AgriInnovate Program: Frequently Asked Questions

For the purpose of the AgriInnovate program, innovation can be defined as one of the following:

• An invention, new technology, new process or new service that is not currently available in the marketplace.
• Significant modifications to the application of existing technologies, processes or services that are applied in a setting or condition for which current applications are not possible or feasible.
• An improvement to an existing technology, process or service that represents a significant (generally patentable) improvement in functionality, cost or performance of goods and services that are considered state of the art or new to the industry/sector.

Examples of the types of projects that could receive support under the program may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Expansion or modernization of a facility or site to demonstrate, commercialize or adopt an innovative agricultural, agri-food or agri-based product, technology, process or service;
• Purchase and installation of equipment;
• Training and development of staff necessary for the successful completion of the project; and/or,
• Marketing activities, provided they form a minor component of a project. Projects solely involving the development or implementation of marketing plans are not eligible.

• Support is provided for innovation-related activities, specifically those that are at the final stages of the innovation continuum, involving the commercialization and/or adoption of products or processes across the agriculture and agri-food sector.
• Innovations in the agriculture and agri-food sector are generated and commercialized.
• The Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector is effective in transforming ideas into new products, processes and practices.

Applicants may apply for program funding up to 50 percent of total eligible costs, to a maximum of $10 million.

The maximum level of government funding that an applicant can receive towards the total eligible costs of a project cannot exceed 75 percent of eligible project funding.

In-kind contributions and cash from future operations will not be considered in the calculation of project costs.

Contributions will be repaid over a period of up to 10 years following project completion. The amount to be repaid and the schedule of payments will be set out in the negotiated contribution agreement. Repayments will normally begin 1 year following the completion of the project.

Interest is not charged on the contribution funding, with the exception of late payments and debts owed to the Crown, should such situations arise.

Applications under the program will be assessed based on the program principles. The core principle is proposals must drive innovation; once this has been established, projects should demonstrate:

• Level of Innovation
  • Projects proposing cutting edge innovative products, technologies, or processes will be given higher priority than those projects adopting existing proven technology.
• Alignment with program objectives and departmental priorities
  • Applications that do not respond to the range of priority areas may be addressed for lower AAFC contributions require higher industry contributions, or both and may not be considered for funding.
• Technical feasibility of the proposal
  • Provide evidence to demonstrate that the innovation has been tested and is ready for the next stage of commercial development.
• Proposal's market oriented
  • Demonstrate the potential increased demand for primary agriculture and agri-based inputs, increased revenues, and job creation.
  • Demonstrate a market need and demand for the product, technology, process or service, both domestically and internationally.
• Applicant's capability
  • Demonstrate the ability to successfully implement, manage, and complete a project on time.
  • Demonstrate a solid history of sound financial management.
  • Ability of the applicant to secure financing.

Organizations may submit more than one proposal as long as projects are independent of one another. Each submission will be evaluated independently.

Projects, activities and budgets can span over more than one fiscal year.

The AgriInnovate program is a national program and there are no pre-determined regional allocations.

Yes, applicants will have requirements to conduct progress, performance and financial reporting.