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Ontario Agri-food Research Initiative (OAFRIP)
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Ontario, Canada
Funding for Ontario agri-food research and innovation projects
Grant and Funding
Overview
The Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative provides funding for agri-food research and innovation projects in Ontario, with several streams such as applied research, pilot and demonstration, knowledge translation and transfer, and commercialization, although the maximum funding amount is not explicitly provided. Eligible activities include scientific investigation, prototype development, knowledge mobilization, and scaling innovative technologies for commercial use.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Research and experimental development
- Selling in a new market
- Marketing a product
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open Date : October 15, 2024
- Closing date : January 13, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Canadians
- Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Research
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Business Associations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Municipal
- Provincial
Activities funded
- Applied research projects aimed at generating new knowledge or proof-of-concept solutions for challenges in the agri-food sector.
- Pilot and demonstration projects for developing and testing prototypes or models of new agri-food technologies.
- Knowledge translation and transfer initiatives to facilitate the adoption and use of research findings within the sector.
- Commercialization activities to scale and bring agri-food innovations, products, or services to market.
- Agri-food business support activities through the Grow Ontario Accelerator Hub, including mentoring, growth planning, and investment readiness services.
Eligibility
- The lead applicant must be located in Ontario.
- The applicant must demonstrate the capacity to perform quality research and innovation activities.
- The applicant must be part of a university or college, research organization, institute or foundation, industry organization or business, non-government organization, or a municipal or Indigenous government or government agency.
- The project must align with at least one of the research priorities outlined in the specific stream intake guidelines.
Who is eligible?
- Universities or colleges based in Ontario
- Research organizations, institutes, or foundations located in Ontario
- Industry organizations or businesses within Ontario
- Non-government organizations in Ontario
- Municipal or Indigenous governments or government agencies in Ontario
Eligible expenses
- Market validation activities, such as conducting market research related to new technologies, products, or services.
- Product development, including prototype creation and field trials.
- Activities aimed at removing barriers to market launch or private sector adoption.
- Optimization of minimum viable products to meet customer needs.
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
How to apply
1
Determine Eligibility
Ensure your organization is located in Ontario and falls under an eligible category such as a university, college, or research organization.
2
Choose Appropriate Funding Stream
- Identify the relevant stream for your project based on the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and project objectives (e.g., applied research, pilot and demonstration, knowledge translation and transfer, or commercialization).
- Review the research priorities outlined in the specific stream intake guidelines to ensure alignment.
3
Understand the Guidelines
- Download and read the 2024 guidelines (PDF) for your chosen stream to understand the detailed requirements and criteria.
- For applied research, pilot and demonstration, and knowledge translation and transfer streams, access the guidelines via the Ontario government website.
4
Prepare Application
- Compile all necessary documents and information required by the guidelines, including project descriptions, budgets, and timelines.
- Draft your application ensuring it addresses the funding criteria and research priorities.
5
Submit Application
- For applied research, pilot and demonstration, and KTT streams, log in to the Research Management System (RMS) to submit your application.
- If applicable, contact RMS support at RMS@ontario.ca for assistance.
- For the commercialization stream, visit the Bioenterprise website to submit your application.
6
Attend Information Sessions (Optional)
- Register for the virtual information session on October 29, 2024, for insights into the applied research, pilot and demonstration, and KTT streams.
- Attend the Bioenterprise event on October 16, 2024, to learn more about the commercialization stream.
Additional information
- Applicants must align their projects with at least one research priority defined in the stream-specific intake guidelines.
- Intake periods and deadlines differ depending on the funding stream, so applicants should monitor specific dates for each stream.
- Virtual information sessions and webinars are available for prospective applicants to learn about objectives, priorities, and application procedures.
- Applicants can review examples of successfully funded past projects and amounts awarded.
