Funding list/Expanding Local Food Production in Rural and Northern Communities Stream

Closes Dec 23, 2026GrantYukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labradoragriculture

Expanding Local Food Production in Rural and Northern Communities Stream

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada · This federal grant program invests $100 million over seven years to support controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and local food production initiatives in r…

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Overview

This federal grant program invests $100 million over seven years to support controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and local food production initiatives in rural and northern communities. Applicants can receive non-repayable contributions of $100,000 to $10 million, with the government covering up to 75% of eligible project costs. The program aims to improve food security, reduce reliance on vulnerable supply chains, and strengthen food production in geographically and climatically challenging regions.

Eligibility

Applicants must be developing or expanding controlled environment agriculture (CEA) or local food production initiatives in rural or northern communities as defined by Statistics CanadaProjects must address unique challenges facing food production in rural and northern regions, such as geographic, climatic, infrastructure, or transportation barriersApplicants must provide a minimum 25% cash cost-share of eligible project costs; Indigenous applicants may use in-kind contributionsIndigenous applicants can access additional support through the Indigenous Pathfinder Service

Eligible projects

Controlled environment agriculture systems including greenhouses, vertical farms, and hydroponic systemsLow-technology CEA solutions such as passive heating and protective structures that extend growing seasonsLocal food production initiatives tailored to address geographic, climatic, infrastructure, transportation, and growing season challenges in rural and northern communitiesProjects that improve access to locally produced fresh foods and strengthen community food resilience

Financing terms

Non-repayable grant contributions from AAFC covering up to 75% of eligible project costsApplicant must provide minimum 25% cash cost-share; in-kind contributions accepted only for Indigenous applicantsFunding ranges from $100,000 to $10 million per project

How to apply

1Check eligibilityConfirm you meet every criterion listed above before you start.

2Prepare the project packageProject description, budget with quotes, team, and recent financial statements.

3Apply on agriculture.canada.caGovgrant members can draft the application with AI and export a formatted PDF.

4Respond to reviewer questionsMost programs come back with one round of questions within a few weeks of submission.

Additional information

Program is part of Canada's National Food Security Strategy with $100 million invested over seven yearsProgram intake period: October 30, 2026 to December 23, 2026 at 12 pm Eastern TimeProgram ends March 31, 2033Rural and northern communities are defined by Statistics Canada's Standard Geographical Classification and rural territory definitionsIndigenous applicants can contact the Indigenous Pathfinder Service for additional support: 1-866-367-8506 or aafc.indigenouspathfinder-explorateurautochtone.aac@agr.gc.ca

At a glanceMaximum$10MMinimum$100KProviderAgriculture and Agri-Food CanadaDeadlineDec 23, 2026StatusOpenRegionYukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland and LabradorOfficial sourceagriculture.canada.ca ↗

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