September 4th, 2015

The Canadian agriculture sector is an essential element of the Canadian economy. The sector operates under the guidance of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), which is the Government of Canada’s department for information, technology, research, policies, and funding programs. With contributions of over CAD $100 billion towards Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP) on a yearly basis, Canadian agriculture is responsible for growth in multiple senses of the word.

For over 125 years, AAFC has encouraged and funded innovation in the farming sector. They tackle a variety of new and demanding challenges every year, from disease prevention to crop rotation and crop yields. They want Canadian producers and food processors to succeed in every possible way by adjusting to consumer demand, responding to natural and man-made challenges, and remaining competitive on a global scale.

AAFC programs and services help farmers remain competitive at home and abroad. One such initiative is the Canadian Agriculture Adaptation Program (CAAP) that provides non-repayable government funding for businesses in the farming industry. This five-year, $50.3 million program runs from 2014 to 2019.

Objectives of the CAAP

Encouraging the sector to experience success requires the seizing of new opportunities. The CAAP helps individuals in the sector to take advantage of new situations as they surface in relation to new ideas, products, market opportunities, or any other niche prospect.

The CAAP also helps applicants respond to new issues, or emerging problems as they arise. This includes any issues that were previously unknown, or were not problematic in the past.

CAAP challenges the sector to solve these concerns as they arise, and they advocate for two solutions to new or on-going issues in this regard:

• The path finding solution, where farmers or businesses arrive at new solutions to solve these issues as they arise
• They also encourage piloting, with the introduction of new ideas or approaches in relation to the overall sector

The CAAP encourages industry-led projects designed to assist agriculture, agri-food, and various agri-based products in their respective sectors to adjust to new scenarios and remain competitive while doing so.

What Funding is Available?

The CAAP provides government funding for businesses, not-for-profit organizations, cooperatives, marketing boards, and aboriginal groups. They consider projects with a national focus or a sector-wide perspective.

Of the $50.3 million investment, AAFC examines each individual application and determines funding based on perceived need. The maximum funding per project is $1 million. Applicants can apply multiple times if they desire, including successful applicants. The CAAP caps overall project funding at roughly $4 million over the duration of the five-year span.

Eligible costs cover administration, salaries, travel, capital or other assets, contracted service, and any costs directly tied to the project.

Eligible Projects

The CAAP considers any project that adds value to the sector or to the country as a whole, in line with the objectives and mandates of the AAFC. Projects that introduce new or modified ideas with applicability around the sector are given heightened consideration.

This includes projects that take advantage of new opportunities that optimize or improve on processes, or develop new technologies. This includes businesses or farms that conduct feasibility studies to assess the strengths and weaknesses of their overall approach.

INAC Services can get you started with your funding application. With over half a billion in funding secured for our clients, we have a proven record of accomplishments. If you require insights or assistance with your application for government funding for your business, whether the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program or otherwise, feel free to send us a message today.