The agriculture and agri-food sector provides one in eight jobs and account for more than six percent of Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP). This is extremely valuable to our economy, which is why the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) has been strengthened. This new 5‐year, $3.5 billion investment by federal, provincial, and territorial governments will help strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agri-food, and agri‐based products sector. By promoting value-added processing competitiveness, luring new investment, and expanding irrigation capacity that will enhance crop production, this program will help the agriculture sector grow and create new jobs. In addition, new jobs will be created due to promoting plant and animal health and welfare; managing risks to our natural resources, and investing in producer Agriculture-led research.
Type of Funding Available
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) provides businesses with $3.5 billion dollar of funding. The agreement comprises $2.5 billion in cost-shared programs and activities supported by federal, provincial, and territorial governments in addition to $1 billion in federal programs and activities. Sustainable CAP also includes $500 million in new funds, which is a 25% increase in cost-shared funding from the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, (ending March 31, 2023).
Key Priority Areas
Sustainable CAP focuses on the 5 key priority areas agreed to in The Guelph Statement:
- Building sector capacity, growth, and competitiveness.
- Climate change and environment.
- Science, research, and innovation.
- Market development and trade.
- Resiliency and public trust.
Focused Projects with Sustainable CAP
Below shows the highest funded programs of interest from the list of available programs that Sustainable CAP offers:
1. AgriInnovate Program
This important program involves repayable contributions for targeted commercialization, demonstration and/or adoption of commercial-ready innovative technologies and processes that increase agricultural and agri-food sector competitiveness and sustainability benefits.
There is usually a maximum contribution from the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) not exceeding $5,000,000. There are also different types of cost sharing involved with the contribution, one being AAFC maximum of 50% and companies’ minimum of 50% and the other being 60:40 for businesses majority-owned or led by Indigenous, Youth, Women, Minorities, or Persons with disabilities.
The intake period will remain open until funding has been fully committed or the deadline of March 31, 2028 has been reached. In order to qualify, all projects must be completed by March 31, 2028.
2. Agri-Science Program -Projects
This program supports a single project or a smaller set of projects that would be less comprehensive than a Cluster. It aims to accelerate innovation by providing funding and support for pre-commercial science activities and research that benefits the agriculture and agri-food sector and Canadians. It offers 3 types of funding:
i. Nonrepayable contributions
- enter into a contribution agreement with AAFC
- research activities are conducted by industry
ii. Collaborative research and development support
- must enter into a Collaborative Research and Development Agreement (CRDA) with AAFC
- research activities are performed by AAFC scientist
iii. Both
Maximum funding for a single project is $5 million over the duration of the program. Maximum total funding is $10 million over the duration of the program. There is cost sharing involved, with a maximum of 50% AAFC in priority areas or 70% AAFC for not-for-profit organizations that focus on GHG reduction and carbon sequestration. The intake period is open until funding has been fully committed and the program ends March 31, 2028.
3. Agri-Science Program -Clusters
This program supports projects intended to mobilize industry, government, and academia through partnerships, and address priority national themes and horizontal issues. Similar to the Projects, they offer 3 types of funding:
i. Nonrepayable contributions
- enter into a contribution agreement with AAFC
ii. Collaborative research and development support
- must enter into a Collaborative Research and Development Agreement (CRDA) with AAFC
iii. Both
The maximum funding for a cluster will not exceed $15 million and will be no less then $5 million over 5 years. There are many different cost-sharing options compared to the Projects:
- 70% AAFC focusing on GHG reduction or carbon sequestration
- 50% AAFC other environment/climate change focuses
- 50% AAFC focusing on Economic Growth and Development and Sector Resilience and Societal Challenges
- 50% AAFC for non-research related activities, including Science Co-ordination, Knowledge, and Technology Transfer (KTT), and the new Impact Assessment activity
Unfortunately, the intake period is currently closed, but will potentially open in 2024.
Other Funded Programs of Interest under Sustainable CAP
- AgriMarketing Program
- AgriCompetitiveness Program
- AgriDiversity Program
- AgriInsurance
- AgriAssurance Program: National Industry Association
- AgriAssurance Program: Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
- Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program
- AgriStability
- AgriInsurance
- AgriInvest
- AgriRecovery
Deadline
For this stream they are accepting applications throughout the year until funding is depleted:
Application Period: April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2028
- May vary depending on selected program.
Call EVAMAX today to get started on your application!
