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Source verified August 15, 2026
AgriScience Program — Projects – Not-for-profit
Pre-commercial agriculture innovation funding
Latest source updateLast Update: August 15, 2026Latest change: AgriScience added detailed assessment tables for project review and clarified that eligibility does not guarantee funding.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: August 15, 2026
Latest change: AgriScience added detailed assessment tables for project review and clarified that eligibility does not guarantee funding.
AgriScience assessment criteria updated
The AgriScience Program – Projects guidance now uses detailed assessment tables on the “Before you apply” page, replacing the earlier brief review narrative with scored criteria for science methodology, timelines and milestones, budget, expertise and capacity, financial capacity, novelty, sector impact, alignment with priorities, performance measures, knowledge transfer, collaboration, and diversity, equity and inclusion. The eligibility page also now states that meeting all eligibility criteria does not obligate the Minister or AAFC to fund a project and that funding remains subject to ministerial discretion based on public policy and public interest considerations.
Funding available
Up to 70% of project cost
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
The program funds pre-commercial applied science and research and development for the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector. Up to $5 million per project is available, with support for industry-led research and collaborative work with AAFC scientists.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Up to 70% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
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
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Applied research and development
- Technology and knowledge transfer activities
- Activities in support of Indigenous groups to conduct research and share new and traditional scientific knowledge
- Variety development where the research aligns with at least one of the 3 priority areas
- Pest and disease surveillance when required as part of a broader research activity
Documents Needed
- Project Summary Form (Stage 1)
- High-level budget in a separate document
- Completed application form with attachments (Stage 2)
- A copy of the organization's Certificates or Articles of Incorporation
- A copy of the last 2 years' financial statements (audited or review engagement)
Official resources
Program guide
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- For-profit organizations
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Indigenous individuals and organizations
Who is not eligible
- Sole proprietorships
- Academic institutions applying directly for funding
Eligible expenses
- Salaries and benefits
- Contracted services
- Travel
- Capital expenditures
- Other direct project costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Sole proprietorships
- Academic institutions applying directly
- Regular and routine pest and disease monitoring
Eligible geographic areas
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
Selection criteria
- Project intent and scope
- Scientific methodology
- Organizational capacity
- Program funding principles
- Relevance, risk, feasibility, and impact
How to apply
- Step 1: Complete and submit the project summary form
- Download, complete, save, and email the project summary form.
- Provide a high-level budget in a separate document.
- Step 2: Submit the full application if invited
- Complete the application form and all required attachments.
- Send the completed application package as instructed by the program.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are acknowledged after submission of the Stage 2 package.
- Incomplete applications may be returned for missing information.
- Applications are reviewed by program administrators and technical reviewers.
- Approved applicants receive a written decision letter and must sign the required agreement before reimbursement.
- Reporting may include progress, performance, and financial reports.
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.
Other components of this program
Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.
- AgriScience Program – ClustersFunding for agricultural research and innovation collaboration
- AgriScience Program – ProjectsSupports pre-commercial agricultural research and innovation
- AgriScience Program — Projects — for-profit organizationsPre-commercial agri R&D support for companies
Frequently Asked Questions about the AgriScience Program — Projects – Not-for-profit Program
What is the AgriScience Program — Projects – Not-for-profit?
The program funds pre-commercial applied science and research and development for the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector. Up to $5 million per project is available, with support for industry-led research and collaborative work with AAFC scientists.
How much funding can be received?
AgriScience Program — Projects – Not-for-profit Funds up to 70% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the AgriScience Program — Projects – Not-for-profit program?
To be eligible for the AgriScience Program — Projects – Not-for-profit program, you must:
Pre-commercial research project
Aligned with program priorities
Financial statements available
What expenses are eligible under AgriScience Program — Projects – Not-for-profit?
Applied research and development
Technology and knowledge transfer activities
Activities in support of Indigenous groups to conduct research and share new and traditional scientific knowledge
Variety development where the research aligns with at least one of the 3 priority areas
Pest and disease surveillance when required as part of a broader research activity
Who can I contact for more information about the AgriScience Program — Projects – Not-for-profit?
You can contact Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).
Where is the AgriScience Program — Projects – Not-for-profit available?
The AgriScience Program — Projects – Not-for-profit program is available across Canada.
Is the AgriScience Program — Projects – Not-for-profit a grant, loan, or tax credit?
AgriScience Program — Projects – Not-for-profit is a Grant and Funding