AgriMarketing Trade Show Grants for Canadian Agri-Food Businesses: FAQ

The AgriMarketing program is now closed and not processing new applications. All applicants, even agricultural producers and processors are encouraged to use the CanExport program for all new applications. 

The AgriMarketing Program is a Canadian government grant designed to support export expansion projects undertaken by agri-food and beverage companies. It offsets a portion of eligible expenses to help small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) reach export markets and perform strategic marketing projects such as participation in trade shows or government-led trade missions. As part of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP), the AgriMarketing Program will provide support to agri-food and beverage companies through 2023.

AgriMarketing grants offset up to 50% of eligible project costs to a maximum $50,000 per year. This can significantly increase your company’s ability to grow export markets.

This article further explores frequently asked questions about AgriMarketing, including general program information, eligibility criteria, and how to apply. For a more general summary of the program, please refer to our AgriMarketing Overview blog.

About the AgriMarketing Export Funding Program

What is the AgriMarketing Program for SMEs?

The AgriMarketing Program assists small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) as they expand beyond the Canadian market and develop an international customer base. By offsetting up to 50% of project costs, AgriMarketing de-risks international expansion projects and helps companies expand across the world more aggressively than what would be possible alone.

What type of funding does AgriMarketing offer?

AgriMarketing offers non-repayable grant funding provided through the federal government. Grants are awarded based on companies incurring project-related expenses; these amounts can be claimed and offset through government funding.

How much export funding is available?

SMEs that apply for AgriMarketing grants may receive up to 50% of eligible project expenses to a maximum contribution of $50,000. One application can be submitted per government fiscal year (spanning April 1 – March 31 annually); this offers any one business up to $250,000 in funding over the lifetime of the program if an application is filed each year.

Can AgriMarketing grants be combined with other government funding programs?

AgriMarketing funding can be stacked with other government funding programs, however, the total government contribution towards projects using AgriMarketing funds cannot exceed 50%. Therefore, applicants should consider stacking AgriMarketing with another government funding program if 50% of their project’s eligible costs totals more than $50,000.

What are AgriMarketing’s reporting requirements?

If approved for agricultural marketing funding, companies must report on project finances, performance, and results. This is done through formalized:

• Progress Reports: These state the activities completed and progress made towards deliverables as outlined in the Project Work Plan.
• Performance Reports: Due at the end of projects, this states progress against mutually agreed to performance measures outlined in the contribution agreement.
• Financial Reports: Due with each request for re-imbursement of expenses, these state when and where project expenses have been incurred.

How many markets or trade shows can be included per application?

AgriMarketing does not define a maximum number of markets or events that can be included in one application; however, all activities must be performed in the current federal government fiscal year (spanning April 1 – March 31).

Who administers the AgriMarketing Program?

AgriMarketing is administered through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), a federal government department responsible for delivering the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

How to Qualify for AgriMarketing Export Marketing Grants

What businesses are eligible for AgriMarketing funding?

To qualify for AgriMarketing grants, applicants must:

• Produce or process agriculture, agri-food, fish, or seafood;
• Have already completed export market research and be ready to enter new markets;
• Earn less than $50 million in annual revenue;
• Maintain fewer than 250 employees; and
• Enter a legally binding agreement with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).

What types of projects are supported by AgriMarketing?

AgriMarketing supports the marketing of agricultural products through projects that grow and expand international markets. Some activities that can be covered include:

• Participation in trade shows, trade missions, seminars, and conferences;
• Branding and advertising in the export market;
• Product demonstrations; and
• Implementation of branding or market development strategies.

What trade shows and export events can I attend to access funding?

Generally, if the trade show or export event supports your company’s overall market expansion plans, it can be included for funding. Wondering where to find your next export trade show? Consider this list of trade shows for Canadian export expansion.

Are there any export markets where activities are not supported?

Most international markets will be accepted if companies have opportunities to grow in that region. The only exception to this is performing activities in markets where the Canadian government has active trade restrictions or travel bans in place.

What expenses are eligible for AgriMarketing support?

When applying to the AgriMarketing Program, businesses should only include the following expense categories in the project budget:

• Purchase of trade show display assets;
• Specific travel costs (such as economy transportation and per diems/incidentals);
• Contractors and their services (such as consultant fees, translation services, and cost of holding buyer education seminars); and
• Other costs directly related to the project’s completion (including shipping, printing, and document production).

Apply for Agricultural Marketing Grants via AgriMarketing

What information is required for AgriMarketing applications?

To apply for AgriMarketing Program support, SMEs must provide details of their company, project, and intended outcomes. This includes a CRA business number, certificate of incorporation, financial statements, detailed work plan, budget, and forecasts for post-project export performance.

How are AgriMarketing applications assessed?

All submissions to the AgriMarketing Program are evaluated against common criteria. These include:

• Application completion and accuracy;
• Company capacity to deliver the project;
• Performance of the project as it relates to increased exports, number of new markets explored, number and value of activities, new sales and leads generated, etc.;
• Degree to which the proposed project addresses a current or potential market opportunity; and
• Eligibility of activities and costs.

Is there a deadline to apply for the AgriMarketing Program?

Fortunately, the AgriMarketing Program operates on a continuous intake basis. Applications are reviewed upon submission and companies should align submission with the timing of their upcoming trade show or export event.

There is a final deadline for AgriMarketing applications scheduled for September 30, 2022. At that point, the program will close and potentially be re-launched in April 2023.

How long does it take for AgriMarketing applications to be reviewed?

Companies receive confirmation of their application within one day of submission. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) then has up to 75 business days to review an application before applicants receive an approval or rejection notification letter.

To discuss your business’ eligibility for the AgriMarketing Program and learn how to optimize the application process with the support of a Government Funding Planner, please contact Mentor Works.

Updated July 11, 2019