AgriRisk Initiatives - Microgrants Funding

• AAFC funding contribution can be up to $500,000 per year, to a maximum of $2.5 million over five years per project.
• Applicant/recipient contributions (cash and in-kind) are required at 15% of estimated eligible project costs.
• Total government funding (federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal combined) generally must not exceed 85% of the total project value.

• The applicant must be a legal entity capable of entering into legally binding agreements.
• Eligible applicants include industry organizations representing agricultural and agri-business stakeholders (such as producer associations, commodity groups, Indigenous groups, and farm services associations), co-operatives, mutual insurance companies, reciprocals, post-secondary academic institutions, and provincial or territorial governments.
• The project must support the development of new or innovative business risk management tools for the Canadian agricultural sector.
• All sources of the project's funding, including applicant contributions and other partner funding, must be clearly indicated.

Who is eligible?

• Industry organizations representing agricultural and agri-business stakeholders (such as producer associations and commodity groups)
• Co-operatives
• Mutual insurance companies
• Reciprocals
• Post-secondary academic institutions
• Provincial and territorial governments

Who is not eligible

• Businesses that are not legal entities capable of entering into legally binding agreements.
• For-profit commercial enterprises and individuals (as the funding is for not-for-profit entities, government organizations, or academic institutions).

Eligible expenses

• Project management and administrative staff wages for managing project activities.
• Salaries and benefits for staff directly carrying out project activities (excluding bonuses and reporting activities).
• Basic office supplies and administrative expenses, including telephone, internet, office space rent, utilities, postage, and office equipment.
• Professional or specialized contracted services, such as consultants, experts, auditors, researchers, and installation/construction services related to the project.
• Travel expenses directly related to the project, including accommodations, transportation, meals, and incidentals (with limits and pre-approval requirements).
• Pre-approved capital asset purchases necessary for the project, including installation, freight, and related acquisition costs.
• Direct project costs such as shipping, conference or registration fees, construction materials, and translation services necessary for project delivery.

Eligible geographic areas

• All provinces and territories in Canada are eligible.
• Quebec-based organizations may be subject to additional requirements under the M-30 Act.

• Capacity of the applicant to deliver the project, including available resources and achievable timelines.
• Clarity in identifying project risks and demonstrating appropriate mitigation measures.
• Demonstrated alignment with a recognized risk management need or opportunity in the agricultural sector.
• Strength of engagement and consultation with industry and relevant partners.
• Quality and clarity of expected outcomes, with logical links to planned activities and deliverables.

• Administrative costs are capped at 10% of total project costs.
• Salaries and benefits contributions should not exceed 10% of total project costs.
• Recipients are required to maintain project performance information for up to three years after project completion.
• All travel and capital asset purchases require pre-approval by program administrators.