Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Grants
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a $3.5-billion, 5-year agreement. Whether you are a food processor or a tech company building ag-tech, this is your funding bedrock.
Beyond the Farm: Who AAFC Funds
A common misconception is that Agriculture Canada only funds farmers. In reality, AAFC is heavily focused onValue-Added Processing and Ag-Tech Innovation. If you are developing a new plant-based protein or an AI-driven irrigation system, you are actually a prime candidate for theAgriInnovate program, often more so than traditional producers.
Which AAFC Stream Fits You?
You have a proven technology and need capital to commercialize/scale it.
For CommercializationYou are a university or industry group doing pre-commercial research.
For R&DYou are an association helping farmers share knowledge.
For Industry GroupsCrucial Warning: 'Commercial Ready'
AgriInnovate is NOT for R&D. They require you to be "commercial ready." This means your technology works, and you have customers lined up. If you are still testing, do not apply to AgriInnovate; apply to AgriScience or IRAP instead. Applying to the wrong stream is the #1 reason for rejection.
Priority AAFC Programs
The crown jewel for ag-tech companies. Offers repayable contributions up to $5M. It functions like a 0% interest loan with a 10-year term.
- Automation & Robotics
- Energy Efficiency Upgrades
- Novel Food products
- Waste Reduction
Often overlooked, the LFIF provides grants ($25K - $500K) for projects that improve access to safe, healthy cultural food. If you are a non-profit or Indigenous group building a community garden, greenhouse, or kitchen, this is your grant.
Non-Repayable
Unlike AgriInnovate, LFIF funding is typically a non-repayable grant.
Key Federal Priorities
Your project MUST align with one of these:
- Climate Change Mitigation
- Sector Resilience
- Market Development
Need AAFC Strategy?
Applying for AgriInnovate requires a complex technical workplan. We can review your eligibility.
Book AAFC ConsultReady to Access AAFC Federal Agricultural Funding?
Get the complete AAFC federal application guide or work with our agricultural funding specialists.