AgriScience Program – Projects

• Maximum funding for any single project is $5 million over the duration of the program (2023 to 2028).
• Maximum total funding under the Projects Component is $10 million per applicant over the duration of the program.
• Cost-sharing is typically up to 50% from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), with at least 50% to be provided by the applicant for most activities.
• For eligible not-for-profit organizations conducting activities focused primarily on greenhouse gas reduction or carbon sequestration, AAFC may contribute up to 70%, with the applicant providing a minimum of 30% of eligible costs.
• In-kind contributions are limited to 10% of total costs for contribution agreements.

• The applicant must be a for-profit or not-for-profit organization that is a legal entity capable of entering into legally binding agreements.
• The applicant must consent to share a summary of their proposal with federal, provincial, and territorial governments as part of the assessment process.
• The proposed project must align with at least one of the following priority areas: Climate Change and Environment, Economic Growth and Development, or Sector Resilience and Societal Challenges.
• For Quebec-based applicants, compliance with the province's M-30 legislation is required.

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)

• Relevance, risk, feasibility, and impact of the research on the agriculture and agri-food sector.
• Scientific methodology and robustness of experimental design.
• Realistic timelines to achieve planned results.
• Scientific team's qualifications, access to required disciplines, and proven research track record.
• Organizational technical, financial, and managerial capacity to manage and deliver the proposed activities.
• Strategic value of the project in advancing one or more of the program's priority areas for Canada.
• Expected measurable impacts, including projected economic, environmental, and social benefits.
• Appropriateness and comprehensiveness of knowledge transfer and adoption strategies for research results.
• Level and quality of collaboration, partnerships, and inclusion of diversity (including underrepresented and marginalized groups).

• 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.