Market Diversification for National Industry Associations

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada · This program provides non-repayable grants to national not-for-profit industry associations in Canada's agricultural, agri-food, and fish and seafood sectors t…

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Overview

This program provides non-repayable grants to national not-for-profit industry associations in Canada's agricultural, agri-food, and fish and seafood sectors to promote market diversification and expand exports to new and high-growth markets. Funding supports projects that help sectors respond to trade disruptions and develop strategies to access markets like Africa, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific. A combined $75 million is available over 5 fiscal years through this and related programs.

Eligibility

Applicant must be a national, not-for-profit industry association in agriculture, agri-food, or fish and seafood sectorsProjects must target market diversification and export development to new or non-traditional marketsAll agricultural and agri-food sectors are eligible; those impacted by tariffs in the past 12 months receive priorityApplicants must commit a minimum 30% cost-share in cash contributions

Eligible projects

Opening new or non-traditional markets and expanding export activitiesDeveloping marketing strategies to diversify into high-growth potential markets such as Africa, the Middle East, and Indo-Pacific regionsProjects that respond to specific trade disruptions and help sectors recoverEnhancing interprovincial trade and domestic market expansionSector-wide initiatives that reduce impacts of trade volatility and market unpredictability

Financing terms

Non-repayable contribution up to $1 million per year or maximum $5 million over 5 yearsAAFC contributes maximum 70% of eligible costs; applicant must provide minimum 30% cash cost-shareIn-kind contributions are not eligible for the cost-share requirementFunding delivered over 5 fiscal years (2026-2027 to 2030-2031) as part of $75 million combined AgriMarketing program envelope

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 objectives prioritize projects responding to trade disruptions, particularly those impacting highly affected sectorsIndigenous applicants can contact the Indigenous Pathfinder Service for additional support and guidanceIntake period may close earlier if funding becomes fully committedProgram operates as part of broader AgriMarketing Program; separate market diversification program exists for small and medium-sized enterprises

At a glanceMaximum$5MProviderAgriculture and Agri-Food CanadaDeadlineSep 30, 2030StatusOpenRegionCanadaOfficial sourceagriculture.canada.ca ↗

Members only