AgriScience Program — Projects — for-profit organizations
Canada
Funding for pre-commercial agriculture and agri-food science
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateMarch 31, 2028
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
- Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Your for-profit business can get up to $5 million over 5 years to fund 50% of the cost of pre-commercial scientific research in priority areas.
grant_single_labels|projects
Yes, there are eligible projects and activities for this grant which aim to advance the agriculture and agri-food sector in Canada through scientific research and development. These projects must align with at least one of the three priority areas: Climate change and environment, Economic growth and development, and Sector resilience and societal challenges.
- Greenhouse gas emissions reduction or carbon sequestration
- Climate change adaptation
- Soil health improvement
- Water quality enhancement
- Air quality improvement
- Biodiversity preservation
- Plastic reduction
- Emerging technology development to address labour challenges
- Increasing productivity
- Improving input use efficiency
- Supporting alternative production systems
- Increasing value-added domestic and export sales
- Antimicrobial resistance research
- Animal health and welfare improvement
- Plant health enhancement
- Food security initiatives
- Biological alternatives to chemical inputs
- Artificial intelligence and big data use in agriculture
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$750,000
Enhancing soil health through composting technology
$900,000
Developing urban agriculture solutions to increase food security
$450,000
Implementing AI-driven water quality enhancement system at Ottawa River
$1,500,000
AI-based precision agriculture system for crop yields
$1,000,000
Research on biological pesticides as a chemical alternative
$600,000
Developing biodegradable packaging solutions to reduce plastic use
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.
- Applicants must be involved in the agriculture and agri-food sector.
- Projects must focus on pre-commercial science activities and research.
- Applicants seeking contribution funding (Vote 10) must be capable of entering into a contribution agreement with AAFC.
- Applicants seeking collaborative support (Vote 1) must be able to collaborate with AAFC scientists through a Collaborative Research and Development Agreement (CRDA).
- Projects must comply with the cost-sharing requirements, with AAFC funding covering a maximum of 50% to 70% of eligible costs depending on the activity and applicant type.
- Indigenous applicants may be eligible for enhanced cost-share ratios.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Yes, there are eligible types of companies for this grant. Eligible applicants must be for-profit or not-for-profit organizations capable of entering into legal binding agreements.
- For-profit organizations
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Legal entities capable of entering into legal binding agreements
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant:
- For-profit organizations
- Foreign entities
- Companies in default of their obligations to the federal government
- Federal, provincial, territorial or municipal governments or agencies
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant supports research and development activities that advance innovation within the agriculture and agri-food sector in Canada. The eligible projects include initiatives that engage industry, government, and academia, focusing on national priorities and specific sectorial challenges.
- Pre-commercial science activities that support advancements in agriculture.
- Research projects that focus on national themes and horizontal issues in the agri-food sector.
- Cluster projects aimed at fostering partnerships between industry, government, and academia.
- Individual or smaller sets of projects that target specific agricultural innovations.
- Projects emphasizing greenhouse gas reduction and carbon sequestration for eligible not-for-profits.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant supports expenses that are essential for the successful completion of research projects in the agriculture and agri-food sector.
- Research personnel salaries and associated benefits.
- Purchase of specialized equipment and materials specific to research activities.
- Travel costs directly linked to research project requirements.
- Consultancy fees for specialized expertise needed for the project.
- Operational and overhead costs related to executing the research project.
grant_single_labels|criteria
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for the AgriScience Program. The application assessment will consider the relevance, risk, feasibility, and impact of the research on the sector, as well as the organizational capacity and alignment with program funding principles.
- Relevance, risk, feasibility and impact of the research on the sector
- Research methodology and experimental design
- Realistic timelines to achieve planned results
- Science capacity, including the necessary qualifications, mix of disciplines, and track record
- Proven capacity/capability of intellectual property (IP) management
- Strategic value to Canada
- Whole value chain approach
- Results-based: expected measurable impacts, including economic, environmental, and social benefits
- Knowledge transfer and adoption
- Collaboration, partnerships, diversity and inclusion
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 4: How to apply
- Review all program details and ensure all pre-application tasks are complete, including registration for any required accounts with the AAFC portal if applicable.
- Access the application form through the official Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership portal or the AAFC website.
