30+ federal and provincial programs for farms, agri-food processors, and agricultural exporters. Verified eligibility, honest status updates, and the practical guidance government websites don't give you.
Canadian agriculture funding operates primarily through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP), a $3.5-billion, five-year federal-provincial framework running through March 2028. Under SCAP, the federal government funds programs like AgriMarketing (up to $2 million/year for export activities), AgriScience (research partnerships), and the Agricultural Clean Technology Program, while each province delivers its own suite of cost-share programs tailored to local needs. A major new development: the $75-million AgriMarketing SME stream launched on February 13, 2026, opening export funding to small businesses for the first time. Important caveat: not all agriculture "grants" are truly non-repayable — programs like AgriInnovate provide repayable contributions that must be paid back, and several major programs are currently closed to new applications.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is one of the largest federal spending departments. The 2024-25 Departmental Results Report shows the scale of investment flowing into Canadian agriculture.
"Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector is a pillar of our food security, our trade, our jobs and our economy."
— The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture, AAFC 2024-25 Departmental Results Report
On February 13, 2026, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada launched two new AgriMarketing Program streams: Market Diversification for National Industry Associations and Market Diversification for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. The $75-million fund (2026–2031) is separate from the existing $130M AgriMarketing budget under SCAP. For the first time, SMEs that were previously ineligible for AgriMarketing can now access export funding targeting high-growth and non-traditional markets, with a priority focus on Indo-Pacific regions. Apply on the AAFC website →
Not all agriculture "grants" are actually grants. Here's what you need to know before you apply.
The single most important thing to understand about Canadian agriculture funding is that it flows through a federal-provincial framework called SCAP (Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership). The federal government sets priorities and provides funding, but provinces design and deliver most programs. This means a farmer in Alberta accesses fundamentally different programs than one in Ontario or Quebec, even though the money ultimately comes from the same framework.
The second critical point: the word "funding" covers very different instruments. Some programs provide non-repayable grants (you keep the money). Others provide repayable contributions (subsidized loans you pay back). Others are insurance programs or risk management tools. The distinction matters enormously for your business planning.
Government covers a percentage of eligible costs. No repayment required. Most SCAP provincial programs and AgriMarketing work this way.
Government covers costs upfront, but for-profit businesses must repay. Better terms than a bank loan, but not free money. AgriInnovate works this way.
Programs like AgriStability, AgriInsurance, and AgriInvest protect against income drops and natural disasters. Cost-shared premiums.
Major programs administered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, with verified eligibility and current status.
The largest currently-open agriculture grant program. AgriMarketing supports export market development for Canadian agricultural products. The core program ($129.97M total) funds national industry associations with up to $2M/year or $10M over 5 years. The new SME stream ($75M, launched February 2026) opens export funding to individual small and medium-sized businesses for the first time, targeting high-growth markets in the Indo-Pacific region. Eligible activities include trade shows, market research, branding, and international marketing campaigns.
Important: AgriInnovate provides repayable contributions, not grants. For-profit businesses must repay the funding. The program supports commercialization, demonstration, and adoption of innovative agri-food technologies and processes. While the government covers up to 60% of eligible project costs (70% for underrepresented groups), your cash contribution must be at least 40% — in-kind contributions are not accepted. The program is currently closed to new applications and runs through March 31, 2028. If it reopens, it targets larger-scale commercial operations with projects focused on sector competitiveness and sustainability.
Funds applied research and development projects that address agricultural sector priorities. Unlike AgriInnovate, AgriScience contributions are non-repayable for eligible applicants. Projects typically involve collaboration between industry partners and research institutions. The program targets pre-commercialization R&D: developing new crop varieties, improving livestock genetics, testing sustainable farming practices, and advancing food processing technology. Strong applications demonstrate clear industry demand and a path from research to practical adoption.
Funds pre-market innovation in agricultural clean technology, including research, development, demonstration, and commercialization activities. The Research and Innovation Stream is currently open, while the Adoption Stream (which funded equipment purchases for on-farm clean technology) is closed. Eligible projects include precision agriculture technology that reduces inputs, renewable energy systems for farm operations, and innovations in sustainable land and water management. If you're developing technology that reduces agriculture's environmental footprint, this is a strong fit.
Supports underrepresented groups in agriculture — Indigenous peoples, women, youth, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ communities, and official language minority communities. The program's $5 million total budget is modest relative to demand. Cost-sharing is set at a generous 70/30 ratio (government/applicant), with in-kind contributions allowed up to 25% of eligible costs. Currently closed; the priority intake period ended May 30, 2025. No reopening date has been announced, but the program runs through March 2028.
Supports sector-wide priority projects that benefit the entire agriculture and agri-food sector. This program targets industry-level challenges rather than individual farm operations — think supply chain resilience, labour market solutions, food safety systems, and sector capacity building. Best suited for industry associations, cooperatives, and organizations working on systemic issues. Individual farms are generally not eligible unless part of a broader collaborative project.
These aren't grants, but they're essential tools that every Canadian farmer should know about.
