With an influx of federal cleantech funding programs opening across the country, there are other alternative programs which are choosing to focus on region-specific advantages and/or challenges. Many programs are allocating grants, loans, and tax credit funding for Western Canadian businesses where applicants can pursue cashflow support anchored specifically to their geographical location. One such region which is immensely popular in the agriculture industry is Saskatchewan.
Designed to advance the commercialization of innovative technology in Saskatchewan’s agricultural sector, the Agtech Growth Fund (AGF) will provide up to $450,000 in funding to eligible applicants for applicable research and development (R&D) projects.
As the world’s largest exporter of peas, lentils, durum wheat, mustard seed, canola, flaxseed, and oats, Saskatchewan is recognized globally for the quality of its crops. The province is also the second largest cattle-producing region in Canada, and thus has immense potential for agricultural R&D projects which would benefit from Canadian government grants.
About Grant Funding via the Agtech Growth Fund (AGF)
Administered via Innovation Saskatchewan (IS), the AGF program will provide non-repayable grants to eligible R&D projects that address a specific industry challenge related to the following focus areas:
- Digital Ag Software/Hardware (e.g., sensors, imagery, precision ag);
- Smart Farm Equipment (e.g., robotics, machinery, automation);
- Animal Health;
- Agrifood Supply Chain (e.g., traceability); and
- Agricultural Marketplace and Fintech.
Funding Amount
Eligible applicants can receive up to $450,000 in non-repayable grants from the AGF program to a maximum of 30% of eligible costs.
Eligible Applicants
To be eligible for the AGF program, applicants must meet all the following criteria:
- Proposed by a group of active private sector partners that represent the project’s value chain (researchers, those involved in the production/supply process, and customer/end users).
- Active partner: participating in the project either through cash and/or in-kind contribution, equity investment, and/or letter of intent to purchase.
- Project must be led by a Saskatchewan-based organization*(See NOTE). Preference will be given to lead proponents with headquarters presence in Saskatchewan. The project group can consist of non-Saskatchewan organizations, providing majority of the group have headquarter presence in Saskatchewan.
- Priority is given to proposals that also have an academic partner from a Saskatchewan post-secondary or research institute.
- Demonstrate how the technological innovation will solve a specific industry-wide challenge and benefit the agriculture sector, not just individual companies.
- Technological solutions must be novel and innovative.
- Demonstrate a feasible path to commercialization and how the benefits of the project will be sustained over the long-term.
- Industry partners must provide 50% or more of the project’s budget. The amount requested from IS can be no more than 30% of the proposed budget.
* NOTE: Projects led by non-Saskatchewan organizations with innovative technologies of significant benefit to Saskatchewan will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. IS reserves full discretion to declare the lead proponent ineligible.
Program Timeline
Program application intakes for the AGF program are held twice per fiscal year. To be considered for grant funding, applicants must submit an EOI and complete an Eligibility Questionnaire before the intake deadline.
The upcoming deadline for EOIs to apply for the AGF program is April 30, 2023. Please contact the Mentor Works team for application support if your business is interested in applying.
Government Funding for Canadian Agriculture Projects
In 2021, Canada’s agriculture and agri-food system employed 2.1 million people, provided 1 in 9 jobs in Canada, and generated $134.9 billion (around 6.8%) of Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP). Millions of people around the world get their food from Canada’s vast assembly of agri-food businesses.
Explore more Farming, Food, and Beverage Funding Programs via this unique Mentor Works Directory and/or Download our free Canadian Agri-Business Growth Guide to learn about managing, growing, and financing a successful Canadian agri-food business.
Supporting Canada’s agriculture sector means a healthier, heartier country for all. Make sure your business stays up to date with government grants and loans as they become available for all vital sectors and how funding continues to progress Canada as a global leader. Sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter today.