.webp)
+1 (855) 699 1026
Canadian farmers are being pushed to do more with less. Rising input costs, stricter environmental rules, food safety demands, and labour challenges are forcing farms and agri-food businesses to adapt faster than ever.
At the same time, government funding for farmers is more accessible than many producers realize. Grants and public funding programs are helping farmers, Indigenous communities, processors, and food service operators invest in equipment, efficiency, sustainability, and training without putting cash flow at risk. Whether you're based in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, or anywhere else in Canada, chances are there’s a grant program that fits your project type.
This guide will show you what farm grant funding options are available in Canada, who qualifies, and how the funding application process works.
Simply put, farm grants in Canada are government-funded programs that provide financial support to farmers, agri-food businesses, and community organizations for specific agricultural projects. These grants are usually non-repayable and help cover costs for upgrades in technology, sustainability, food safety, and more.
Available at both federal and provincial levels, farm grants often require applicants to share some of the project cost. They make it easier for producers to invest in innovation, efficiency, and long-term growth.
Looking for farm grants in the United States? View our list of US farm grants
In addition to farm grants, Canadian farmers can access a range of other funding options, including:
Grants are the most common form of farm funding in Canada. These are government contributions that do not need to be repaid. They support a range of activities, including energy-efficient upgrades, waste management, training, technical services, and value-added processing. Grants help farms adopt new technology, improve sustainability, and support local food systems.
Some funding programs provide repayable contributions or low-interest loans instead of grants. These are better suited to large-scale agricultural projects, high-growth agri-tech startups, or businesses looking to expand processing or export operations. Understanding the repayment structure is key when building a funding strategy.
Farm incentives, rebates and tax credits offer additional ways to offset costs. These support projects like energy conservation, improved resource management, and workforce development. They are often used alongside grants to strengthen the business case and improve project viability.
Understanding which categories attract the most funding helps you align your project with the funding radar of agencies and maximize your chance of success.
Projects involving robotic or precision equipment, sensors, real‑time monitoring, data analytics, autonomous tractors or grain‑handling systems fit this category. For example, the Alberta Farm Technology Programme lists eligibility for digital sensors, drone imaging, yield sensors and connectivity.
Waste‑management, such as handling agricultural by‑products, reducing on‑farm loss or converting waste into value‑added products, is also gaining attention in funding distribution.
With agricultural sustainability under pressure, best management practices (BMPs) such as cover cropping, rotational grazing, wetlands restoration and water infrastructure upgrades receive significant funding. Programs like the On Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) and the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP) show how long term farm sustainability is built into federal and provincial funding strategies.
Grant programmes targeting processing capacity expansion, new product development, packaging innovation (including green‑packaging innovation), brand development and export readiness fall under this category. The Alberta On‑Farm Value‑Added Programme provides cost‑share funding for food‑safety systems, new processes and market development.
Some grants support training, internships, upskilling workers in the agricultural industry, workforce development funding and technical services. These may be delivered through community organisations, industry associations or educational providers.
Given increased regulation and consumer demand for traceability, grants that support food‑safety systems, certification, traceability and market access are becoming more important. The national AgriAssurance programme is one such stream and it plays a crucial role in supporting industry stakeholders and supply‑chain infrastructure.
Here are the main federal grant farm programs in Canada:
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) is Canada’s primary agri-funding framework, running from 2023 to 2028 with a national budget of $3.5 billion. It funds both federal programs and provincial cost-shared initiatives.
Eligibility: Farmers, processors, Indigenous communities, co-ops, agri-food startups, and non-profits.
Requirements: Varies by program and province; typically includes a business plan, proof of active farm operation, and often a completed Environmental Farm Plan (EFP).
Funding Amount: Depends on the stream and province. For example, Alberta allocates $508 million under SCAP over five years, with individual program caps ranging from $50,000 to $250,000.
Funding Type: Non-repayable cost-shared grants typically covering 25% to 85% of eligible costs.
Link to Program: Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
The On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) provides targeted funding for farm projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve environmental resilience.
Eligibility: Active Canadian producers with eligible projects in nitrogen management, cover cropping, or rotational grazing.
Requirements: Must be registered as a farm business and often have a valid EFP. Some provinces require minimum income thresholds.
Funding Amount: Reimburses up to 85% of eligible costs depending on the province.
Funding Type: Non-repayable, cost-shared grants.
Link to Program: On-Farm Climate Action Fund
The Agricultural Clean Technology (ACT) Program supports adoption and development of clean technologies in agriculture, focused on reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency.
