Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program
QC, Canada
Funding for agriculture and agri-food industry support organizations
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJanuary 01, 1900
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
- Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
If you’re a not-for-profit or Indigenous organization working toward sustainability and competitiveness by adopting new technology or building capacity, get up to $1 million per project in cost-shared funding to cover up to 50% of eligible project costs i
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is available to organizations incorporated in Canada and recognized under specific organizational types. It supports nationwide efforts within the agriculture and agri-food sector.
- Organizations incorporated anywhere in Canada.
- Indigenous groups throughout Canadian territories.
- Provincial, territorial, or municipal government entities within Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$400,000
Establish a renewable energy greenhouse to grow organic vegetables
$300,000
Create a mobile app for tracking and optimizing crop yields for farmers
$425,000
Set up an advanced composting facility to manage organic waste
$375,000
Develop a sustainable aquaponics system for local food production
$475,000
Implement a drone-based monitoring system for forest health
$250,000
Launch a vertical farming pilot project to enhance urban agriculture
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant requires meeting specific organizational and project criteria.
- The applicant must be one of the following organization types: not-for-profit organizations incorporated in Canada (such as associations, cooperatives, and marketing boards), Indigenous peoples (First Nation, Métis, Inuit), or provincial, territorial, or municipal government entities.
- For-profit organizations are generally not eligible unless the project benefits the entire sector or offers significant public safety or public good benefits.
- The applicant must demonstrate the ability to deliver a sector-wide project that involves or is supported by representatives of the targeted agricultural sector.
- The project must benefit stakeholders within the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector, including public and private participants.
- The applicant must identify and address a challenge facing the Canadian agriculture sector while aligning with at least one of these priority areas: adaptation to new technology, environmental sustainability, strategic planning and capacity building, or emerging issues.
- The applicant must be a legal entity capable of entering into a legally binding agreement.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant program is designed specifically for organizations within the agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based products sector in Canada, focusing on non-profit entities that can demonstrate sector-wide benefits. It includes specific criteria for eligibility, especially targeting projects that align with key program priorities.
- Not-for-profit organizations incorporated in Canada, such as associations, cooperatives, and marketing boards.
- Indigenous peoples, including First Nation, Métis, and Inuit groups.
- Provincial, territorial, or municipal governments.
- For-profit organizations may be considered if their projects deliver substantial benefits to the entire sector or public.
- Projects must involve or receive support from Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector representatives.
- Projects must benefit stakeholders across the sector, addressing challenges in adaptation to new technology, environmental sustainability, strategic planning, or emerging issues.
- Applicants must be legal entities capable of entering into binding agreements.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant program is primarily targeted at specific groups within the agriculture sector. There are restrictions that limit the eligibility of certain organizations based on their status and the overarching benefit to the sector.
- For-profit organizations, unless the benefit will be accrued throughout the entire sector or has significant public safety or public good impacts.
- Organizations that cannot demonstrate or manage projects on a Canadian and/or agriculture and agri-food sector-wide scope.
- Entities unable to fulfill the cost-sharing requirement with cash contributions as in-kind contributions are ineligible.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant supports projects in the agriculture and agri-food sectors that aim to enhance technology adoption, improve environmental sustainability, build strategic capacity, and address emerging issues. Eligible activities focus on collaboration, technology testing, and strategic planning to address challenges and opportunities within the sector.
- Coordinated approaches to adapt and take full advantage of emerging opportunities.
- Test and adopt technology solutions in collaboration with research centres.
- Solve technical hurdles to overcome barriers and encourage adoption of new technology in Canadian agriculture.
- Develop more value-added products.
- Support the development of environmental initiatives, increase resiliency, and projects adopting or demonstrating environmental technology.
- Complement environmental sustainability and climate change activities under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership and other programs.
- Support organizational capacity within the agricultural sector.
- Support transformation in the agricultural sector.
- Develop strategic planning initiatives that complement value chain roundtable, agri-food economic table, and other discussions.
- Plan and implement responses to unforeseen circumstances in the agricultural sector.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of the project.
- Project expenses claimed or contributed within the set program cost categories.
- Costs included in the project application form budget.
- Costs related to activities specified in the work plan.
- Costs incurred within the work plan activities timeframe.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure they meet the program's principles and priorities.
- How well the project meets the program's objectives and addresses the priority areas.
- Projects not aligning well with the priority areas may require higher industry contributions or may receive lower AAFC contributions.
- The benefits provided to Canada, including potential increased revenues, decreased operating costs, increased demand, and employment in the sector.
