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Ontario Agri-food Research Initiative (OAFRIP)
Funding for Ontario agri-food innovation projects
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : January 15, 2024
- Closing date : October 31, 2025
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Ontario-based agri-food organizations can access support for research, innovation, commercialization, and knowledge transfer. Funding reaches up to $200,000 for applied research and pilot projects, up to $50,000 for KTT projects, and up to $150,000 for commercialization projects.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : January 15, 2024
- Closing date : October 31, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale trade
- Retail trade
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Public administration
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
- Business Associations
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Municipal
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Applied research on agri-food products, processes, and practices
- Pilot and demonstration of prototypes or operational models
- Knowledge translation and transfer activities
- Commercialization, market validation, and product development
- Grow Ontario Accelerator Hub business support services
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- CRA Business Number or SIN, if applicable
- Project budget and cost estimates
- Written quotes from third-party suppliers
- Supporting documents required by the selected stream guidelines
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Research bodies
- Industry organizations and businesses
- Municipal governments
- Primary producers and processors
- Service providers and retailers/wholesalers
Who is not eligible
- Federal and provincial government researchers or employees
- Researchers outside Ontario
- Applicants with outstanding required reports on prior OMAFA-funded projects
- Organizations operating in aquaculture
- Food service organizations for the commercialization stream
Eligible expenses
- Employee salaries and benefits for project work
- Supplies, equipment, data, and information needed for the project
- Equipment rental, facility rental, and land rental
- Third-party services and project-related travel
- Knowledge transfer, communication, and publication costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs incurred outside the eligible project period
- Ordinary business operating costs
- Land, buildings, vehicles, and major machinery purchases
- Lobbying, legal fees, financing charges, and membership fees
- Aquaculture, seaweed, fish, and seafood-related activities
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed for completeness and eligibility
- Proposals are assessed against stream-specific merit criteria
- Successful applicants receive an approval letter by email
- Claims are reviewed before reimbursement is issued
- Applicants may need to comply with a contribution agreement and final report requirements
Additional information
- Intake dates vary by stream and may close at different times.
- Successful applicants receive an approval letter by email.
- Claims are reimbursed after review and approval.
- A final report is required before holdback funds are released.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ontario Agri-food Research Initiative (OAFRIP) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Ontario Agri-food Research Initiative (OAFRIP). 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.
What is the Ontario Agri-food Research Initiative (OAFRIP)?
Ontario-based agri-food organizations can access support for research, innovation, commercialization, and knowledge transfer. Funding reaches up to $200,000 for applied research and pilot projects, up to $50,000 for KTT projects, and up to $150,000 for commercialization projects.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was October 31, 2025.
Who is eligible for the Ontario Agri-food Research Initiative (OAFRIP) program?
To be eligible for the Ontario Agri-food Research Initiative (OAFRIP) program, you must:
Ontario-based applicant
Eligible agri-food organization
Project aligned with priorities
What expenses are eligible under Ontario Agri-food Research Initiative (OAFRIP)?
Applied research on agri-food products, processes, and practices
Pilot and demonstration of prototypes or operational models
Knowledge translation and transfer activities
Commercialization, market validation, and product development
Grow Ontario Accelerator Hub business support services
Who can I contact for more information about the Ontario Agri-food Research Initiative (OAFRIP)?
You can contact Government of Ontario (ON) by email at research.omafra@ontario.ca.
Where is the Ontario Agri-food Research Initiative (OAFRIP) available?
The Ontario Agri-food Research Initiative (OAFRIP) program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Ontario Agri-food Research Initiative (OAFRIP) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Ontario Agri-food Research Initiative (OAFRIP) is a Grant and Funding