The Canadian government helps farmers and farm businesses across Canada produce the best possible food and agriculture products. Through various farm grants and government funding programs, the government supports innovation, sustainable farming, business development, managing risk, trade, and market development.

Farm grants, farm loans, and other funding options for Canadian farmers and agri-business owners are now available.

Farm Grants and Government Funding Programs

As a small business in the agriculture industry (or a farm owner), you could benefit from these programs and services offered via the Canadian government:

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Advance Payments Program

This farm program can help producers with cash advances on the value of their agricultural products. It is an excellent funding program for farmers and food producers, especially new farmers or those just starting out in the farming industry.

Agricultural Clean Technology Program

This funding program is for projects led by provincial and territorial governments for clean technology research, development, demonstration, commercialization, and adoption projects in Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sectors. This program offers up to $25 million in funding for applicants over a three-year period.

AgriInnovate Program

This program provides repayable contributions for projects that aim to accelerate the demonstration, commercialization, and adoption of innovative products, technologies, processes, or services that increase agri-sector competitiveness and sustainability. This funding program is ideal for for-profit organizations, co-operatives, and Indigenous communities.

Dairy Processing Investment Fund

Business owners involved in dairy processing can receive up to $10 million to support investment in equipment and infrastructure, and up to $250,000 to access expertise. Cheese makers and other dairy processors can benefit greatly from this government funding program.

You can explore other farm grants and government funding programs for farmers.

Applying to Farm Grants and Farming Funding Programs

As with any business, when applying for farm grants to fund your farming business, consider the following:

• Do you have a business plan for your farm business?
• How much funding do you need for your farm?
• What do you need the funding for?
• Do you know which farming funding programs exist?

If you do not yet have a business plan for your farm, now is the time to create one.

The Business Plan Builder Tool at Canada Startups can help. Take a look at how easy it is to get your farming business plan completed.

As you develop your business plan, you will answer questions about funding needs. This process helps you understand what you will need in terms of farm grants or farm loans.

If you are unsure which farm grants or farming funding programs exist, consult the Funding Database, which lists available funding programs offered by the Canadian government for small business owners and farmers.

Availability of Farm Grants and Farm Loans

As a farm owner, obtaining government funding can mean the difference between success and failure.

It is important to take action and consider the availability of farm grants, farm loans, and tax breaks that farmers may benefit from.

Farming funding programs are available to existing farm owners as well as those just starting out in the farming sector. Take full advantage of the programs provided by both provincial and federal governments.

While farm grants and farm loans may be available across Canada, certain geographic regions have stronger program investment than others. For example, farm owners in Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia may have a greater chance of obtaining funding if eligibility criteria are met.

Use the Assessment Tool to identify your funding needs as a small business owner.

What Can Farm Funding Programs Be Used For

Each farm grant or farm loan program has its own rules and criteria. Typically, you apply with your funding needs already outlined in your business plan.

Common funding uses for farmers and small business owners include:

• Farm technology upgrades and improvements
• Energy efficiency improvements on the farm
• Projects to reduce environmental impact
• Farm employee wages and subsidies
• Livestock purchases
• Farm equipment purchases
• Farm building improvements and leasehold improvements
• Research and development
• Purchasing a new farm or farmland

What to Do Next

If you are a farm owner seeking a farm grant, farm loan, or tax break, begin with your business plan.

Ensure your farm business plan is complete and accurate. You may contact Canada Startups experts for assistance.

Once your plan is finalized, access the Funding Database available to Canada Startups members and begin applying to all programs available to your farm business.