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Source verified August 10, 2026
Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program
Supports strategic agriculture and agri-food sector projects
Latest source updateLast Update: June 26, 2026Latest change: The program now focuses on a narrower set of strategic agriculture and agri-food priorities, and the eligibility criteria and required application documents were updated.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: June 26, 2026
Latest change: The program now focuses on a narrower set of strategic agriculture and agri-food priorities, and the eligibility criteria and required application documents were updated.
CASPP scope and eligibility updated
The Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program now presents a narrower strategic-innovation focus, with new project examples including digital interoperability, data standardization, cyber security, biosecurity, automation, feasibility, and climate sustainability planning. The eligibility language was also rewritten to emphasize sector-based Canadian organizations, partnerships, and Indigenous groups, while changing the priority framework from 4 priorities to 3 CASPP priority areas and removing municipal government from the listed organization types. Application requirements also changed: Travel Pre-approval is now a required document for applicable applicants, and project travel expenses must be pre-approved at application time. Funding limits remain the same, including a maximum AAFC contribution of $1 million per project, generally no more than $5 million over 5 years per applicant, with cost-sharing normally at 50% AAFC and 50% applicant and special cases up to 75% AAFC.
Funding available
$ 5,000,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector-based organizations that represent, or have established partnerships with, the full sector relevant to the project's objective and collectively reflect the interest and needs of the sector across Canada
See full eligibility
Overview
The Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program supports projects across Canada that strengthen the agriculture and agri-food sector, with AAFC contributions normally up to $1 million and usually covering up to 50% of eligible costs. Eligible projects can develop sector strategies, build digital tools and platforms, or test technologies that improve environmental sustainability.
/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 team skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 5,000,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- For-profit business
- Non-financial cooperative
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Municipal
- Provincial
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Plan and carry out strategic initiatives aligned with Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector tables or forums to address shared challenges and opportunities.
- Build organizational and sector capacity through modernization, collaborative tools, leadership development, and governance approaches.
- Develop coordinated approaches, digital tools, platforms, and AI or other advanced technology solutions to improve sector operations and decision-making.
- Work with innovators and AAFC researchers to design, test, adopt, or scale technologies and modernize sector practices.
- Develop and carry out projects that reduce environmental impact, improve resilience, support climate adaptation, and demonstrate sustainable practices.
Documents Needed
- Detailed Project Budget
- Organization's Certificate or Articles of Incorporation
- Financial Statements for the past 2 years or since the date of business start-up where the business is less than 2 years old, plus the latest interim financial statements and, if applicable, the most recent annual report or audited financial statements of the parent company or principal owner
- Project Endorsement Letters/ Letters of Support
- If applicable: Letters of Financial Support, Capital Asset Pre-approval, and Travel Pre-approval
Official resources
Program guide
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector-based organizations that represent, or have established partnerships with, the full sector relevant to the project's objective and collectively reflect the interest and needs of the sector across Canada
- Not-for-profit organizations such as national or regional associations, cooperatives, and marketing boards
- For-profit organizations in Canada with a project that offers benefits to the whole sector or the public and not for private gain/profit
- Indigenous Groups (First Nation, Inuit, and Métis)
- Provincial or territorial government
Eligible expenses
- Administrative costs, including project management, office supplies and expenses, IT products and services, office space, and related overhead
- Salaries and benefits for staff carrying out activities in the project work plan, including MERCs, EI, CPP/QPP, vacation pay, and employer-paid benefits
- Contracted services, such as consultant or expert services, translation services, and project management to undertake activities
- Travel costs directly related to the project, including per diems, economy airfare, rail, ground transportation, seat selection, and baggage
- Capital expenditures and other direct project costs, such as equipment, computers, specialized software, prototypes, shipping, translation, and knowledge transfer costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Activities intended to influence or lobby governments
- Product promotion, advertising, marketing activities, trade shows, and trade missions
- Regular business activities or commercial setup costs, including product launches, company expansion, entering new markets, starting or growing a business, ongoing operating costs, regular cash flow support, and the normal costs of establishing a commercial operation
