Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program

Q: How much funding can be received?

Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $1000000 per project.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program?

Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program is funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Government of Canada, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ)

Q: Who is eligible for the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program program?

To be eligible for the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program program, you must: • For-profit organizations are generally not eligible, except when broad sector or public benefits are demonstrated.

Q: 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 dpci@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca.

Q: Where is the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program available?

The Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program program is available across Canada.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Canada

Funding for agriculture and agri-food industry support organizations

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $1,000,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : January 1, 1900

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

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

Financing terms and conditions

The maximum Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) contribution for a project is normally up to $1 million.
Total funding for each applicant will generally not exceed $5 million over 5 years, even if applying for multiple projects.
AAFC contributions typically cover up to 50% of eligible project costs; applicants are required to provide at least 50% as cash contributions.
In cases where a project is deemed high priority or addresses public safety, AAFC may contribute up to 75% of total project costs, or more in exceptional circumstances.
All project expenses must be incurred within the approved project timeframe and included in the application budget to qualify for reimbursement.

Activities funded

Adapting and implementing new technologies within the agriculture and agri-food sector.
Developing environmentally and socially responsible agricultural practices and products.
Enhancing organizational strength and capacity for strategic planning within the sector.
Addressing and planning for emerging and unforeseen issues impacting agriculture.
Collaborating to create value-added agricultural products to meet market opportunities.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 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

Eligibility

The applicant must be a Canadian incorporated not-for-profit organization, Indigenous group, or a provincial, territorial, or municipal government.
The applicant must be able to deliver a project that benefits the Canadian agriculture, agri-food, or agri-products sector on a sector-wide or national scale.
The project must address a challenge facing the sector and align with at least one of the program’s four 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.
Quebec-based organizations must demonstrate compliance with the Province of Quebec's M-30 legislation during the assessment process.

Who is eligible?

Not-for-profit organizations incorporated in Canada, including associations, cooperatives, marketing boards, and similar entities
Indigenous peoples (First Nation, Métis, Inuit)
Provincial, territorial, or municipal governments

Who is not eligible

For-profit organizations, except in cases where the benefit is sector-wide or addresses significant public safety or public good concerns.
Organizations that cannot demonstrate the ability to deliver sector-wide projects with broad stakeholder involvement and benefit.
Applicants that cannot legally enter into binding agreements.

Eligible expenses

Project-related expenses that fall within the program's designated cost categories and are included in the approved project budget.
Costs directly related to activities in the project work plan and incurred within the project timeframe.

Eligible geographic areas

Organizations incorporated and operating anywhere in Canada.

Selection criteria

Degree to which the project aligns with the program's objectives and priority areas.
Extent of the project's benefits to Canada, including impacts on producers, processors, and other sector stakeholders (such as increased revenues or employment).
Level of involvement or support from groups or individuals representing the targeted agriculture sector.
Likelihood of achieving planned results within the project’s timeline and budget, considering potential risks.
Applicant's demonstrated technical, financial, and managerial capacity to complete the proposed project.

How to apply

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.

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.

Additional information

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until March 31, 2029, or until all available program funding is committed.
Quebec-based organizations must demonstrate compliance with the M-30 Act before entering into a funding agreement.
If your project is approved, any intellectual property created under the agreement will be owned by the recipient or a negotiated third party.
Applicants must declare all funding sources for their project, including contributions from public and private partners.

Documents and links

Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program

Contacts

dpci@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities 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.