How much funding can be received?

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 supports projects in the agriculture sector under themes like adaptation to new technology, environmental sustainability, strategic development, and emerging issues. Each project should aim to tackle sector-specific challenges and provide demonstrable benefits to the sector and its stakeholders.

Coordinate approaches to adapt and leverage emerging opportunities in technology.
Test and adopt technology solutions in collaboration with research centres.
Solve technical hurdles to overcome barriers in adopting new technology in Canadian agriculture.
Develop more value-added products.
Support development of environmental initiatives, increase resiliency, and adopt or demonstrate environmental technology.
Complement environmental sustainability and climate change activities under other programs.
Support organizational capacity and transformation in the agricultural sector.
Develop strategic planning initiatives and support value chain collaborations.
Respond to unforeseen circumstances requiring immediate planning and adaptation in the agricultural sector.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$400,000

Toronto

Establish a renewable energy greenhouse to grow organic vegetables

$300,000

Calgary

Create a mobile app for tracking and optimizing crop yields for farmers

$425,000

Halifax

Set up an advanced composting facility to manage organic waste

$375,000

Montreal

Develop a sustainable aquaponics system for local food production

$475,000

Winnipeg

Implement a drone-based monitoring system for forest health

$250,000

Vancouver

Launch a vertical farming pilot project to enhance urban agriculture

grant_single_labels|admissibility

This grant is available to Canadian not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous peoples, and governmental bodies that can deliver agriculture sector-wide projects aligning with priority areas and demonstrating clear benefits to the sector and public good. It requires applicants to be legal entities capable of entering binding agreements and to provide cash contributions for cost-sharing.

Not-for-profit organizations incorporated in Canada (e.g., associations, cooperatives, marketing boards)
Indigenous peoples (First Nation, Métis, Inuit)
Provincial, territorial or municipal government
Demonstrate ability to deliver agriculture sector-wide project benefiting stakeholders
Project must align with one or more priority areas: adaptation to new technology, environmental sustainability, strategic planning and capacity building, emerging issues
Legal entity capable of entering a legally binding agreement

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

For-profit organizations are normally not eligible for this grant, but they may be considered if the project benefits the entire agricultural sector or offers significant public safety benefits. Eligible organizations primarily include not-for-profit entities and certain government bodies.

Not-for-profit organizations incorporated in Canada (e.g., associations, cooperatives, marketing boards)
Indigenous peoples (First Nation, Métis, Inuit)
Provincial, territorial or municipal government

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

For-profit organizations are typically not eligible for this grant. However, they may be considered for funding if the project benefits the entire sector or offers significant benefits to public safety and/or the public good.

For-profit organizations are generally not eligible.
Exceptions may be made if they demonstrate benefits to the entire sector or public safety.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant. Eligible costs are project expenses that fall within set program cost categories, must be included in the project application form budget, relate to activities in the work plan, and be incurred within the work plan activities timeframe.

Must be included in the project application form budget
Related to activities included in the work plan
Must be incurred within the work plan activities timeframe
Costs incurred before AAFC approval or the project start date may not be reimbursed
Costs incurred after the application is deemed complete but prior to signing the contribution agreement are at the applicant's risk

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The eligible geographic zones for this grant include all regions of Canada, as the program aims to support projects that benefit the Canadian agriculture, agri-food, and agri-products sector. The grant is not limited to specific geographic areas within Canada, making it a national program.

All regions of Canada
National program with no regional restrictions

grant_single_labels|criteria

The Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program evaluates applications based on how well they align with the program's objectives and priorities, as well as their potential benefits to Canada and the agricultural sector. Applications are also assessed on the applicant's capacity to complete the project and achieve the planned results within the timeline and budget.

How well the project meets the program's objectives.
How well projects respond to the range of priority areas.
Potential benefits to Canada, such as increased revenues or decreased operating costs in the agricultural sector.
The degree of involvement or support by groups or individuals in the Canadian agriculture sector.
The likelihood of achieving the planned results within the timeline and project budget.
Applicant's proven technical, financial, and managerial capacity to complete the project.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: What this program offers
This step provides an overview of the program objectives, funding limits, and cost-sharing between Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and the applicant.
Step 2: Eligibility
Check to see if you meet the eligibility criteria, such as being a certain type of organization incorporated in Canada, demonstrating capable delivery, and aligning with program priority areas.
Step 3: Before you apply
Review important information about project costs, funding sources, and the application assessment criteria. Quebec applicants need to comply with the M-30 Act.
Step 4: How to apply
Learn about the 2-stage application process, including completing and submitting the pre-screening application first, followed by the full program application if invited to stage 2.
Step 5: Complete the application and apply
Complete the detailed project budget, submit required documents such as financial statements and letters of support, and then submit the application.
Step 6: After you apply
This step is not detailed, but it generally involves awaiting feedback or further instructions from the program administrators after submission.
Contact information
Reach out to the AAFC Contact Centre for help concerning the application process.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

The Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program offers funding for projects that aim to innovate and address challenges within the agricultural sector.