Eligibility: For-profit agri-businesses, Indigenous organizations, and non-profits operating in agriculture.
Requirements: Must demonstrate environmental benefit and submit a detailed project proposal with outcomes and costs.
Funding Amount:
Funding Type: Non-repayable, cost-shared grants.
Link to Program: Agricultural Clean Technology Program
The AgriInnovate Program offers repayable funding to businesses commercializing innovative agri-products, tech, or services at scale.
Eligibility: Incorporated Canadian agri-businesses with market-ready innovations.
Requirements: Commercialization plan, financial projections, and matching private-sector or partner funding.
Funding Amount: Covers up to 60% of project costs, to a maximum of $10 million.
Funding Type: Repayable contributions (no-interest loans).
Link to Program: AgriInnovate
The Local Food Infrastructure Fund supports community and farm-based infrastructure that strengthens food access and local food systems.
Eligibility: Community organizations, Indigenous groups, cooperatives, and non-profit farm organizations.
Requirements: Projects must support food security or local distribution. Capital costs like refrigeration or small processing equipment are eligible.
Funding Amount: Between $15,000 and $100,000 per approved project.
Funding Type: Non-repayable grants.
Link to Program: Local Food Infrastructure Fund
AgriMarketing and CanExport offer funding to help Canadian farms and food businesses expand into export markets and enhance product visibility.
Eligibility: Producers, food manufacturers, cooperatives, and marketing organizations.
Requirements: Export readiness, market research, and documented branding or certification needs.
Funding Amount:
Funding Type: Non-repayable grants.
Link to Program: AgriMarketing & CanExport
While many funding streams are national, the actual delivery often occurs through provinces and territories. Below is a summary of key programmes and how they relate to on‑farm projects, value‑added processing, community organisations and Indigenous enterprises.
The Water Program supports primary producers in managing and enhancing water supply for irrigation systems through purchases and upgrades.
Eligibility: Primary producers operating in Alberta; responsible for input costs for agricultural crops or livestock producing at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually; must own an irrigated agricultural operation in Alberta; excludes landlords whose only interest is land ownership; must not have been previously approved for payment for the same project type on the same parcel.
Requirements: Must be liable to pay Alberta income tax or corporate tax on farming income; complete application form with supporting documents; project must comply with all federal and provincial legislation; cannot have received prior approval for same project type on the parcel described in the application.
Funding Amount: 50% cost-share of eligible expenses; maximum $17,500 per parcel for on-farm irrigation system purchases; maximum $6,000 per parcel for on-farm irrigation system upgrades; overall maximum $35,000 per fiscal year per applicant across both purchase and upgrade categories.
Funding Type: Cost-shared grant.
Link to Program: Water Program
The Water Program supports development of on-farm water supply infrastructure including dugouts, dams, and springs.
Eligibility: Primary producers operating in Alberta; responsible for input costs for agricultural crops or livestock producing at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually; excludes landlords whose only interest is land ownership; must be liable to pay Alberta income tax or corporate tax on farming income.
Requirements: Development projects (dugouts, dams, springs) require approval from an Agriculture and Irrigation Water Specialist via a Construction Sheet confirming they meet legislative and program requirements; some projects require proof of application for water licence (or amendment) from Alberta Environment and Protected Areas; must comply with all federal and provincial legislation; complete application form with supporting documents.
Funding Amount: 50% cost-share of eligible expenses; maximum $40,000 per applicant for the duration of the Sustainable CAP period (April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2028); standard and special incentives applied based on project specifics.
Funding Type: Cost-shared grant.
Link to program: Water Program
RALP provides funding to support land-based improvements that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, store carbon, and enhance ecological goods and services on Alberta farms.
Eligibility: Primary producers (individuals, corporations registered in Alberta, post-secondary institutions, or applied research/forage associations) responsible for day-to-day management of an agricultural operation in Alberta producing at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually; responsible for input costs; not landlords whose only interest is land ownership; also eligible: Grazing Reserve Associations, Community Pasture operators, approved Indigenous applicants; must have a valid and current Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) certificate or completion letter.
Requirements: Must have or obtain an Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (you have until the end of your project term to update your EFP if it's within 10 years old); complete and submit RALP Application Form (or RALP Wetland Application Form for wetland projects); review RALP Terms and Conditions and Funding List before applying; project must align with eligible activities listed in the Funding List.