- Basic or commercial research, such as regulatory applications or clinical trials
- In-kind contributions, direct income support, building or land purchases, refundable GST/HST or other recoverable taxes, hospitality, depreciation, and stand-alone conferences, workshops, training, mentoring, or awareness activities not directly tied to project objectives or sharing results
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- How well the project meets the program's objectives
- How well the project responds to one or more CASPP program priorities; weaker alignment may lead to lower AAFC contributions, higher industry contributions, or no funding consideration
- How well the project provides benefits to Canada, such as increased revenues, decreased operating costs, increased demand for primary agriculture or agri-based inputs, or increased employment in the sector
- The degree to which the project involves or is supported by groups or individuals in the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector that represent the targeted sector within a Canadian or sector-wide scope, and the ultimate benefits to targeted stakeholders
- The likelihood that planned results will be achieved within the timeline and project budget, considering project risks, and the applicant's proven technical, financial and managerial capacity to complete the proposed project
How to apply
- Access the online program portal, choose a secure sign-in method, sign in, and start a new Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program application.
- Complete and submit the Stage 1 pre-screening application.
- If the pre-screening application meets program priorities, wait for an email invitation to proceed to Stage 2.
- Access the program again online and complete the full application.
- Download, complete, and save the Detailed Project Budget form.
- Upload the Detailed Project Budget and required supporting documents, complete all application details, and submit the full application.
Processing and Agreement
- An acknowledgement notice will be sent after submission, and the application is not considered submitted until the acknowledgement notice is received.
- AAFC may contact the applicant for details on the application or additional information where necessary for assessment.
- Pre-screening applications are assessed within 30 business days of receipt to advise whether the applicant is invited to submit a project application.
- Complete application packages are assessed within 100 business days of receipt; applicants then receive an approval or rejection notification letter, and approved projects proceed to a contribution agreement.
- If approved, recipients must provide progress reports, annual and end-of-project performance reports, financial reports, and other reports requested; Quebec-based organizations must demonstrate compliance with the M-30 Act before entering into a contribution agreement, and the agreement will include intellectual property requirements and confirmations.
Additional information
- The program is a national program and there are no pre-determined regional allocations.
- Quebec-based applicants may be subject to the M-30 Act and must demonstrate compliance during the application assessment process and before entering into a contribution agreement.
- If approved, the contribution agreement will include specific intellectual property requirements and confirmations.
- Materials developed for activities carried out in a domestic establishment in Canada must be available in French and English.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program Program
What is the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program?
The Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program supports projects across Canada that strengthen the agriculture and agri-food sector, with AAFC contributions normally up to $1 million and usually covering up to 50% of eligible costs. Eligible projects can develop sector strategies, build digital tools and platforms, or test technologies that improve environmental sustainability.
How much funding can be received?
Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $5,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program program?
To be eligible for the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program program, you must:
The project must support the continued development of a strong and prosperous Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector.
The project must focus on at least one program priority.
All projects must be completed by March 31, 2029.
What expenses are eligible under Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program?
Plan and carry out strategic initiatives aligned with Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector tables or forums to address shared challenges and opportunities.
Build organizational and sector capacity through modernization, collaborative tools, leadership development, and governance approaches.
Develop coordinated approaches, digital tools, platforms, and AI or other advanced technology solutions to improve sector operations and decision-making.
Work with innovators and AAFC researchers to design, test, adopt, or scale technologies and modernize sector practices.
Develop and carry out projects that reduce environmental impact, improve resilience, support climate adaptation, and demonstrate sustainable practices.
Who can I contact for more information about the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program?
You can contact Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) by email at aafc.caspp-pcpsa.aac@agr.gc.ca or by phone at 1-877-246-4682.
Where is the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program available?
The Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program program is available across Canada.
Is the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program is a Grant and Funding