Open
AgriScience Program — Projects – Not-for-profit
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Canada
Funding for pre-commercial agriculture and agri-food science
Grant and Funding
Overview
Your not-for-profit organization can get up to $5 million over 5 years to fund 70% of the cost of pre-commercial scientific research in priority areas.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Integrate new technologies
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product
Eligible Funding
- Up to 70% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : March 31, 2023
- Closing date : March 31, 2028
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
Target groups
- General public
- Indigenous peoples
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
Activities funded
The AgriScience Program funds projects that promote innovation and support pre-commercial science activities in the agriculture and agri-food sector. It includes collaborative projects involving industry, government, and academia to address national priorities.
- Pre-commercial scientific research projects that benefit the agriculture and agri-food sector.
- Projects focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing carbon sequestration.
- Collaborative projects addressing priority themes in agriculture.
- Innovative research initiatives led by industry with AAFC scientist collaboration.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 665,000
Innovative strategies for waste management
$ 630,000
Developing a new plant-based protein extraction process
$ 560,000
Enhancing renewable energy storage solutions
$ 490,000
Improving coastal erosion management strategies
$ 420,000
Research on new pest-resistant crop strains
$ 350,000
Developing a sustainable method for urban farming
Eligibility
Eligibility for the AgriScience Program is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and project focus.
- Applicants can include various organizations, but specific eligibility details are not explicitly provided in the context.
- Cost-sharing capabilities must align with program stipulations, such as AAFC funding a maximum of 50% or 70% for eligible costs based on the type of applicant and project focus.
- Indigenous applicants may be eligible for increased cost-share ratios.
- Collaboration with AAFC scientists can be part of the application (Vote 1), which requires entering into a Collaborative Research and Development Agreement (CRDA) with AAFC.
- Applicants must be able to enter into contribution and collaborative agreements specifying reporting and financial arrangements.
Who is eligible?
This program is targeted towards organizations and entities in the agriculture and agri-food sector in Canada interested in pre-commercial science activities and research. Eligible applicants include:- Canadian not-for-profit organizations involved in agriculture and agri-food research.- Industry groups or associations related to agriculture and agribusiness.- Academic institutions and universities with a strong emphasis on agricultural research.- Indigenous groups or organizations interested in agricultural innovation and research partnerships.- Private sector companies engaged in agriculture-related research activities, particularly those aligned with the program's objectives of addressing national themes and horizontal issues.Who is not eligible
There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant.
- For-profit organizations
- Foreign entities
Eligible expenses
The AgriScience Program under the Sustainable CAP is focused on enhancing agricultural innovation through scientific research. Eligible activities for funding include projects under two main components and various priority areas targeting pre-commercial science initiatives that support industry-aligned agricultural advancements.
- Pre-commercial science activities supporting the agriculture and agri-food sector.
- Research projects addressing national agricultural themes and horizontal issues.
- Collaborations between industry, government, and academia to advance agricultural innovation.
Selection criteria
Here are the evaluation and selection criteria for this grant:
- Alignment with program objectives
- Demonstrated need and expected results
- Capacity to deliver
- Cost-effectiveness and value for money
- Risk and mitigation strategies
- Commitment to sustainable outcomes
- Collaboration and partnerships
How to apply
1
How to apply
- Access the application portal provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).
- Ensure you have all necessary documentation ready as per the program requirements.
- Consult the application guide provided for specific instructions and details required for submission.
2
Complete the application and apply
- Fill in the application forms accurately including sections related to project description, budget, and timelines.
- Attach all required supporting documents, such as research plans, timelines, and budget outlines.
- Submit the completed application through the AAFC's online system.
- Ensure submission is before any deadlines or until the funding has been fully committed.
3
After you apply
- Await confirmation of receipt of your application from AAFC.
- Monitor any communications from AAFC for feedback or requests for additional information.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The maximum funding for any single project is $5 million over the 2023 to 2028 period, with a total cap of $10 million for the Projects Component.
- Funding supports pre-commercial science activities and research specifically beneficial to the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector.
- Collaborative support involves entering into a Collaborative Research and Development Agreement (CRDA) with AAFC, specifying milestones and licensing options.
- Cost-sharing details differ, with special provisions for not-for-profits focused on greenhouse gas reduction, where AAFC covers up to 70%.
- The program emphasizes partnerships between industry, government, and academia.
- Indigenous applicants may be eligible for increased cost-share ratios and are encouraged to seek further details from the program.
