Open
AgriScience Program – Projects
Supports innovative agricultural research to advance sector sustainability
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Funding available
$ 5,000,000
Timeline
- Open Date : April 1, 2023
- Closing date : March 31, 2028
Location
Canada
Overview
The AgriScience Program – Projects provides up to $5 million per project to support pre-commercial research and innovation that advances the agriculture and agri-food sector in Canada. Eligible activities focus on applied research and development, technology transfer, and projects aligned with climate change, economic growth, or sector resilience priorities.
/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 : 5,000,000 $
- Up to 70% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : April 1, 2023
- Closing date : March 31, 2028
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Language Minorities
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Business Associations
Target groups
- General public
- Indigenous peoples
- People with disabilities
- Women & girls
- LGBTQ+ community
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
- Community leaders
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Municipal
- Regional
- Provincial
- National
- International
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Applied research and development advancing from proof of concept to prototype in agriculture and agri-food.
- Technology and knowledge transfer activities that facilitate adoption of research outcomes across the sector.
- Research addressing climate change and environmental sustainability, such as greenhouse gas reduction or climate adaptation.
- Projects supporting economic growth and development, including productivity improvements and new technology adoption in the sector.
- Initiatives aimed at improving sector resilience, such as enhancing disease resistance, food security, or leveraging artificial intelligence and big data in agriculture.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- For-profit organizations operating in the agriculture and agri-food sector
- Not-for-profit organizations supporting the agriculture and agri-food sector
- Indigenous organizations and communities active in agriculture and agri-food research or projects
Who is not eligible
- Companies without recognized legal status and unable to enter into a legal agreement with federal authorities.
- Businesses whose proposed activities do not align with at least one of the three priority areas of the program (environment and climate change, economic growth and development, sectoral resilience and societal challenges).
- Companies whose costs are incurred before April 1, 2023, or after March 31, 2028.
- Organizations that do not agree to share a summary of their proposal with other federal departments or provincial/territorial governments.
- Applicants engaged in routine pest/disease monitoring and control activities (without innovative character) or activities considered to be normal business practice.
Eligible expenses
- Salaries and benefits for project-specific employees (excluding administrative roles and with benefits capped at 25%).
- Professional or specialized contracted services, such as research agreements and consultant/expert services.
- Travel expenses directly related to project activities, including transportation, meals, and accommodation, up to specified per diems.
- Purchase of capital assets and research equipment required for the project (with pre-approval for items over $10,000 and subject to conditions).
- Materials and supplies required for research or project execution.
- Shipping and related logistics costs linked to project activities.
- Translation, conference or registration fees related to project objectives.
- Knowledge and technology transfer expenses, such as dissemination workshops and materials.
- Science service charges for collaborative research activities (10% of applicable contributions).
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada (no restrictions on provinces or territories are specified; program is available nationally)
Additional information
- Applicants must include all sources of funding, including contributions from other government levels and industry partners, in their application.
- Quebec-based organizations must demonstrate compliance with the M-30 Act during the assessment process.
- Grant recipients are required to submit regular progress, performance, and financial reports during the project.
- In-kind contributions are subject to a maximum proportion within cost-sharing arrangements.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the AgriScience Program – Projects Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the AgriScience Program – Projects. 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 – Projects?
The AgriScience Program – Projects provides up to $5 million per project to support pre-commercial research and innovation that advances the agriculture and agri-food sector in Canada. Eligible activities focus on applied research and development, technology transfer, and projects aligned with climate change, economic growth, or sector resilience priorities.
How much funding can be received?
AgriScience Program – Projects Funds up to 70% of admissible expenses, capped at $5,000,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is **March 31, 2028**. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
Who is eligible for the AgriScience Program – Projects program?
To be eligible for the AgriScience Program – Projects program, you must:
For-profit or not-for-profit organization
Legal entity capable of entering binding agreements
Consent to share proposal summary with federal, provincial, and territorial governments
What expenses are eligible under AgriScience Program – Projects?
Applied research and development advancing from proof of concept to prototype in agriculture and agri-food.
Technology and knowledge transfer activities that facilitate adoption of research outcomes across the sector.
Research addressing climate change and environmental sustainability, such as greenhouse gas reduction or climate adaptation.
Projects supporting economic growth and development, including productivity improvements and new technology adoption in the sector.
Initiatives aimed at improving sector resilience, such as enhancing disease resistance, food security, or leveraging artificial intelligence and big data in agriculture.
Who can I contact for more information about the AgriScience Program – Projects?
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 – Projects available?
The AgriScience Program – Projects program is available across Canada.