AgriScience Program — Projects — for-profit organizations
grant_single|update March 16, 2025
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|closingDate March 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|terms_and_conditions
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|apply
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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
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