Agri-Food and Bioindustrial Innovation Program (ABIP): Up to $500K in Grants for Agri-Food Tech

As the number of people in the world is projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, the strain on humanity’s already limited natural resources will intensify, including the demand for food. At the same time, the effects of climate change, both agriculture and forestry continue to face vulnerabilities that adversely affect productivity and sustainability.

Therefore, the need for government funding programs that offset costs of sustainable projects are of utmost importance in today’s economic climate. In Canada, Alberta has an ideal landscape for agri-food production, including the cultivation of grains, oilseeds, and pulses, as well as livestock farming.

Through the Agri-Food and Bio-Industrial Innovation Program (ABIP), Alberta-based applicants can receive up to 75% to a maximum of $500,000 to reduce greenhouse gas-emissions by helping to develop new agri-food technology, systems, and/or processes.

The ABIP supports the development and advancement of technologies to reduce costs, increase productivity, enhance competitiveness, boost the value of agriculture and forestry commodities, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

About the Agri-Food and Bioindustrial Innovation Program (ABIP)

The Agri-Food and Bio-Industrial Innovation Program (ABIP) aims to support the development of technologies that provide solutions to the challenges faced by the agri-food and bio-industrial sectors in Alberta.

Funding Amount

Successful applicants for the ABIP program may be eligible for the following funding allotments:

• Up to 75% of total eligible costs to a maximum of $500,000.

Applicant Eligibility  

Applicants may be eligible for the ABIP program if they meet the following criteria:

• Can be any of the following:
  – Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) (fewer than 500 FTEs and less than $50M annual gross revenue);
  – Industry organizations;
  – Research and Development organizations;
  – Post-secondary institutions; and
  -Government research laboratories.
• Exist as a corporate person, with up-to-date corporate filings; and
• Are not required to be based in Alberta but must demonstrate a clear value proposition for Alberta.

Strategic Focus areas include:

• Data and digital solutions;
• Autonomous systems;
• Agricultural biotechnology;
• Food processing innovation;
• Biofiber utilization;
• Value-added biomass; and/or
• Green construction.

Project Eligibility

Projects may be eligible if they:

• Align with the objectives of the Program;
• Be between Technology Readiness Levels 3 and 7 at the start of the project (higher start-level TRLs may be considered on a case-by-case basis);
• Include critical “go/no go” milestones;
• Be completed within 36 months; and
• Comply with other criteria that Alberta Innovates may develop in future.

Program Timeline

Applications for the Agri-Food and Bio-Industrial Innovation Program (ABIP) are currently accepted on an ongoing basis.

Canadian Government Grants for the Agri-Food Sector

As covered in our Unpacking Canada’s Agriculture and Agri-Food Departmental Plan for 2023-24 blog, Canada’s agriculture sector plays a huge importance in not only the success of the country’s economy, but also in the health and longevity of food for Canadians and millions around the world.

Government funding programs such as the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) offer agri-food businesses up to $3 million in funding support on projects that strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resilience of the agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based products industries.

Register for our free upcoming Top Agribusiness Government Funding Programs webinar on October 17, 2023 from 1:00 – 2:00pm EST to learn all about currently available grants, loans, and tax incentives that can help Canadian agricultural producers and processors offset the expenses of strategic growth and investment initiatives.

Additionally, download our free Canadian Agri-Business Growth Guide for exclusive tips, resources, and funding programs that can better help you manage, grow, and finance your agriculture business in Canada.