AgriMarketing Program — Kosher and Halal Investment

Q: How much funding can be received?

AgriMarketing Program — Kosher and Halal Investment Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $2000000 per project.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the AgriMarketing Program — Kosher and Halal Investment a grant, loan, or tax credit?

AgriMarketing Program — Kosher and Halal Investment is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the AgriMarketing Program — Kosher and Halal Investment?

AgriMarketing Program — Kosher and Halal Investment is funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the AgriMarketing Program — Kosher and Halal Investment?

You can contact Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) by email at aafc.agrimarketingagri-marketing.aac@agr.gc.ca or by phone at 1-877-246-4682.

Q: Where is the AgriMarketing Program — Kosher and Halal Investment available?

The AgriMarketing Program — Kosher and Halal Investment program is available across Canada.

Q: Are women eligible for the AgriMarketing Program — Kosher and Halal Investment program?

Yes, women are eligible to apply for the AgriMarketing Program — Kosher and Halal Investment program.

Q: Are youth (under 40) eligible for the AgriMarketing Program — Kosher and Halal Investment program?

Yes, youth under 40 are eligible to apply for the AgriMarketing Program — Kosher and Halal Investment program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Canada

Funding to enhance Canadian kosher and halal meat exports

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $2,000,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

The AgriMarketing Program — Kosher and Halal Investment offers up to $2 million in funding to support the export promotion and market development of Canadian kosher and halal red meat. Eligible activities include developing and implementing marketing strategies, industry-wide promotions, market research, and participation in trade shows.

Financing terms and conditions

The AgriMarketing Program provides $2 million in non-repayable contribution funding over three fiscal years, from 2025-26 to 2027-28.
Eligible projects may receive contributions typically less than $1 million, with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) contributing up to a maximum of $2 million.
Cost-sharing is required, with AAFC funding a maximum of 50% of eligible costs, and the applicant providing a minimum of 50% in cash contributions.
In-kind contributions from the applicant or third parties are not eligible.
For projects targeting high-growth markets in the Indo-Pacific Region and involving ownership or leadership by underrepresented groups, an enhanced cost-share ratio exists: AAFC funds up to 70% and the applicant covers 30%.
Total government funding from federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal sources cannot exceed 85% of total project funding.
Project costs are only eligible from April 1, 2025, and won't be reimbursed for expenditures incurred before AAFC's approval or before the project start date.
Administrative costs are automatically calculated at a 10% flat rate of the project cost and do not need to be detailed when claiming.
Salaries and benefits covered by the grant must be additional to existing costs, excluding performance pay or severances, and contributions should not exceed 25% of project costs.
Eligible travel costs must adhere to economy rates and specific per diem rates are applied for accommodation and meals.
Grantees must provide performance and financial reports with each reimbursement request, including year-end accounting and project-impact assessments.
Intellectual property for materials developed remains with the recipient or a third party, but AAFC retains usage rights for Government of Canada purposes.

Activities funded

Developing and implementing domestic and international marketing plans for the kosher and halal red meat sector.
Conducting industry-wide advertising and promotion, including in-store and food service promotions and product demonstrations for business buyers and consumers.
Organizing incoming, outgoing, and exploratory missions to advance market development and trade.
Carrying out market research that aligns with the program objectives.
Providing technical training for buyers about Canadian kosher and halal red meat products and product handling.
Hosting trade seminars to inform industry representatives about specific attributes of Canadian kosher and halal red meat products.
Engaging in industry-to-industry trade advocacy (excluding lobbying of Canadian and foreign governments).
Participating in or attending signature trade shows and multilateral industry meetings and conferences.
Conducting Indigenous-led market research, capacity building, and market development (for Indigenous recipients only).
Facilitating activities involving Indigenous knowledge sharing and dissemination of Indigenous agriculture and food systems, both traditional and modern (for Indigenous recipients only).

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 30,000

Launching an eco-friendly hostel in a tourist area

$ 5,000

Developing a digital marketing strategy for a local artisan

$ 15,000

Launching a social enterprise for urban community gardens

$ 15,000

Creating a performing arts program for underprivileged youth

$ 10,000

Implementing sustainable fishing practices for a local fisheries company

$ 5,000

Expanding a local cooperative bakery with eco-friendly options

Eligibility

The applicant must be a not-for-profit organization operating in the Canadian kosher and halal red meat sector and must operate solely for social welfare, civic improvement, pleasure or recreation, or any purpose except profit.
It may include associations of workers and/or employers, local community, charitable, or voluntary organizations, sector councils, or corporations.
Indigenous applicants, which include First Nations, Inuit, or Métis individuals or organizations such as communities, associations, or not-for-profit organizations are eligible.
The applicant must demonstrate the ability to deliver a Canadian kosher and halal red meat sector project, encouraging participation from relevant industry stakeholders in the project's development and/or implementation.
The organization must implement the project nationally and gather support and buy-in from relevant industry stakeholders through support letters.
The applicant must be a legal entity capable of entering into legally binding agreements.
The organization should be a member of the Canada Brand.
The organization should consult trade commissioners located in each country or region where the proposed activities will take place.