Funding Amount: Cost-share ranges from 30% to 70% of eligible expenses depending on environmental risks identified by applicants and the extent to which the proposed project will mitigate these risks; maximum $100,000 per farm for the entire program period, with varying maximums by activity code; minimum payment $2,000.
Funding Type: Cost-shared grant.
Link to Program: Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program
This program supports new and young farmers in BC to develop farm business plans and implement growth strategies with funding for infrastructure and investments.
Eligibility: Eligible farmers beginning operations in British Columbia; new and young farmers as defined by program criteria; specific eligibility requirements posted on program page.
Requirements: Apply during intake window (Nov 3-24, 2025 for business plan phase); complete application with required eligibility documentation; phase 1 supports business plan development and growth strategy preparation; phase 2 (spring 2026 intake) will fund implementation of growth strategies including on-farm infrastructure and other investments.
Funding Amount: Funding available for business planning in first phase; implementation funding (infrastructure, equipment, etc.) in spring 2026 intake; specific amounts provided in intake materials; past participants received support for greenhouses, processing facilities, and equipment purchases.
Funding Type: Cost-shared grant under Sustainable CAP.
Link to Program: New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program
BC's BMP program supports adoption of practices to improve environmental sustainability, water infrastructure, and extreme weather preparedness.
Eligibility: BC producers and farm operations; specific eligibility varies by BMP category.
Requirements: Projects must not commence prior to approval (retroactive costs not eligible); applicants can only apply for each BMP activity (practice code) once per fiscal year; must meet category-specific requirements and obtain necessary approvals.
Funding Amount: Cost-share ratios: 100% for basic plans, 80% for complex plans/designs/biogas, 80-100% for extreme weather preparedness; per-farm lifetime cap $100,000 for duration of Sustainable CAP (April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2028) across all BMP categories unless otherwise specified; exceptions: Water Infrastructure category has per-farm cap of $200,000 for 2025/26; Extreme Weather Preparedness has separate annual per-farm cap of $50,000 for 2025/26; maximum funding varies by plan type.
Funding Type: Cost-shared grant.
Link to Program: Investment Agriculture Foundation BC — BMP Program
Saskatchewan delivers multiple Sustainable CAP cost-shared streams under the 2023-2028 bilateral framework.
Eligibility: Saskatchewan producers, processors, and agri-sector organizations per stream criteria; typical applicant requirements include minimum production thresholds, business registration, and sector-specific qualifications.
Requirements: Apply during provincial intake windows; cost-share percentage (typically 30-75% depending on BMP, equity objectives, or applicant type—producer vs. processor); maximum project caps per category and fiscal year; eligible cost windows usually after approval date unless specified; stacking rules with other programs documented; stream-specific workplans, budgets, and documentation required.
Funding Amount: Cost-share grants with percentage and caps varying by program stream; typical ranges 30-75% of eligible costs; maximum project caps set per category and per fiscal year; specific amounts published in each stream's intake materials.
Funding Type: Cost-shared grant.
Link to Program: Saskatchewan — Sustainable CAP (contact provincial agriculture department for stream listings)
Link to Program: On-Farm Climate Action Fund
Manitoba's Sustainable CAP agreement funds strategic programs and investments under the 2023-2028 framework.
Eligibility: Manitoba producers, agri-processors, and organizations per program criteria established by the province.
Requirements: Apply within posted intake periods with required project documentation, workplans, and budgets per Manitoba program guidelines; meet stream-specific application and reporting requirements.
Funding Amount: Cost-share rates and project caps vary by program stream; specific amounts and percentages published on Manitoba's Sustainable CAP program pages for each intake.
Funding Type: Cost-shared grant.
Link to Program: Province of Manitoba — Sustainable CAP
RALP provides funding directly to Ontario farmers to improve on-farm productivity and increase resilience of agricultural landscapes in response to climate change.
Eligibility: Eligible Ontario farmers; specific eligibility criteria posted on program pages managed by delivery partners (Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, Conservation Ontario, and other partner organizations).
Requirements: Apply during intake periods (e.g., September 2025 intake with submissions due Friday, October 31, 2025 at 4 p.m. EST for Marginal Lands Initiative); submit applications and relevant attachments via email to designated delivery partner; attend information sessions (online sessions available) to learn program details.
Funding Amount: Up to $56.7 million available through the five-year Sustainable CAP (total for Ontario RALP); up to 90% of eligible project costs for on-farm and rural initiatives under the Marginal Lands Initiative; funding supports land-based improvements that reduce GHG emissions, store carbon, and enhance ecological goods and services; Canada and Ontario announced $14.6 million investment (Sept 2025) to help farmers make improvements to farmland.
