AgriInnovate – SCAP
Receive up to $5,000,000 in Government Funding.
The AgriInnovate program is a stream of funding provided through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP). AgriInnovate is specifically designed to help businesses commercialize and/or adopt innovative agri-based products, technologies, processes or services.
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AgriInnovate – SCAP
Amount of Funding
Companies accessing AgriInnovate funding may receive repayable funding of up to 50% of eligible project costs to a maximum $5 million.
The AgriInnovate Program provides Canadian government funding to help agri-sector businesses demonstrate/commercialize (or adopt) innovative products, technologies, processes or services. By offsetting a portion of eligible project costs, companies can invest more into innovations that increase agri-sector competitiveness and sustainability.
AgriInnovate is offered through the federal government’s Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP), a 5-year framework that offers funding to agri-food producers and processors. It offers funding through an unsecured 0% interest loan, meaning companies will not accrue interest on the funding but will have to repay the contribution after the project has concluded. Recipients of the fund may repay contributions over a period of up to 10 years following a successful project.
AgriInnovate – PCAD
Eligible Applicants
To participate in the AgriInnovate Program, applicants must be a for-profit organization, including:
- Businesses and/or corporations;
- Co-operatives; and
- Indigenous corporations and co-operatives.
Ineligible AgriInnovate Applicants
Any organization not meeting the above requirements will not be able to access AgriInnovate funding. This includes:
- Non-profits;
- Municipal governments; and
- Industry associations.
AgriInnovate – SCAP
Eligible Activities
The AgriInnovate Program prioritizes applicants that demonstrate/commercialize an innovation new to the sector or country. Once new innovations have been considered, the fund will then prioritize:
- Adoption of clean technologies, including precision agriculture;
- Advanced manufacturing, automation and robotics;
- Projects strengthening value-added products/services; and
- Projects securing/expanding export markets.
How Agricultural Innovation is Defined
Only projects involving highly-innovative products, technologies, processes and services will be considered for funding support. As it relates to the AgriInnovate Program, innovation is:
- An invention or new technology, process or service that is not currently available in the market;
- Significant changes to the application of existing technologies, processes or services that are applied in an environment where current applications aren’t possible or feasible; and
- Improvement to an existing technology, process or service that represents a significant (typically patentable) improvement in functionality, cost or performance.
Expense Eligibility for AgriInnovate Funding
When developing an application for the AgriInnovate Program, businesses should ensure only the following eligible expenses are included for consideration:
- Capital Expenses: Renovations, site improvements, leasehold improvements, machinery, equipment, and software purchase and installation costs. Building purchases and construction are considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Contracted Services: Professional or specialized services needed to undertake eligible project activities, and costs of contracted work for compliance with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act 2012.
- Salaries/Benefits: Labour, wages/salaries, benefits, and specific per diems.
- Other Direct Project Costs: Including rental or lease of facilities, equipment or machinery, goods and services; shipping and transportation costs; construction or operating licenses and permits; project start-up costs; production of materials required to fulfill obligations under the agreement; limited marketing costs; and materials/consumables needed to undertake the project.
Ineligible AgriInnovate Expenses
Some of the most common project expenses that cannot receive support through the AgriInnovate Program include:
- Capital items not specifically required for the execution of the project;
- Any cost, such as amortization, that doesn’t result in direct, out-of-pocket expenses;
- Leased or purchased land;
- Hospitality (e.g. alcohol, meals, entertainment, gifts, etc.);
- Travel;
- Research and development costs;
- Costs related to regulatory compliance;
- Any cost that exceeds fair market value; and
- Any expenses not listed as eligible or otherwise approved.
AgriInnovate – SCAP
Program Deadline
Applicants must complete proposed projects by March 31, 2028, when the program ends. Companies should apply for AgriInnovate funding approximately 4 months ahead of project start dates to accommodate for the review process.
To access AgriInnovate agricultural funding, eligible businesses must complete a two-phase application process that includes a:
- Pre-Screening Eligibility Assessment; and
- Full Application.
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