Who is eligible?

Not-for-profit organizations operating in the Canadian kosher and halal red meat sector
Associations of workers and/or employers
Local community, charitable, or voluntary organizations
Sector councils
Corporations
Indigenous (First Nation, Inuit, Métis) entities, including: First Nations, Inuit, or Métis communities
First Nations, Inuit, or Métis associations
First Nations, Inuit, or Métis not-for-profit organizations

Eligible expenses

Salaries and benefits paid to staff for activities outlined in the project, excluding financial or performance report preparation.
Contracted services, including professional services like inspection, consultant/expert services, installation/construction, financial auditing, and project management.
Travel costs related to the project, such as per diems, accommodations, and transportation.
Purchase of eligible carbon offset credits verified by third-party standards.
Shipping costs for product samples and marketing materials.
Conference and registration fees.
Costs for translation, printing, and marketing related to production of materials.
Rental costs for meeting rooms and audio-visual equipment.
Costs related to trade show displays and product samples used at promotional events.
Purchase of existing market research information.
Advertising costs related to print and electronic media.
Storage and warehousing costs.

Selection criteria

Completeness of the application and eligibility of the proposed project.
Alignment of the proposed activities and outcomes with program objectives.
Identification of all sources of funding for the proposed project.
Capacity to deliver the project, considering resources and timelines.
Eligibility, reasonability, and necessity of proposed activities and expenditures to meet project objectives.
Demonstrated market opportunity or need addressed by the proposed project.
Strategy to diversify into new and emerging markets.
Impact on stakeholders and benefits to the kosher and/or halal red meat sector.
Performance on previous projects with AAFC funding, in terms of project administration.
Export potential and market access opportunities affected by the sector's contribution.
Strategic merit outlined in the AgriMarketing Program: Kosher and Halal Investment Component Questionnaire supporting domestic or international marketing strategy.
Complementarity, enhancement, or support of sales, business development, or trade of kosher and/or halal red meat products in Canada or abroad.

How to apply

Understand program offerings

Review program objectives and ensure your project aligns with them
Acknowledge that funding may be available up to $2 million
Understand the contribution cost-sharing ratio with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Note the specific conditions under which additional funding may be available
Recognize the non-repayable nature of the funding

Check your eligibility

Verify if your organization is a not-for-profit or Indigenous group
Ensure your project involves the Canadian kosher and halal red meat sector
Check your ability to deliver the project at a national level
Gather support letters from industry stakeholders
Become a member of the Canada Brand

Prepare before applying

Gather details on all funding sources for your project
Account for potential program costs starting April 1, 2025
Review the program guidelines on eligible and ineligible costs
Ensure all detailed criteria are met for your project activities and costs
Verify your compliance with any Quebec-specific legislation

Complete and submit application

Download and complete the AgriMarketing Program: Kosher and Halal Investment Component Application Form
Prepare required documents such as financial statements and incorporation papers
Complete a detailed project budget and questionnaire
Ensure all documents are saved and ready for upload
Submit your application by the deadline

After submitting application

Receive an acknowledgement notice for your submitted application
Await verification of application's completeness and detail
Respond promptly to any requests for additional information
Understand that project approval is not guaranteed despite meeting eligibility
Prepare for a potential application assessment

Additional information

Total government funding, including from all levels (federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal), cannot exceed 85% of total project funding.
AgriMarketing Program participation requires compliance with intellectual property terms, confirming that the recipient or a third party owns all intellectual property created under the agreement, while granting usage rights to AAFC.
Quebec-based organizations must comply with the Province of Quebec’s M-30 legislation.
Preference is given to digital promotional activities aimed at reducing the carbon footprint through reduced travel.
The AAFC does not have authority to reimburse project costs until a contribution agreement has been signed.
Approved projects require reporting on finances, performance, and results through progress, performance, and financial reports. Other specific reports may also be requested.
Service standards aim for application receipt acknowledgments within one business day and application assessments with notifications of approval or rejection within 100 business days of receiving a complete package.
Support for inquiries and assistance is available through the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Contact Centre.
For Indigenous applicants, additional support is available through the Indigenous Pathfinder Service.

Contacts

aafc.agrimarketingagri-marketing.aac@agr.gc.ca

1-877-246-4682

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the AgriMarketing Program — Kosher and Halal Investment Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the AgriMarketing Program — Kosher and Halal Investment. 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 AgriMarketing Program — Kosher and Halal Investment?

How much funding can be received?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the AgriMarketing Program — Kosher and Halal Investment a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the AgriMarketing Program — Kosher and Halal Investment?

Who is eligible for the AgriMarketing Program — Kosher and Halal Investment program?

To be eligible for the AgriMarketing Program — Kosher and Halal Investment program, you must: Eligible organizations must be national, not-for-profit agricultural sector associations operating in the Canadian kosher and halal red meat sector. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to deliver a Canadian kosher and halal red meat sector project with support from relevant industry stakeholders. The organization must be a legal entity capable of entering into legally binding agreements.