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Grain Financial Protection Program (GFPP) - Canada

Grain Financial Protection Program (GFPP)

Last Update: June 22, 2025
Canada
Protects grain producers and storage owners from financial loss

Grain Financial Protection Program (GFPP) at a glance

Eligible Funding
  • No Condition
Timeline
  • Continuous Intakes
Financing Type
Other Support
Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Grant Providers
  • Agricorp
Status
Open

Overview of the Grain Financial Protection Program (GFPP) program

The Grain Financial Protection Program (GFPP) provides financial coverage of up to 95% for producers of canola, grain corn, soybeans, or wheat in the event a licensed dealer or elevator fails to meet payment or storage obligations. The program aims to protect grain producers and owners by offering compensation for eligible losses related to non-payment or storage defaults.

Financing terms and conditions

  • Financial protection for producers covers up to 95% of approved claims when no payment deferral is arranged.
  • Coverage decreases with deferred payment arrangements: 50% for deferrals of 1 to 45 days, 40% for 46 to 90 days, 30% for 91 to 135 days, and 20% for 136 to 180 days. No coverage for deferrals over 180 days.
  • For businesses required to provide financial security, the amount equals 60% of the highest month's grain purchases (separate calculations for October–January and February–September), and security must extend three months beyond the licence expiry date.

Eligible projects & activities

  • Licensing and operation of grain dealing businesses purchasing canola, grain corn, soybeans, or wheat from producers.
  • Licensing and operation of grain elevator facilities storing grains or oilseeds on behalf of producers or other owners.
  • Participation in inspections and compliance activities to ensure proper practices in grain dealing and storage operations.
  • Provision of financial protection to producers in the event of dealer or elevator operator default on payment or storage obligations.
  • Filing and adjudication of claims by producers for unpaid sales or unreturned stored grain within the program's framework.

Eligibility criteria of the Grain Financial Protection Program (GFPP) program

  • The applicant must be a business purchasing canola, grain corn, soybeans, or wheat from producers for purposes other than personal use, and/or operating a grain elevator storing grains or oilseeds other than their own.
  • The applicant must hold a valid grain dealer licence (for buyers) and/or grain elevator operator licence (for storage operators).
  • The business must submit the required application forms and supporting documents to Agricorp, including applicable business registration and recent financial statements prepared by a third party (for dealers).
  • The applicant must demonstrate financial responsibility as assessed by Agricorp through quantitative and qualitative analysis, or provide tangible financial security if unable to meet the criteria through financial review.
  • The applicant must pay all relevant licensing fees and comply with the requirements set out by the Grain Financial Protection Program and the Grains Act.

Who is eligible?

  • Grain dealers who purchase canola, grain corn, soybeans, or wheat from producers for purposes other than personal use
  • Companies operating grain elevators that store grains or oilseeds not owned by them

Eligible expenses

  • Compensation for producers following dealer or elevator operator failure to meet payment or storage obligations (covering a portion of financial losses on approved claims).

Eligible geographic areas

  • Ontario

Eligibility criteria of the Grain Financial Protection Program (GFPP) program

  • Current ratio: 23 points maximum – Measures the ability to meet short-term obligations.
  • Debt to equity ratio: 25 points maximum – Assesses use of financial leverage and risk.
  • Interest coverage ratio: 10 points maximum – Evaluates the ability to service business debt.
  • Profit margin on sales ratio: 20 points maximum – Indicates profitability of the business.
  • Stability ratio: 15 points maximum – Reflects the relationship between sales volume and equity.
  • Average collection period ratio: 2 points maximum – Assesses how quickly the business collects accounts receivable.
  • Line of credit ratio: 5 points maximum – Indicates extent of line of credit usage.

How to apply to the Grain Financial Protection Program (GFPP) program

  • Step 1: Submit Application
    • Obtain and complete the appropriate application form from agricorp.com: either Application for a Licence as a Dealer in Grain or Application for a Licence as a Grain Elevator Operator.
    • For grain dealers: Submit the Application for a Licence, Financial Responsibility Form, Banker’s Confirmation, licence fee payable to Agricorp, business registration form or articles of incorporation, and financial statements for the past three years (prepared by a third party).
    • For elevator operators: Submit the Application for a Licence, Agricorp’s Certificate of Insurance Coverage, and licence fee payable to Agricorp.
    • Send all completed forms and required documents to Agricorp.
  • Step 2: Prove Financial Responsibility
    • Agricorp conducts a quantitative analysis of financial responsibility, using submitted financial statements to calculate key financial ratios and assign a financial score.
    • The Financial Responsibility Review Committee performs a qualitative analysis, evaluating intangible factors such as management experience, level of risk, and quality of financial information.
    • If the initial financial responsibility requirement is not met, applicants may submit additional documentation (e.g., financial commentary, banking arrangement information, financial projections, appraisals) to strengthen their application.
  • Step 3: Obtain Licence Approval
    • The Financial Responsibility Review Committee makes a recommendation to the chief inspector based on the quantitative and qualitative assessments.
    • If approved, the licence is mailed to the applicant, who must display it prominently at their place of business.
    • If not approved, Agricorp will provide reasons and options for next steps, such as providing corporate indemnification, personal guarantees, or shareholder loan postponements to meet requirements.
  • Step 4: Provide Financial Security (if required)
    • If the applicant still does not meet financial responsibility criteria, tangible financial security (e.g., letter of credit, surety bond) and a Purchase Declaration must be provided.
    • The amount of security required is determined based on highest monthly purchases, and security must extend three months beyond the licence expiry date.
  • Step 5: Application Review and Issuance
    • Agricorp reviews all documents and security provided.
    • Upon final approval, the official licence is issued for one year.

Additional information

  • Coverage levels for claims decrease as the length of any deferred payment arrangement increases.
  • Small dealers renewing their licence may be exempt from the financial security requirement.
  • Official grain storage receipts must include detailed information and are available from the Ontario Agri Business Association.
  • Applicants who do not meet financial responsibility may provide additional security options, such as personal guarantees or shareholder loan postponements.

Apply to this program

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