Not-for-profit national industry associations operating on a national and/or agriculture and agri-food sector-wide basis
Services
AgriMarketing Program: Market Diversification for National Industry Associations
New AAFC AgriMarketing Program stream (2026-27 to 2030-31) that funds not-for-profit national industry associations to open new, non-traditional markets and expand export and interprovincial trade for Canadian agriculture, agri-food, fish and seafood sectors. AAFC non-repayable contributions normally up to 70% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $1 million per year and $5 million over 5 years. Shares a combined $75 million envelope with the SME Market Diversification stream.
Overview
New AAFC AgriMarketing Program stream (2026-27 to 2030-31) that funds not-for-profit national industry associations to open new, non-traditional markets and expand export and interprovincial trade for Canadian agriculture, agri-food, fish and seafood sectors. AAFC non-repayable contributions normally up to 70% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $1 million per year and $5 million over 5 years. Shares a combined $75 million envelope with the SME Market Diversification stream.
Key numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Instrument | grant |
| Level | federal |
| Region | Canada |
| Administrator | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) |
| Cost share | 70% |
| Max per project | $5,000,000 |
| Max per year | $1,000,000 |
| Budget | $75,000,000 |
| Deadline | 2030-09-30 (intake closes Sep 30, 2030 or when funding is fully committed); program ends 2031-03-31 |
| Intake status | Open - apply Feb 13, 2026 to Sep 30, 2030; may close sooner if fully committed |
| Non-US bias | Prioritizes non-traditional, non-US markets (Africa, Middle East, Indo-Pacific) and interprovincial trade |
Eligibility
Must deliver projects that open new, non-traditional markets and expand export activities for the sector, including fish and seafood
Projects must target new opportunities in high-growth potential and non-traditional markets and strengthen interprovincial trade
All sectors are eligible; sectors directly impacted by tariffs and trade disruptions in the past 12 months (e.g., canola, pulses, pork, fish and seafood) are assessed as a priority
What it covers
National and sector-wide market-diversification projects for agriculture, agri-food and agri-products (including fish and seafood)
Marketing strategies for sectors across the agricultural supply chain to diversify into new markets
Export and interprovincial trade promotion in non-traditional, high-growth markets (Africa, Middle East, Indo-Pacific)
Activities to reduce impacts of volatility in the global trading context
Market and diversification rules
Contributions normally shared AAFC 70% / applicant minimum 30% cash (in-kind contributions are ineligible)
Maximum AAFC non-repayable contribution normally does not exceed $1 million per year or $5 million over 5 years
Focus on trade-diversification into high-growth potential and non-traditional markets rather than established markets
How to apply
Review the eligibility, before-you-apply and how-to-apply pages on the AAFC program site
Confirm not-for-profit national association status and sector scope
Prepare project activities, budget and cost-sharing plan (30% cash minimum)
Submit the application online through the AAFC program portal (intake open Feb 13, 2026 to Sep 30, 2030)
Wait for a contribution agreement; costs incurred before the application is deemed complete are not eligible
Stacking notes
AAFC provides up to 70% of eligible costs; the association must contribute at least 30% in cash
Disclose all other government funding sources in the application
Notes
One of two new Market Diversification streams under the AgriMarketing Program; the combined $75 million over 5 years is shared with the SME stream
Separate and additional to the $129.97 million core AgriMarketing Program funding under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
Announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney on September 5, 2025, included in Budget 2025, and launched February 12-13, 2026
This stream funds industry associations on behalf of businesses; individual businesses use the SME stream (agrimarketing-sme-diversification)
Relevant services
The services below are grant-eligible: CanExport and EDC reimburse up to 50% for incorporated Canadian exporters.
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Grant programs can reimburse up to 50% of eligible market-entry costs. In one free call we tell you honestly whether your product fits a non-US market.
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