AgriMarketing Market Diversification — SME Stream
Eligibility & Details
What this program funds and who can apply
Program Description
Direct export market development funding for for-profit agriculture and agri-food SMEs. Covers market research, trade strategies, branding, and new market entry. Replaces CanExport SMEs for agri-food companies (excluded from CanExport as of 2026-27). Priority given to sectors impacted by trade barriers: canola, pulses, pork, fish/seafood.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a for-profit SME in the agriculture, agri-food, fish, or seafood sector
- Fewer than 250 employees
- Annual sales must not exceed $50 million
- Project must relate to export market development (market research, branding, trade strategy, or new market entry)
- Note: agri-food companies are excluded from CanExport SMEs as of 2026–27 — this is the replacement program
- Priority given to sectors affected by trade barriers: canola, pulses, pork, fish/seafood
Quick Assessment
Funding Details
- Amount
- Up to $100,000 per project (70% of eligible costs; minimum $14,000 AAFC contribution)
- Type
- Grant
- Level
- Federal
- Co-Funding
- Up to 70% of eligible costs
- Deadline
- Applications open February 13, 2026 through September 30, 2030 (may close earlier)
Program Scorecard
Competition, effort, and approval at a glance
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How to Win
Insider tips, common pitfalls, and what successful applicants look like
Insider TipThis stream opened February 13, 2026 — it replaces CanExport SMEs for agriculture/agri-food/fish/seafood companies, which were excluded from CanExport as of 2026-27. The 70:30 cost-share (AAFC pays 70%) is significantly more favorable than the core AgriMarketing program's 50:50. Early applicants face minimal competition.
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Rejection Pitfalls 5
- Organization exceeds 250 employees or $50M annual sales SME threshold
- Business is not in the agriculture, agri-food, fish, or seafood sector
- Total project cost below $20,000 minimum
See the most common reasons applications get rejected — before you submit yours. Unlock with Premium →
Success Profile
For-profit agriculture or agri-food SME with fewer than 250 employees and under $50M annual revenue, currently exporting or export-ready, in a sector affected by trade disruptions (canola, pulses, pork, fish/seafood).
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Evaluation Criteria
AAFC assesses eligibility of activities/costs, alignment with market diversification objectives, organizational capacity to deliver, clarity of planning with defined milestones and performance measures, budget reasonableness, demonstrated need addressing trade gaps, and projected impact on Canadian exports. Priority given to sectors impacted by tariffs/trade disruptions. No published scoring weights.
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Application Playbook
Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses
Application Steps
Required Documents 5
Eligible Expenses 8
- Market research and competitive analysis for new markets
- Incoming/outgoing/exploratory trade missions and trade shows
- In-market promotion and social media campaigns
- Trade and branding strategies for new markets
- Translation and localization services
- Technical training for buyers and intermediaries
- Legal advisory for distribution agreements and IP protection
- Trade show displays and promotional materials (capital assets, pre-approval required over $10K)
Ineligible Expenses 6
- Product development or technology promotion
- Generic promotions not tailored to specific markets
- Activities in established markets where sector has operated 5+ years
- Entertainment, gifts, and memberships
- In-kind contributions (cost-share must be cash)
- GST/HST refundable portions
Intake Periods
Continuous intake from February 13, 2026 through September 30, 2030. May close earlier if funding is fully committed. Project costs only eligible as of April 1, 2026.
Deadline Notes
Applications accepted February 13, 2026 through September 30, 2030 — may close earlier if funding is fully committed. Project costs only eligible as of April 1, 2026.
Open Application Portal →Ineligible Organizations
- AgTech and agrotechnology companies (directed to CanExport SMEs)
- Food technology (post-harvest) companies
- Agricultural machinery and equipment manufacturers
- Life sciences companies
- Medical cannabis projects
- Not-for-profit organizations (directed to NIA stream)
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Funding Stack Strategy
Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential
Compatible Programs
Clawback Risk
Medium RiskSee which programs combine with this one — and how much more you could get. Unlock with Premium →
How AgriMarketing Market Divers... Compares
Side-by-side with similar programs
| Program | Amount | Difficulty | Payment | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AgriMarketing Market Diversification ... | Up to $100,000 | Moderate | Reimbursement | Applications open... |
| Export Development Canada (EDC) Finan... | Varies | Easy | Equity | Ongoing |
| Trade Commissioner Service – Export S... | Advisory services (non-financial) | Easy | Not Applicable | Ongoing |
| CanExport SMEs | Up to $50,000 | Moderate | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Annual intake window.... |
| Farm Credit Canada (FCC) Financing | Varies | Easy | Loan | Ongoing |
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