Funding applications are open continuously until March 31, 2029, barring full commitment of funds or initial closure.
The maximum funding for a single project is generally $1 million, with a total of $5 million over five years for an applicant.
Eligible organizations include not-for-profit, Indigenous peoples, and government entities, with some exceptions for for-profit organizations.
Cost-sharing requires a minimum of 50% contribution from the applicant, though AAFC may contribute up to 75% or more in high-priority cases.
Projects must demonstrate significant benefit to the Canadian agricultural sector and align with one or more of the program's priority areas.

grant_single_labels|documents

Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program

Apply to this program

Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program Grant Overview

The Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program Grant supports projects aimed at advancing the agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based product sector by developing new ideas, products, or market opportunities, addressing emerging issues, and remaining competitive. With funding available until March 31, 2029, the program encourages eligible organizations to engage in initiatives involving adaptation to new technology, environmental sustainability, strategic planning, and emerging issues, offering financial support for projects that benefit the sector and align with its priorities.

Understanding the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program Grant

The Canadian agricultural landscape is constantly evolving, driven by new technologies, changing environmental conditions, and shifting market dynamics. To thrive in this environment, the agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based products sector requires ongoing strategic planning and capacity building. Recognizing this need, the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program Grant was established to support projects that help the sector address unforeseen circumstances, adapt to new technologies, and enhance environmental sustainability. This program is a vital part of Canada's commitment to fostering innovation and growth within the agricultural sector, and it represents an opportunity for eligible organizations to secure funding that furthers these objectives.

Grant Objectives and Priorities

The primary objective of the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program is to empower the agriculture sector to capitalize on new market opportunities, address emerging challenges, and test innovative solutions. To achieve these goals, the program focuses on four key priorities: 1. **Adaptation to New Technology**: This priority encourages investments in projects that move technology closer to commercialization and support the sector in adopting leading-edge technologies. By overcoming technological hurdles, the sector can utilize innovations for future success. 2. **Environmental Sustainability**: The program supports projects that develop, enhance, and advance environmentally and socially responsible practices. With climate change posing significant challenges, adaptation to environmentally sustainable methodologies is crucial for the sector's long-term resilience. 3. **Strategic Development and Capacity Building**: Addressing organizational capacity is essential for overcoming barriers faced by emerging sectors. This priority focuses on ensuring that agriculture sectors are well-structured to tackle present and future challenges, promoting economic table discussions and strategic planning initiatives. 4. **Emerging Issues**: The agricultural sector must be nimble in responding to unforeseen circumstances that require immediate attention. This priority ensures that the sector can address urgent public concerns, international market crises, and other challenges that arise unexpectedly.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program Grant, applicants must meet specific criteria. The program is open to various organization types, including: - Not-for-profit organizations incorporated in Canada, such as associations, cooperatives, marketing boards, and others. - Indigenous peoples (First Nation, Métis, Inuit). - Provincial, territorial, or municipal governments. While for-profit organizations are typically not eligible, they may be considered if the project benefits the entire sector or significantly contributes to public safety and the greater public good. Eligible projects must deliver Canadian or sector-wide benefits, involving groups or individuals representing the targeted sector. Applicants must identify a sector challenge that their project addresses, demonstrating alignment with one or more of the program's priority areas.

Funding and Cost-Sharing

The program provides financial support for eligible projects, with the maximum contribution from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) typically not exceeding $1 million. While applicants can receive funding for multiple projects, the total funding over five years generally should not exceed $5 million for each applicant. Cost-sharing is a fundamental aspect of the program. Contributions toward eligible costs are shared between AAFC and the applicant as follows: - AAFC can contribute up to 50% of eligible costs. - The applicant must provide a minimum of 50% of eligible costs as cash contributions. In cases where a project is deemed high priority or addresses significant public safety concerns, AAFC may contribute up to 75% or more of total project costs.

Eligible Activities and Costs

Projects funded under the program may include a range of eligible activities that align with the four priority areas: - Adaptation to new technology: Projects may involve coordinated approaches to capitalize on emerging opportunities, technology adoption in collaboration with research centers, and developing new value-added products. - Environmental sustainability: Funding supports environmental initiatives and projects that increase resiliency or utilize environmental technology, complementing activities under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership and other programs. - Strategic development and capacity building: Initiatives aimed at supporting organizational capacity, transforming the agricultural sector, and developing strategic planning initiatives to complement roundtable discussions are encouraged. - Emerging issues: This encompasses projects that prepare the sector for unforeseen challenges and future changes. Eligible project costs must fall within predefined categories and meet specific conditions, such as being included in the project application budget, being related to the activity work plan, and incurred within the approved timeline.

Application Process

The application process for the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program involves two stages: 1. **Pre-Screening Application**: Applicants start by accessing the program information and submitting a pre-screening application. The program staff will discuss the project with the applicant to determine its alignment with program priorities. 2. **Program Application**: If invited to proceed, applicants complete a full application, providing detailed project budgets, financial statements, letters of support, and other required documents. Successful completion of this stage makes the application eligible for funding consideration.

Expected Outcomes

Successful projects are expected to enhance the agricultural sector's competitiveness and market orientation by proactively managing risks. The program aims to: - Support sustainable growth and sector prosperity. - Foster innovation, safety, and strength within the sector. Overall, the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program Grant offers an invaluable opportunity for eligible organizations to secure funding for projects that drive innovation, enhance sustainability, and prepare the sector for future challenges. Through this program, Canada reaffirms its commitment to a vibrant agricultural sector that is adaptive, innovative, and capable of thriving amid changing global circumstances.