CAAIN — 2025 Broadacre Cropping Program

Q: How much funding can be received?

CAAIN — 2025 Broadacre Cropping Program Funds up to 40% of admissible expenses, capped at $600000 per project.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Is the CAAIN — 2025 Broadacre Cropping Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

CAAIN — 2025 Broadacre Cropping Program is a Partnering and Collaboration

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the CAAIN — 2025 Broadacre Cropping Program?

CAAIN — 2025 Broadacre Cropping Program is funded by Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN)

Q: Who is eligible for the CAAIN — 2025 Broadacre Cropping Program program?

To be eligible for the CAAIN — 2025 Broadacre Cropping Program program, you must: • Must have operations in Canada • Project must include cash contributions from at least two Canadian-incorporated SMEs • All partners must be in good standing with CAAIN

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the CAAIN — 2025 Broadacre Cropping Program?

You can contact Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN) by email at info@caain.ca.

Q: Where is the CAAIN — 2025 Broadacre Cropping Program available?

The CAAIN — 2025 Broadacre Cropping Program program is available across Canada.

Q: Are startups eligible for the CAAIN — 2025 Broadacre Cropping Program program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the CAAIN — 2025 Broadacre Cropping Program program.

Last Update: August 5, 2025

Canada

Funding for collaborative innovation in large-scale Canadian crop production

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $600,000
Up to 40% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Partnering and Collaboration

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

The CAAIN — 2025 Broadacre Cropping Program provides up to $600,000 in funding to support collaborative research and innovation projects focused on developing and adopting advanced automation, digital technologies, and smart farm systems for large-scale crop production in Canada. Eligible activities include technology development, creation of data-based decision-making tools, and implementation of smart farm platforms on a minimum of 100 acres.

Financing terms and conditions

Funding of up to $600,000 CAD per project.
Reimbursement of up to 40% of total eligible supported expenses.
Total program budget committed is up to $3 million CAD.
All funded initiatives are subject to a 4% administration fee.

Activities funded

Research and innovation projects advancing automation and robotics in broadacre crop production.
Development and deployment of data-driven decision-making tools to optimize large-scale crop cultivation.
Implementation or enhancement of smart farm platforms or smart farm networks to support technology adoption and skills development in agriculture.
Validation and demonstration of emerging digital technologies and innovative practices on Canadian farms with at least 100 acres.
Projects contributing to improved production efficiency, sustainability, agricultural quality, safety, and environmental benefits in broadacre cropping systems.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 52,000

Establishing a composting program for a mid-sized tech campus

$ 90,000

Implementing a solar panel microgeneration system for bakery operations

$ 40,000

Introducing a digital inventory management platform for local food co-op

$ 100,000

Launching a circular economy textile recycling pilot initiative

$ 100,000

Upgrading HVAC and LED lighting at heritage performing arts venue

$ 69,000

Modernizing equipment for a community repair café and tool library

Eligibility

The applicant organization must have operations in Canada.
The project team must include at least two small or medium Canadian enterprises (SMEs) incorporated in Canada.
The proposed project must focus on developing digital technology or operating a smart farm in Canada, with activities covering at least 100 acres (at one or more locations in Canada).
All project partners must be in good standing with CAAIN, with no overdue reports or outstanding funds owed.
The project must be incremental to normal business activities and align with CAAIN's objectives and the Strategic Innovation Fund Stream 4.

Who is eligible?

Canadian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) involved in agri-food, agricultural technology, or smart farming
Academic and research institutions operating in Canada
Canadian not-for-profit organizations engaged in agri-food technology or innovation
For-profit entities (including multi-national enterprises) with operations in Canada
Technology developers and equipment manufacturers supporting broadacre cropping systems

Who is not eligible

Companies or organizations without operations in Canada.
Entities unable to secure cash contributions from at least two Canadian small or medium enterprises (SMEs), as defined by Statistics Canada (499 or fewer employees).
International organizations seeking direct funding (funding may only flow to Canadian entities).
Project teams or partners not in good standing with CAAIN (e.g., with overdue reporting or monies owed to CAAIN).

Eligible expenses

Salaries and wages for project-related personnel.
Costs for subcontractors and consultants directly supporting project work.
Purchase of materials and supplies used exclusively for project activities.
Acquisition of equipment required for approved project activities, including modifications and shipping.
Direct intellectual property costs related to project outputs.
Travel and outreach expenses directly related to project execution.

Eligible geographic areas

Organizations with operations in Canada.

Selection criteria

Technical merit: The project must present a scientifically sound innovation concept, showing progress of at least one Technology Readiness Level (TRL), with emphasis on TRL 3-7, aiming for commercialization or broader adoption in Canada.
Team and network expertise: The project team should represent multiple sectors within the agricultural value chain, with the collective capability to evaluate technologies from diverse perspectives.
Economic and social benefits: The proposal should demonstrate how the project will create value for the Canadian agriculture and agtech sectors, outlining pathways for innovation adoption and highlighting impact beyond the immediate team.
Training opportunities: The proposal should detail how the project will provide experiential learning opportunities, such as co-op placements or upskilling agriculture workers.
Budget justification: The costs associated with the project must be reasonable and appropriately justified, adhering to CAAIN's costing principles.

How to apply

Verify eligibility and program fit

Review the eligibility criteria to ensure your organization and project meet program requirements
Familiarize yourself with CAAIN priorities and program objectives
Identify potential partners and stakeholders within Canada

Submit Project Application Form

Complete and submit the Project Application Form (PAF) by the specified deadline
Clearly outline the problem, objectives, and expected outcomes of your project
Ensure all required information and documents are included

Submit Expression of Interest

Wait for an invitation to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) if the initial application is successful
Prepare a detailed outline of project activities, including rationale and preliminary budget
Highlight the planned approach to commercialization or adoption

Submit Full Project Proposal

If invited, prepare and submit a Full Project Proposal (FPP) with detailed project description and financial workbook
Include information on the team, objectives, deliverables, risks, and management strategies
Provide all required supporting documentation

Await funding decision

Wait for CAAIN to review your Full Project Proposal and make a final funding decision
Respond to any additional information requests from CAAIN if needed
Receive official notification of the funding outcome

Sign funding agreement

If successful, sign a Project Funding Agreement (PFA) with CAAIN
Review all funding terms, obligations, and conditions before project start
Ensure compliance with all reporting and dissemination requirements

Additional information

All funded projects are subject to a 4% administration fee.
Recipients must report project outcomes, including job creation and technology deployment, as well as environmental, economic, and social benefits.
Performance monitoring may continue for up to 10 years after project completion, depending on project impact.
All public communications regarding CAAIN funding must be coordinated with and approved by CAAIN in advance.

Contacts

info@caain.ca

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the CAAIN — 2025 Broadacre Cropping Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the CAAIN — 2025 Broadacre Cropping Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the CAAIN — 2025 Broadacre Cropping Program?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under CAAIN — 2025 Broadacre Cropping Program?

Research and innovation projects advancing automation and robotics in broadacre crop production. Development and deployment of data-driven decision-making tools to optimize large-scale crop cultivation. Implementation or enhancement of smart farm platforms or smart farm networks to support technology adoption and skills development in agriculture. Validation and demonstration of emerging digital technologies and innovative practices on Canadian farms with at least 100 acres. Projects contributing to improved production efficiency, sustainability, agricultural quality, safety, and environmental benefits in broadacre cropping systems.