- Gather necessary documentation, such as research proposals, team credentials, financial plans, and any previous related work or collaborations.
- Step 5: Complete the application and apply
- Fill out the application form, detailing project objectives, methodologies, expected outcomes, and alignment with program priorities.
- Attach all required documents, including financial plans, cost-sharing structures, and letters of support or commitment from partners.
- Review the application for completeness and accuracy before submission.
- Submit the completed application through the specified method on the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership portal.
- Ensure confirmation of submission is received, verifying all components are included and have been successfully submitted.
- Step 6: After you apply
- Maintain contact with the AAFC for any follow-up inquiries or additional information requests.
- Prepare for potential interviews or presentations if required during the evaluation process.
- Keep all records of the application and communications for future reference.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Indigenous applicants may qualify for increased cost-share ratios, offering potential financial advantages for eligible projects.
- Applicants should consider the potential for collaborative opportunities with AAFC scientists to enhance research scope and outcome.
- The program emphasizes addressing national themes and horizontal issues, which could guide applicants in aligning their projects for higher chances of success.
- The structure of the grants allows for flexibility in funding options, which could be strategically advantageous depending on the applicant's project goals and partnerships.
Apply to this program
Accelerating Innovation in Canadian Agriculture
The AgriScience Program, as part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, offers funding to promote pre-commercial science activities and research that foster innovation in Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector. Applications are welcome until the program ends on March 31, 2028, subject to funding availability.
In-Depth Analysis and Benefits of the AgriScience Program
The AgriScience Program is a pivotal initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership aimed at accelerating innovation and scientific research in the agriculture and agri-food sector across Canada. This program specifically targets pre-commercial stage science activities, encouraging collaborations between industry, academia, and government to address high-priority themes affecting the national agricultural landscape.
With two distinct components under its umbrella—the Clusters Component and the Projects Component—the program caters to both extensive collaborative initiatives and smaller, highly focused research efforts. The Clusters Component emphasizes collective efforts at a larger scale, bringing together diverse stakeholders to tackle national and horizontal challenges within the sector, whereas the Projects Component is tailored for individual or small-scale projects that are not as wide-ranging as cluster projects.
The program provides a substantial financial backing mechanism through non-repayable contribution funding, known as Vote 10, for industry-led research activities. Alternatively, it also offers collaborative research and development support, referred to as Vote 1, for projects conducted by AAFC’s own scientists. This dual approach ensures that both external industry participants and government scientists can access the resources necessary to push the boundaries of agricultural innovation.
One significant attribute of the AgriScience Program is its cost-sharing arrangement, which seeks to leverage both public and private sector investments. For most activities, costs are shared equally between AAFC and the funding recipient. However, for not-for-profit organizations focusing on projects aligned with environmental priorities like greenhouse gas reduction and carbon sequestration, the government offers a more favorable cost-sharing ratio, covering up to 70% of eligible expenses. This tiered approach is designed to maximize the impact of public funds while encouraging enterprises to invest in environmentally sustainable practices.
Moreover, the program acknowledges the unique contributions and needs of Indigenous agricultural enterprises, potentially offering enhanced cost-sharing terms to boost their participation and success in the sector. This inclusivity aims to ensure a more equitable distribution of benefits derived from agricultural advancements.
Recipients of the AgriScience Program's funding are obligated to comply with specific reporting and accountability measures, ensuring transparency and the effective use of funds. This includes entering into formal agreements with AAFC, such as contribution agreements or Collaborative Research and Development Agreements, which set out the expectations regarding milestones, expenditure reporting, and project deliverables.
By supporting innovations that range from agricultural techniques to advanced food processing technologies, the AgriScience Program plays a crucial role in enhancing Canada's competitiveness in the global agri-food market. This strategic investment in research ultimately aims to yield significant benefits for Canadian farmers, create sustainable jobs, and produce a more resilient supply chain, responsive to the evolving economic and environmental challenges faced by the industry.
This expansive and well-structured support system illustrates the Canadian government's commitment to sustaining the agricultural sector's growth trajectory, ensuring that it remains a pillar of the economy while meeting contemporary challenges. Participants in the AgriScience Program are not only advancing their projects but also contributing to a sustainable future for Canada's agriculture industry.
