As the agriculture and agri-food sector continues to grow, technology has become increasingly important to harvesting, processing, and manufacturing agriculture and agri-food products. Challenges ranging from climate change to supply chain shortages have presented a need for improved process and product development. To address these issues, several programs have offered funding and resources over the years to support the advancement of agricultural technology. Keep reading to learn more about organizations that have made significant contributions to the agricultural technology ecosystem.

Agricultural Clean Technology (ACT) Program

The ACT program consists of the closed Adoption Stream, which provided companies with funding for the purchase and installation of commercially available clean technologies and processes, and the Research and Innovation Stream, which funds pre-market innovation.

As of 2023, 144 projects have been funded under the ACT Program, with a total of $47.4 million in investments. Of these projects, nearly 30% were Ontario-based, and a further 24% were based in Alberta. The vast majority of these funded projects were in the Adoption stream, with only nine projects funded to complete research and innovation work.

Agricultural Climate Solutions – On-Farm Climate Action Fund

Announced in Budget 2021, the On-Farm Climate Action Fund provided $182.7 million to 12 organizations in an effort to support adoption of sustainable farming practices, particularly in relation to nitrogen management, cover cropping, and rotational grazing practices. Currently, the recipient organizations are redistributing funding to assist farmers in adopting beneficial management practices.

Agtech Accelerator

Since 2022, Cultivator’s Agtech Accelerator has begun to provide Saskatchewan-based series A startups with annual investments in big data, supply chains, precision agriculture, robotics automation, IoT, farm management, and more.

Agri-tech Innovation Program

Delivered by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), the Agri-Tech Innovation Program supported the implementation of innovative technology, particularly in relation to pandemic-related challenges. With companies supported in implementing robotics and AI, the program boosted the adoption and innovation of automated solutions to improve productivity and increase workplace safety.

Alberta Innovates

Alberta Innovates has accelerated technology development and improved sector sustainability in Western Canada through investments in programs including the Agri-food and Bioindustrial Innovation Program (ABIP) and Agri-Food Innovation.

B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation

Launched in 2022, the B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation received a $16.5 million investment from the provincial and federal governments to create jobs, train skilled workers, and foster collaborations between academia, government, and industry. In providing SMEs with matching funding, the centre has assisted in the piloting and commercialization of innovative agricultural technologies. By 2027, the Centre aims to support over 70 businesses in developing over 45 collaborative projects.

Bioenterprise

Established to drive innovation in food and agri-tech through funding, mentorship, and resources, Bioenterprise has provided significant investments in the sector through programs including Alberta Yield, the FoodShift Program, and the Quebec AgTech Acceleration Program.

Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP)

The Canadian Agricultural Partnership ended on March 31, 2023, and consisted of several strategic initiatives designed to support economic development, environmental stewardship, business risk management, and protection and assurance. Over five years, the program invested a total of $3 billion into the agri-food industry, including $1 billion in federal programs and activities, and $2 billion in federal-provincial cost-shared initiatives.

Of the federal funding, $297 million went towards growing trade and expanding markets, $690 million towards innovative and sustainable growth in the sector, and $166.5 million towards supporting diversity and a dynamic sector. Federal programs delivered under the initiative include AgriCompetitiveness ($20.5 million), AgriScience ($338 million), AgriInnovate ($128 million), AgriDiversity ($5 million), and AgriAssurance ($74 million). Through these investments, businesses and organizations had the opportunity to collaborate, advance innovation in the sector, and expand markets.

Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program (CASPP)

The Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program was an initiative that addresses environmental sustainability, capacity building, adaption to technology, and emerging issues in the agriculture and agri-food sector. Throughout its run, the program provided $10 million per year to primarily not-for-profit organizations, for projects which ended on or before March 31, 2024.

Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN)

The Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network is a not-for-profit organization originally launched in 2019 under Stream 4 of the Strategic Innovation Fund. With several calls for funding in the past several years, the organization has supported various companies in implemented automation and data-driven solutions.

Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN)

The Canadian Food Innovation Network offers several calls for funding per year, with three major programs (FoodTech Next, Innovation Booster, and Food Innovation Challenge). Focusing primarily on sustainability, supply chain improvements, and smart processes in the agri-food industry, the organization has invested millions in companies which reduce food waste, expand access to nutrition, implement automated solutions, and integrate supply chain tracking. The Food Innovation Challenge is paused until 2025.

Regional Development Agencies

Canada’s regional development agencies, which include ACOA (Atlantic Canada), CED (Quebec), CanNor (territories), FedDev (southern Ontario), FedNor (northern Ontario), PrairiesCan (Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba), and PacifiCan (BC), have made significant investments in boosting regional economies, including in the agricultural sector.

Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP)

Since April 1, 2023, the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership has built on the investments of CAP to strengthen the agricultural sector. With $3.5 billion committed until the program ends on March 31, 2028, the Partnership supports market expansion, innovative and sustainable growth of the agricultural sector, and public trust and diversity efforts. In addition to federal programs such as AgriInnovate and AgriScience, provincial funding is also delivered under this initiative, including the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative, Accelerating Agricultural Innovations 2.0, and the Beneficial Management Practices Program.

Learn more about how to access funding

Discover which agricultural technology programs are currently open, find out how to access funding that suits your business needs, and receive support on your applications by getting in touch with one of our expert consultants today.