Closed
AgriScience Program – Clusters
Funding for agricultural research and innovation collaboration
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 5,000,000 - $ 15,000,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Canada
Overview
The AgriScience Program – Clusters provides up to $15 million over five years to support pre-commercial research and innovation activities in Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector. Funding is available for activities such as applied research, development, and technology transfer, focusing on climate change, economic growth, and sector resilience.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 15,000,000 $
- Minimum amount : 5,000,000 $
- Up to 70% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Financial cooperative
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- Non-financial cooperative
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Other Racialized Persons
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Research
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Business Associations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Municipal
- Regional
- Provincial
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Collaborative research and development projects advancing applied agricultural science.
- Technology and knowledge transfer initiatives that support the adoption of innovative solutions in the agriculture sector.
- Industry-academic-government partnership projects addressing national priority themes such as climate change, economic growth, and sector resilience.
- Studies and activities focusing on greenhouse gas emissions reduction, carbon sequestration, and other environmental sustainability objectives.
- Projects supporting Indigenous knowledge and science priorities in agriculture, including new and traditional approaches to ecosystem management.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Not-for-profit organizations operating for purposes other than profit
- Industry associations and networks
- Corporations (not-for-profit)
- Cooperatives (not-for-profit)
- Indigenous groups
Who is not eligible
- For-profit companies and businesses (only not-for-profit organizations are eligible).
- Organizations that are not legal entities capable of entering into binding agreements.
- Applicants who do not consent to share a summary of their proposal with other government bodies.
- Entities with unpaid debts to the Government of Canada that have not been disclosed or resolved.
- Organizations failing to comply with the M-30 Act (for Quebec-based applicants only).
Eligible expenses
- Personnel salaries and benefits related to approved research activities.
- Purchase of equipment and materials required for research and development.
- Travel and accommodation expenses directly related to project execution.
- Costs associated with technology and knowledge transfer activities.
- Consulting and professional fees necessary for research or coordination.
- Costs linked to impact assessment, science coordination, and knowledge dissemination.
- In-kind contributions (up to 10% of total cost), when used as part of your cost-share.
Eligible geographic areas
- Organizations established in Canada
- Organizations based in Quebec (subject to compliance with the M-30 Law for Quebec applicants)
Additional information
- Intake periods for the program may open and close, so applicants should monitor for future opportunities.
- Applicants must demonstrate compliance with provincial legislation, such as Quebec's M-30 Act, if applicable.
- Acknowledgement of application receipt will be sent within one business day after submission.
- Service standards include a goal to respond to general inquiries and application acknowledgements within one business day.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the AgriScience Program – Clusters Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the AgriScience Program – Clusters. 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 AgriScience Program – Clusters?
The AgriScience Program – Clusters provides up to $15 million over five years to support pre-commercial research and innovation activities in Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector. Funding is available for activities such as applied research, development, and technology transfer, focusing on climate change, economic growth, and sector resilience.
How much funding can be received?
AgriScience Program – Clusters Funds up to 70% of admissible expenses, capped at $15,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the AgriScience Program – Clusters program?
To be eligible for the AgriScience Program – Clusters program, you must:
Must be a not-for-profit organization (e.g., associations, corporations, cooperatives, Indigenous groups).
Must be a legal entity able to enter into binding agreements.
Consent to share proposal summary with other government departments.
What expenses are eligible under AgriScience Program – Clusters?
Collaborative research and development projects advancing applied agricultural science.
Technology and knowledge transfer initiatives that support the adoption of innovative solutions in the agriculture sector.
Industry-academic-government partnership projects addressing national priority themes such as climate change, economic growth, and sector resilience.
Studies and activities focusing on greenhouse gas emissions reduction, carbon sequestration, and other environmental sustainability objectives.
Projects supporting Indigenous knowledge and science priorities in agriculture, including new and traditional approaches to ecosystem management.
Who can I contact for more information about the AgriScience Program – Clusters?
You can contact Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) by email at aafc.agriscienceprogram-programmeagri-science.aac@agr.gc.ca or by phone at 1-877-246-4682.
Where is the AgriScience Program – Clusters available?
The AgriScience Program – Clusters program is available across Canada.
Is the AgriScience Program – Clusters a grant, loan, or tax credit?
AgriScience Program – Clusters is a Researchers And Facilities