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Source verified June 14, 2026
Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative – Pilot and Demonstration Stream (2024)
Supports Ontario agri-food pilot projects
Funding available
$ 150,000
Deadline
January 13, 2025
Opened October 15, 2024
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative – Pilot and Demonstration Stream (2024) supports agri-food pilot projects to develop, test, validate, and demonstrate new technologies. Eligible costs include research supplies, equipment, staffing, third-party services, travel, and knowledge transfer activities.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop team skills
- Increase production or service capacity
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 150,000 $
- Up to 100% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Pilot and demonstration of agri-food technologies
- Development, testing, validation, and demonstration of prototypes or operational models
- Data collection and analysis to assess innovation performance
- Knowledge transfer and translation activities
- Recruitment and training of research personnel for the project
Documents Needed
- Completed ministry-approved application form
- Written quotes from third-party suppliers
- CRA Business Number or SIN, if applicable
- Premises Identification number, for primary producers or processors
- FBRN or exemption document, for primary producers
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Research bodies
- Industry organizations
- Indigenous persons
- Municipal governments
- Processors, producers, service providers, and retailers/wholesalers
Who is not eligible
- Federal or provincial government employees
- Projects focused on aquaculture, seaweed, fish, or seafood production and processing
- Applicants whose project is outside Ontario
- Applicants with no suitable NAICS code for the business or project sector
Eligible expenses
- Project salaries and benefits for students, post-doctoral fellows, and research technicians
- Research supplies, disposables, equipment, data, and information
- Equipment rental or purchase for project delivery
- Third-party services such as sample collection and lab analysis
- Project-related travel, workshops, publications, and knowledge transfer costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Activities outside the approved research focus areas
- Marketing or adoption of commercialized technologies
- Normal operating and maintenance expenses
- Costs for land, buildings, vehicles, and machinery
- Alcohol, memberships, legal fees, and lobbying-related costs
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Selection criteria
- Alignment with research focus areas
- Uniqueness and value of the proposed prototype or model
- Clear methods for development, testing, and analysis
- Relevant expertise and team strength
- Value for money and TRL fit
How to apply
- Step 1: Complete the application form
- Use the ministry-approved PDF form
- Fill it out in Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Ensure the form is fully completed
- Step 2: Gather supporting information
- Obtain written quotes from third-party suppliers
- Prepare required business identification details
- Include all funding sources on the form
- Step 3: Submit by email
- Send the completed form to SustainableCAP1@ontario.ca
- Submit before the deadline
- Only one application may be submitted
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed for completeness and eligibility first
- Eligible applications are assessed on merit-based criteria
- Successful applicants receive an approval letter by email
- Claims are reviewed before payment is issued
- Additional information may be requested to validate claims
Additional information
- Applicants may be asked to provide voluntary demographic information.
- One application per applicant is allowed.
- Claims must be supported by paid invoices and proof of payment.
- Project communications require prior ministry consent.
Contacts
Other components of this program
Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.
- Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative — Applied Research StreamFunding for Ontario agri-food applied research
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative – Pilot and Demonstration Stream (2024) Program
What is the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative – Pilot and Demonstration Stream (2024)?
Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative – Pilot and Demonstration Stream (2024) supports agri-food pilot projects to develop, test, validate, and demonstrate new technologies. Eligible costs include research supplies, equipment, staffing, third-party services, travel, and knowledge transfer activities.
How much funding can be received?
Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative – Pilot and Demonstration Stream (2024) Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses, capped at $150,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was January 13, 2025.
Who is eligible for the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative – Pilot and Demonstration Stream (2024) program?
To be eligible for the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative – Pilot and Demonstration Stream (2024) program, you must:
Ontario-based eligible applicant
Completed application form
Eligible pilot or demonstration project
What expenses are eligible under Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative – Pilot and Demonstration Stream (2024)?
Pilot and demonstration of agri-food technologies
Development, testing, validation, and demonstration of prototypes or operational models
Data collection and analysis to assess innovation performance
Knowledge transfer and translation activities
Recruitment and training of research personnel for the project
Who can I contact for more information about the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative – Pilot and Demonstration Stream (2024)?
You can contact Government of Ontario by email at SustainableCAP1@ontario.ca or by phone at none.
Where is the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative – Pilot and Demonstration Stream (2024) available?
The Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative – Pilot and Demonstration Stream (2024) program is available the province of Ontario.