Funding Type: Cost-shared grant.
Link to Program: OSCIA — Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program and Conservation Ontario — RALP Marginal Lands
OSCIA administers multiple cost-share programs for Ontario producers under Ontario's Sustainable CAP portfolio.
Eligibility: Ontario producers meeting OSCIA stream criteria; specific eligibility varies by program stream.
Requirements: Apply via OSCIA during posted intake windows with required documentation per call; meet stream-specific application, project, and reporting requirements.
Funding Amount: Stream-specific cost-share rates and maximums; varies by program intake; details published on OSCIA program pages for each stream.
Funding Type: Cost-shared grant.
Link to Program: OSCIA — Cost-Share Programs
Quebec's Sustainable CAP programming is delivered under the 2023-2028 bilateral framework with Quebec-specific intakes.
Eligibility: Quebec producers, processors, and sector organizations per stream criteria established by the province.
Requirements: Apply during intake windows managed by Quebec; meet program documentation and project requirements per stream guidelines; follow Quebec-specific application procedures.
Funding Amount: Stream-specific cost-share rates and caps; details published by Quebec for each program intake under the Sustainable CAP framework.
Funding Type: Cost-shared grant.
Link to Program: Sustainable CAP — Federal overview
NB delivers Sustainable CAP cost-shared grants under the 2023-2028 framework with provincial intakes.
Eligibility: NB producers and sector applicants per stream criteria.
Requirements: Apply within intake periods with required documentation per NB program guidelines.
Funding Amount: Cost-share rates and caps vary by program; specific amounts published by NB for each stream intake.
Funding Type: Cost-shared grant.
Link to Program: Sustainable CAP — Federal overview
Nova Scotia's Sustainable CAP cost-shared programming continues under the 2023-2028 agreement with provincial intakes.
Eligibility: NS producers and sector organizations per stream criteria.
Requirements: Apply during intake windows with required documentation per NS program guidelines.
Funding Amount: Stream-specific cost-share rates and caps published by NS for each intake.
Funding Type: Cost-shared grant.
Link to Program: Sustainable CAP — Federal overview
PEI delivers Sustainable CAP cost-shared programming through March 31, 2028 with provincial intakes.
Eligibility: PEI producers and agri-sector applicants per program criteria.
Requirements: Apply during posted intake windows with supporting documentation per PEI program guidelines.
Funding Amount: Cost-share rates and caps vary by program; details published by PEI for each intake.
Funding Type: Cost-shared grant.
Link to Program: Sustainable CAP — Federal overview
NL delivers Sustainable CAP cost-shared programming under the 2023-2028 framework.
Eligibility: NL producers and sector organizations per stream criteria.
Requirements: Apply within intake windows with required documentation per NL program guidelines.
Funding Amount: Cost-share rates and caps vary by program; details published by NL for each stream intake.
Funding Type: Cost-shared grant.
Link to Program: Sustainable CAP — Federal overview
Yukon delivers Sustainable CAP cost-shared programming through March 31, 2028 with territorial intakes.
Eligibility: Yukon producers and sector organizations per territorial criteria.
Requirements: Apply during intake periods with required documentation per Yukon guidelines.
Funding Amount: Cost-share rates and caps vary by program; details published by Yukon for each stream.
Funding Type: Cost-shared grant.
Link to Program: Sustainable CAP — Federal overview
NWT delivers Sustainable CAP cost-shared programming to March 31, 2028 with territorial intakes.
Eligibility: NWT producers and sector organizations per program criteria.
Requirements: Apply during intake windows with required documentation per NWT guidelines.
Funding Amount: Cost-share rates and caps vary by stream; details published by NWT for each intake.
Funding Type: Cost-shared grant.
Link to Program: Sustainable CAP — Federal overview
Nunavut is identified among jurisdictions with regionally delivered programs under the 2023-2028 framework.
Eligibility: Nunavut producers and sector organizations per territorial criteria.
Requirements: Confirm current intakes via the territorial link from the federal Sustainable CAP page; apply during intake periods with required documentation per Nunavut guidelines.
Funding Amount: Cost-share rates and caps vary by program; contact territorial administration for specific details on each stream.
Funding Type: Cost-shared grant.
Link to Program: Sustainable CAP — Federal overview
The harvesting infrastructure program is a targeted S-CAP funding stream that supports food security in Nunavut by improving community infrastructure for storing and distributing country food and advancing sustainable harvesting practices.
