letter within 100 business days of receiving a complete application package.

• Applications are not processed on a first come, first served basis and may be handled on a fixed-date basis or through an open system without a fixed deadline.
• AAFC may share project information to determine eligibility for this or other programs and with other organizations to discuss the project or other potential funding opportunities.
• Quebec-based organizations must address compliance with the M-30 Act during the application assessment process and before entering into a contribution agreement.
• The contribution agreement will contain an intellectual property clause confirming that title to intellectual property created or developed with contribution funding will vest in the recipient or in a third party, as negotiated.