- The degree to which the project involves or is supported by sector-representative groups or individuals on a national or sector-wide level.
- The likelihood that the project results will be achieved within the specified timeline and budget, considering project risks.
- Your demonstrated technical, financial, and managerial capacity to complete the proposed project.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Complete Pre-Screening Application
- Access the program information by choosing a secure sign-in method (Sign-In Partner or GCKey).
- Sign in or sign up to start a new application.
- Select the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program from the list of programs.
- Complete the pre-screening application details.
- Submit your pre-screening application to initiate a discussion with program staff.
- Step 2: Complete Full Program Application (if invited)
- Receive an email invitation to proceed to the full application stage.
- Access your program information with a secure sign-in method (Sign-In Partner or GCKey).
- Sign in and select the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program from the programs list.
- Complete the full application online.
- Download and complete the Detailed Project Budget form on your computer.
- Upload the Detailed Project Budget form and other required documents, such as:
- Organization's Certificate or Articles of Incorporation.
- Financial Statements for the past 2 years or since start-up.
- Letters of Financial Support from cash-contributing organizations (if applicable).
- Project Endorsement Letters/Letters of Support.
- Capital Asset Pre-approval (if applicable).
- Submit your completed application.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Your portion of the cost-share must be cash contributions; in-kind contributions are ineligible.
- Quebec-based organizations need to address the compliance with Quebec's M-30 Act during the application process.
- The funding agreement will include specific intellectual property requirements regarding the ownership of materials created or developed.
- Applications that align to a lesser degree with priority areas might be considered lower importance and may not be funded.
- All potential sources of funding must be disclosed in the application, including contributions from industry and partners.
Apply to this program
Unlocking Opportunities in Agriculture with Strategic Grant Funding
This Canadian grant offers substantial financial aid to not-for-profit organizations, governments, and Indigenous communities to bolster the agriculture and agri-food sector by fostering innovation and sustainable growth. The program aims to tackle emerging challenges, encourage technological adaptation, and build strategic capacity within the sector.
Diving Deep into the Program Objectives and Benefits
The Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program is designed to provide crucial financial assistance to various Canadian organizations involved in the agriculture, agri-food, and agri-products sectors. This grant, managed by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), is specifically targeted to help these sectors seize new market opportunities, adapt swiftly to evolving challenges, and enhance overall competitiveness.
This program is open for applications continuously until March 31, 2029, or until its funding is entirely committed. The core objectives are to support innovations that could revolutionize the sector, address emerging issues that were not previously prioritized, and identify practical solutions to persisting challenges to ensure the sector's resilience and prosperity.
Each project may receive a maximum contribution of up to $1 million from AAFC, with the possibility of funding up to $5 million spread across five years for multiple projects undertaken by the same applicant. The requirement of cost-sharing places a significant emphasis on both collaboration and investment from the applicants themselves, as they are required to match the government contribution, which can range from a minimum of 50% up to 75% in exceptional circumstances where public benefits are significant.
This grant is not only about financial contributions; it also demands a clear demonstration of the applicant's capacity to execute sector-wide projects. Applicants must highlight their ability to engage effectively with stakeholders across the sector and deliver outcomes that are beneficial at a macro level. This includes projects that align with one or more of the program's four priority areas: Adaptation to New Technology, Environmental Sustainability, Strategic Development and Capacity Building, and Responding to Emerging Issues.
Among the key activities supported by the program, technological adaptation is prioritized to drive the sector forward, leveraging innovation to solve existing challenges and tapping into new opportunities. Environmental sustainability efforts are also strongly encouraged, fostering projects that integrate responsible practices with economic growth strategies.
The strategic development aspect of the program underscores the necessity for organized frameworks to ensure sectors are structured to tackle both current and foreseeable changes in the industry landscape, including regulatory shifts and consumer preferences. Furthermore, the grant provides a mechanism to swiftly address unforeseen crises that could impact the agricultural sector, ensuring rapid and effective responses.
An essential component of the grant application process involves demonstrating the technical, financial, and managerial robustness to see a project through to completion within prescribed timelines and budgetary constraints. The program is particularly advantageous because it emphasizes collaborative efforts and leverages both public and private sector strengths to achieve sustainable outcomes.
Ultimately, this grant represents a strategic intervention designed to foster innovation, support long-term growth, and enhance the sustainability of the Canadian agricultural sector. It offers a valuable opportunity for selected participants to not only secure the necessary funds but also contribute significantly to the advancement of the sector within Canada and beyond.