Eligibility: Municipal governments, hunters and trappers organizations, community organizations, Inuit organizations, primary producers, processors, research bodies, social enterprises, and the territorial government.
Requirements: Projects must support sustainable harvesting, conservation practices, community engagement on best management practices, or initiatives that strengthen ecosystem services and traditional food systems.
Funding amount: Funding varies by project scope. Approved applicants receive installments during the fiscal year as outlined in the contribution agreement.
Funding type: Contribution funding under S-CAP.
Link to Program: Harvesting Infrastrucute Program
Here are other specialty farm grants available in Canada:
Applying for farm grants takes more than picking the right program. You need a clear project, a solid business case, and alignment with current funding goals. Here’s how Canadian farmers and food producers can apply effectively:
Describe what you plan to do and why it matters. Be specific. For example: “Install drip irrigation to reduce water use by 30%” or “Launch a community processing hub for Indigenous producers.” Include your expected outcomes, timeline, and business benefits.
Find programs that support your focus—such as technology, climate adaptation, value-added processing, food safety, or workforce training. Use federal and provincial agriculture websites, grant databases, or funding consultants. Understand terms like “cost share,” “eligible expenses,” and “project scope.”
Each program has different criteria. You may need to show minimum farm income (often $25,000+), a completed Environmental Farm Plan (EFP), or proof of registration as a farm business. Some streams are for new entrants, Indigenous-led operations, or nonprofits.
Present your project as part of your farm’s growth strategy. Show how it improves efficiency, cuts costs, builds sustainability, or opens new markets. Include a clear budget, key milestones, and how you’ll measure results.
Review the program’s funding cap and cost-share ratio. Exclude ineligible items like leases or software subscriptions. Submit a complete, accurate application that fits within program rules and timelines.
Many programs have fixed intakes or open calls. Do not start work or make purchases before getting written approval, or you may lose funding eligibility.
Follow the approved plan. Keep all receipts and use certified suppliers when required. Submit reports on time. Missing deliverables can result in repayment or disqualification from future programs.
Use early-stage grants as a foundation. Once complete, consider funding for expansion, export readiness, automation, or workforce development. You can combine future grants with business loans or private investment to scale your impact.
Additional funding resources for Canadian farmers
Canadian farm grants can accelerate growth for farmers and food producers by cutting the cost of upgrades you’re already planning. Whether you want better equipment, stronger sustainability practices, improved processing capacity, or new value added products, there’s likely a program that can reduce your upfront investment and move your project forward faster.
Strong applications win funding. Keep your project clear, your budget tight, and your documents ready. Intake windows and deadlines change often, so staying on top of them gives you an edge. Treat funding as a strategic advantage that helps your farm or food business grow with less financial pressure.
Yes, though eligibility varies. Several provincial and federal funding programs provide start-up support for new, young, and Indigenous farmers. For example, PEI’s Future Farmer Program and Ontario’s Northern Farm Start-Up Grant have offered targeted assistance. Most programs require a solid business plan and a minimum gross farm income, often around $25,000 annually.
Yes. Canada has a wide range of agricultural funding programs available at both the federal level (e.g., through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada) and provincial governments (e.g., Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation). These grants support everything from technology adoption to environmental projects, value-added processing, and market development.
Farmers may receive grants for:
In Canada, the "seven-year rule" refers to conditions under the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption (LCGE) for farm property. To qualify for this tax benefit, the farm property must have been used in a qualifying farming business for at least 24 months during the previous 60 months (5 years). This rule is governed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), not a grant program.
Yes, though eligibility criteria apply. Many programs require applicants to meet a minimum gross farm income threshold (e.g., $25,000/year) and be actively involved in farm management. New farmers may qualify for dedicated programs, while part-time operators may be eligible if they meet the program’s definitions of “primary producer” or “commercial farm.”
Yes. The Government of Canada supports its farmers through a combination of public funding, cost-shared grant programs, business risk-management tools (like AgriStability and AgriInvest), low-interest loans through Farm Credit Canada (FCC), and insurance programs. These subsidies aim to strengthen Canadian agriculture, ensure food security, and support environmental sustainability.
Yes. Under Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) rules, most grant funds received by a farm are considered taxable business income and must be reported. However, some expenses covered by the grant may not be deductible if reimbursed. It’s best to consult with an agricultural accountant or tax advisor to structure this correctly.
.webp)
