AgriInnovate Program (AAFC)

Overview of the AgriInnovate Program (AAFC) program:

The AgriInnovate Program, delivered under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), is designed to foster innovation in Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector. It supports for-profit businesses by providing repayable contributions to help bring commercial-ready technologies and processes to market. The goal is to improve sector competitiveness and generate measurable sustainability benefits. The program covers a wide range of activities, including commercialization of new products, demonstration of technologies, and adoption of innovative processes across agricultural and agri-food operations. Funding is provided through a cost-sharing model, with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) covering up to 60% of eligible project costs and applicants contributing the remaining 40% in cash (in-kind contributions are ineligible). For applicants from under-represented groups—including Indigenous Peoples, women, youth (35 and under), visible minorities, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ communities—AAFC offers an enhanced cost-share ratio, contributing up to 70%. Projects must be completed by March 31, 2028. This program not only advances the competitiveness of Canadian agriculture but also ensures broader inclusivity by prioritizing equity and representation among applicants.

Benefits of the AgriInnovate Program (AAFC) program:

• Up to $5M in repayable contributions
• Cost-sharing support for innovative agri-food projects
• Enhanced funding ratio for under-represented groups
• Supports commercialization, demonstration, and adoption of innovations
• Promotes sustainability and competitiveness in agriculture

Eligibility criteria of the AgriInnovate Program (AAFC) program:

• Applicants must be for-profit businesses in Canada.
• Projects must involve commercialization, demonstration, or adoption of innovative, commercial-ready technologies.
• Applicants must provide at least 40% of eligible costs as cash contributions.
• Additional support (up to 70%) for organizations majority-owned or led by under-represented groups (Indigenous, women, youth 35, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+).
• The innovation must:
• Be new to the modern Canadian agricultural and agri-food sector and represent a significant improvement over other technologies/processes currently used elsewhere. Projects that involve cutting edge innovative technologies or processes will be given higher priority than those involving adoption of existing proven technologies or processes.
• Be commercially ready with all technical aspects having been addressed with prototypes/pilot scale testing complete. For adoption projects, a significant level of adaptation or customization must be demonstrated.
• Provide significant benefits to the agricultural or agri-food sector that extend beyond those that primarily benefit the applicant (for example, solving your internal operational efficiencies).