AgriAssurance Program — Kosher and Halal Investment Component

Insider Tip

This is one of the least competitive federal grants available right now. Ultra-niche focus means most businesses don't qualify, but if you're in kosher/halal beef and veal, your odds are excellent. Key requirement: for-profit applicants must demonstrate an international export plan, not just domestic certification. The program funds initial certifications only, not renewals. Pair with AgriMarketing Kosher/Halal ($2M for export promotion) to fund both certification and market development.

Rejection Pitfalls 6

• Not in the red meat sector — restricted to beef and veal only
• Certification renewal — funds initial certifications only, not renewals
• No international market plan — must demonstrate export intent

Success Profile

Canadian for-profit red meat processor (beef/veal) with under 500 employees, seeking initial kosher or halal certification to access export markets. Has identified specific buyer requirements. Can provide 50% cash co-funding.

Evaluation Criteria

Assessed individually (not competitively ranked). Criteria: alignment with program objectives, organizational capacity to execute the project, reasonableness of proposed costs, market gap identification, financial controls and management capability, implementation feasibility, stakeholder uptake potential, and long-term sector benefit. Additional consideration for diversity/inclusion, Indigenous engagement, and official-language minority community impact.

Application Steps

Required Documents 5

Eligible Expenses 8

• Professional certification services for kosher/halal red meat products
• Salaries and benefits for staff dedicated to certification development
• Lab testing costs directly supporting certification
• Contracted services (consultation, translation, auditing)
• Travel for certification-related activities (economy airfare required)
• Capital assets exceeding $10,000 with pre-approval (equipment, infrastructure)
• Administrative costs at 10% flat rate (not-for-profit only)
• Shipping, printing, and other direct certification costs

Ineligible Expenses 6

• Certification renewals — only initial certifications are eligible
• Performance bonuses, incentive pay, and severance payments
• Retail listing fees, slotting fees, and trade organization memberships
• Land or building purchases, banking fees, and legal incorporation fees
• Entertainment, gifts, prizes, and excessive hospitality
• Costs already reimbursed by other government programs

Intake Periods

Continuous intake from program launch until September 30, 2027. However, the $2M total budget is modest — once funds are fully committed, the stream will close regardless of the stated deadline. Given low uptake to date, funding is likely still available.

Deadline Notes

Open continuous intake until September 30, 2027. The $2M total budget over 3 fiscal years is modest — once funds are committed, the stream will close regardless of stated deadline. Industry uptake has been lukewarm — only one project approved across the broader $40M initiative as of early 2026. Apply early.

Open Application Portal →

Ineligible Organizations

• Businesses outside the red meat sector (poultry, seafood, dairy not eligible)
• For-profit organizations with 500+ FTE employees
• For-profit organizations with $100M+ annual revenue
• Federal, provincial, territorial, or municipal government entities
• Individuals (must be an incorporated legal entity)

Compatible Programs

Clawback Risk

Low Risk