Canada's Business Risk Management (BRM) suite includes four programs that work together to protect farm income. Unlike grants, these are insurance-style programs with cost-shared premiums. They won't fund new equipment or innovation, but they can be the difference between surviving a bad year and going under. All four are currently open and accepting applications.
Triggers when your margin drops below 70% of your reference margin. Covers large income declines from market downturns, increased costs, or production losses.
Cost-shared insurance against natural hazards — drought, flooding, disease, pests. Premiums are shared between you, your province, and the federal government.
Government matches your deposits (up to 1% of allowable net sales) in a savings account you control. Use the funds for small income declines or investments.
Low-interest cash advances on the value of your agricultural products. Interest-free on the first $350,000. Available through program administrators.
Under SCAP, each province delivers its own cost-share programs. Here's how the major agriculture provinces compare.
Provincial programs are often less competitive and more accessible than federal programs, especially for smaller operations. They're administered locally, which means faster processing and staff who understand your regional context. Most require a completed Environmental Farm Plan. Start with your province's SCAP offerings before looking at federal programs.
Strong farm equipment and environmental stewardship programs. The Environmental Farm Plan is free to complete. Programs for irrigation, confined feeding operations, and agricultural societies.
Alberta grants →Farm Stewardship Program covers environmental improvements for operations of any size. Strong grain and livestock sector support. Programs for farm diversification and value-added processing.
Saskatchewan grants →The most programs of any province (89+ across all sectors). Specific agriculture programs for environmental stewardship, food processing, and rural economic development.
Ontario grants →Distinct program landscape with francophone-specific offerings. Strong dairy, maple, and agri-food processing support. La Financiere agricole du Quebec administers most programs.
Quebec grants →Prairie agriculture support with programs for crop diversification, livestock infrastructure, and sustainable water management. Growing Fwd 2 programs for farm improvement.
Manitoba grants →Unique programs for viticulture, tree fruits, and specialty crops. BC Investment Agriculture programs for farmland improvement and environmental sustainability.
BC grants →For the Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland) and the Territories, ACOA (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) and CanNor (Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency) provide additional regional agriculture support beyond SCAP programs.
One of the biggest advantages that experienced grant applicants have is knowing which programs can be combined. This is called "stacking", and it can dramatically increase the percentage of your project that's covered by government funding.
The general rule: total government assistance (federal + provincial + municipal combined) typically cannot exceed 75–85% of eligible project costs, depending on the programs. Within that limit, stacking is usually permitted across different program streams. For example:
What you cannot stack: Programs from the same SCAP stream generally cannot be combined. You also can't receive both a non-repayable grant and a repayable contribution for the exact same expense. When in doubt, ask the program officer directly — they're required to disclose stacking limits.
Most provincial SCAP programs require a completed Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) as a prerequisite. Contact your provincial agriculture ministry to arrange a free EFP workshop — they're typically offered throughout the year. Beyond being a requirement, the EFP process identifies risks and opportunities on your operation that can strengthen your grant applications. In Alberta, the EFP is administered through the Alberta Environmental Farm Plan Company. In Ontario, it's through the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association.
Use GrantCompass to filter programs by your province, farm type, and project. Check program status — don't spend time applying to closed programs. Start with provincial programs if you're a smaller operation (less competitive, faster processing). For larger projects ($500K+), look at federal programs like AgriMarketing or AgriScience. Read the full grant application guide for detailed advice.
Gather: farm registration or business incorporation documents, 2–3 years of financial statements, a detailed project budget with line items and vendor quotes, your completed Environmental Farm Plan, environmental assessments (if applicable), and letters of support from industry partners or agricultural associations. The budget is where most applications fail — be specific, realistic, and show that you've researched actual costs. Consider our grant writing templates for budget frameworks.
Submit well before any deadline. Most agriculture programs accept applications on a rolling basis, but have annual funding caps that can run out mid-year. After submitting, follow up within 2–3 weeks if you haven't received acknowledgment. Keep records of all correspondence. If approved, understand your reporting requirements before you start spending — many programs require pre-approval before you incur expenses. Spending before approval is the most common way to disqualify otherwise eligible projects.
All major federal agriculture programs at a glance, with honest status and funding type.
| Program | Max Amount | Type | Cost-Share | Status | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AgriMarketing | $2M/year | Grant | 50/50 (70/30 priority) | Open | Export, marketing |
| AgriMarketing SME | $75M fund | Grant | TBD | New | SME exporters |
| AgriInnovate | $5M | Repayable | 60/40 (70/30 enhanced) | Closed | Commercialization |
| AgriScience Projects | Project-based | Grant | Varies | Open | R&D partnerships |
| Clean Tech (Research) | Project-based | Grant | Varies | Open | AgriTech, clean energy |
| AgriDiversity | $200K/year | Grant | 70/30 | Closed | Underrepresented groups |
| Strategic Priorities | Project-based | Grant | Varies | Open | Industry associations |
| Advance Payments | Varies | Loan | Interest-free on first $350K | Open | Cash flow needs |
Honest answers to the questions government websites don't address directly.
Get notified when programs reopen and new funding launches.