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CAAIN — 2025 Broadacre Cropping Program - Canada

CAAIN — 2025 Broadacre Cropping Program

Last Update: August 5, 2025
Canada
Funding for collaborative innovation in large-scale Canadian crop production

CAAIN — 2025 Broadacre Cropping Program 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
Grant Providers
  • Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN)
Program status
Open

Overview of the CAAIN — 2025 Broadacre Cropping Program program

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.

Eligible projects & activities

  • 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 criteria of the CAAIN — 2025 Broadacre Cropping Program program

  • 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.

Eligibility criteria of the CAAIN — 2025 Broadacre Cropping Program program

  • 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 to the CAAIN — 2025 Broadacre Cropping Program program

1
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
2
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
3
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
4
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
5
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
6
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.

Contact Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN)

info@caain.ca
Apply to this program

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