For-profit organizations (partnership, corporation, co-operative, or commune), including Indigenous (First Nation, Inuit, Metis) organizations and individuals
Services
AgriMarketing Program: Market Diversification for SMEs
New AAFC AgriMarketing Program stream (2026-27 to 2030-31) with a combined $75M envelope, contributing up to 70% of eligible costs (normally less than $100,000 per project) to for-profit agri-food, agri-products, fish and seafood SMEs diversifying into non-traditional, high-growth export markets (Africa, Middle East, Indo-Pacific).
Overview
New AAFC AgriMarketing Program stream (2026-27 to 2030-31) with a combined $75M envelope, contributing up to 70% of eligible costs (normally less than $100,000 per project) to for-profit agri-food, agri-products, fish and seafood SMEs diversifying into non-traditional, high-growth export markets (Africa, Middle East, Indo-Pacific).
Key numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Instrument | grant |
| Level | federal |
| Region | Canada |
| Administrator | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) |
| Cost share | 70% |
| Min per project | $14,000 |
| Max per project | $100,000 |
| Budget | $75,000,000 |
| Total gov stacking cap | 85% |
| Deadline | Open until September 30, 2030 or until funding is fully committed (program ends March 31, 2031) |
| Intake status | Open - apply Feb 13, 2026 to Sep 30, 2030; may close sooner if fully committed |
| Non-US bias | Prioritizes non-traditional, high-growth markets (Africa, Middle East, Indo-Pacific) |
| Employees | $1 - $499 |
Eligibility
Operates in the agriculture, agri-food, and agri-products industry, including fish and seafood
Directly involved in growing, harvesting, processing, or otherwise transforming or consolidating products
Fewer than 500 full-time equivalent employees
Legal entity capable of entering into legally binding agreements
Project must target new opportunities in high-growth, non-traditional markets to diversify exports and strengthen interprovincial trade
AgTech, post-harvest food technology, agricultural machinery, life sciences, and medical cannabis projects are served by CanExport SMEs, not this program
What it covers
Immediate financial and technical support to address impacts of trade disruptions
Market research to identify new markets, assess competition, and understand consumer needs
Trade strategies, branding strategies, and marketing plans for new markets
Incoming, outgoing, and exploratory missions to advance market development, including trade shows
Technical training for buyers and channel intermediaries about Canadian products and product handling
In-market promotion and social media campaigns
Translation, localization, or interpretation services for adapting to markets
Legal advisory services for commercial distribution or representation agreements
Intellectual property protection in target markets
Market and diversification rules
Prioritizes sectors directly impacted by tariffs and trade disruptions in the past 12 months (e.g. canola, pulses, pork, fish and seafood) and projects targeting new markets
Priority markets
high-growth, non-traditional markets such as Africa, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific
Activities aimed at established and traditional markets where the sector has been active for at least 5 years are generally ineligible
Does not fund product development, promotion of technologies, or generic promotions that do not target specific markets
Salaries and benefits normally limited to 25% of total project costs; capital assets limited to trade show displays
How to apply
Review the eligibility checklist and program terms on the AAFC program page
Confirm your organization type and sector eligibility (for-profit or Indigenous; fewer than 500 FTE)
Join the Canada Brand and consult trade commissioners in each target market
Prepare project activities, budget, and eligible cost categories
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 applicant must contribute at least 30% in cash (in-kind contributions are ineligible)
Total government assistance is subject to a stacking cap (up to 85% per trade-help summary; confirm in the contribution agreement)
Disclose all other government funding sources
Notes
One of two new Market Diversification streams under the AgriMarketing Program; $75M total over 5 years is shared with the Market Diversification for National Industry Associations stream
Separate and additional to the $129.97M core AgriMarketing Program funding under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
Max project duration 18 months; minimum total project cost $20,000; minimum AAFC contribution $14,000
Announced by Prime Minister Carney Sept 5, 2025 and included in Budget 2025; launched Feb 10, 2026; intake opens Feb 13, 2026
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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