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AgriScience Program — Projects — for-profit organizations - Canada

AgriScience Program — Projects — for-profit organizations

Last Update: June 20, 2025
Canada
Funding for pre-commercial agriculture and agri-food science

AgriScience Program — Projects — for-profit organizations at a glance

Eligible Funding
  • Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
  • Closing date : March 31, 2028
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
  • Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
  • Manufacturing
Grant Providers
  • Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
  • Government of Canada
Status
Open

Overview of the AgriScience Program — Projects — for-profit organizations program

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.

Financing terms and conditions

  • Maximum funding of $5 million per project over the period from 2023 to 2028.
  • Cumulative funding limit of $10 million per applicant under the projects component for the same period.
  • Cost-sharing structure: AAFC funds up to 50% of eligible project costs; recipients must contribute at least 50%.
  • For eligible not-for-profit activities focused on greenhouse gas reduction and carbon sequestration, AAFC may provide up to 70% of costs.
  • Indigenous applicants may qualify for higher cost-share ratios upon inquiry.

Eligible projects & activities

  • Research and development projects aimed at accelerating innovation in the agriculture and agri-food sector.
  • Pre-commercial science activities that provide benefits to the Canadian agriculture industry.
  • Projects focused on national priority themes and horizontal issues within the sector.
Examples of admissible projects:

$ 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

Eligibility criteria of the AgriScience Program — Projects — for-profit organizations program

  • The applicant must be a for-profit organization engaged in the agriculture or agri-food sector.
  • The project must involve pre-commercial science activities or research that benefits the agriculture and agri-food industry and Canadians.
  • The project must align with one of the program’s priority areas.
  • The applicant must be able to enter into a funding agreement with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).

Who is eligible?

  • For-profit organizations engaged in agriculture and agri-food sectors

Who is not eligible

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

Eligible expenses

  • Expenses incurred for research activities required for the project.

Eligibility criteria of the AgriScience Program — Projects — for-profit organizations program

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

How to apply to the AgriScience Program — Projects — for-profit organizations program

1
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.
2
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.
3
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.

Additional information

  • The program remains open for applications until funding is fully committed or the intake period is officially closed.
  • Program funding and support are intended for pre-commercial science activities and research.
  • The program operates under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership and ends on March 31, 2028.
  • Indigenous applicants may qualify for enhanced cost-sharing options and are encouraged to reach out for details.

Documents and links

AgriScience Program — Projects — for-profit organizations

Apply to this program

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