How much funding can be received?

The AgriScience Program provides diverse funding modalities to support innovation in agriculture through both contributions and collaborative research. Financial contributions are carefully structured to support pre-commercial science activities.

Non-repayable contribution funding (Vote 10) for research activities conducted by industry.
Collaborative research and development support (Vote 1) for research performed by AAFC scientists.
The maximum funding for any single project is $5 million, with a total possible $10 million over the program's duration.
Cost-sharing mandates a maximum of 50% contribution from AAFC and a minimum of 50% from applicants for general activities.
Special cost-sharing arrangements for eligible not-for-profit organizations focusing on greenhouse gas reduction and carbon sequestration, with AAFC covering up to 70% of costs.
Potential for increased cost-share ratios for Indigenous applicants.

grant_single_labels|projects

This program provides funding to accelerate innovation in the agriculture and agri-food sector. It supports pre-commercial science activities and research with the goal of benefiting both the sector and Canadians.

Conducting pre-commercial research activities aimed at advancing agricultural practices.
Developing innovative agrifood technologies to solve industry challenges.
Facilitating partnerships between industry, government, and academia to address national and horizontal issues in agriculture.
Carrying out projects that align with priority areas such as greenhouse gas reduction and carbon sequestration.

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_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.