Ontario Launches $20 Million SCAP Agriculture Grant 

If your agribusiness has a growth strategy that depends on one market, today’s trade climate is sounding like a loud wake-up call. 

To support in alleviating the pressure, Ontario is investing $20 million to help farmers, food processors, and agribusinesses expand into new markets and reduce trade risk through a new initiative program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP).  

The Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative is now open for applications, offering targeted support for Ontario’s agrifood sector to strengthen competitiveness, pursue new customers, and build long-term resilience. 

“Ontario farmers produce some of the highest quality food and agricultural products in the world. Creating and strengthening reliable markets for our products has never been more important both at the local level and globally.”  
– Drew Spoelstra, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture 

With a short, one-month intake window, this is a timely opportunity for agribusinesses ready to explore new domestic and international markets. 

Funding Snapshot: SCAP Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative 

This SCAP Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative is designed to help Ontario’s agrifood sector strengthen market access and reduce exposure to trade disruptions. 

Program Objective 

The initiative supports market diversification and trade resiliency activities that help businesses expand beyond traditional markets and strengthen Ontario’s agrifood supply chain. 

Funding Amount 

Up to $20 million in provincial and federal funding has been allocated to this initiative under SCAP. 

Please note that per-project funding amounts have not yet been published. 

Eligible Applicants 

Ontario-based: 

• Farmers and agricultural producers 
• Food and beverage processors 
• Agrifood businesses and agribusinesses 

Eligible Projects 

Eligible activities focus on market development and diversification, including: 

• Market research and planning 
• Export readiness and market expansion strategies 
• Branding, marketing, and promotional activities 
• Equipment and technology investments tied to entering or expanding into new markets 

Program Timeline 

• Applications open: February 17, 2026 
• Intake closes: March 17, 2026 
• One-month intake window 

The initiative operates within the broader SCAP framework, which runs through 2028, but this specific intake is limited and time sensitive. 

How This Fits Within SCAP and Ontario’s Agrifood Strategy 

The Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative is delivered under SCAP, a five-year, $3.5 billion federal-provincial-territorial investment that runs from 2023 to 2028. 

SCAP funding in Ontario supports initiatives that enhance competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience across the agricultural and food value chain. This $20 million initiative reflects a strategic focus on trade resiliency and diversification, recognizing the importance of stable market access in a shifting global environment. 

Ontario’s agrifood sector contributes billions annually to the provincial economy and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs. Strengthening export readiness and supporting agribusiness market diversification funding ensures continued growth while reducing exposure to trade disruptions. 

By aligning with SCAP priorities, this initiative reinforces Ontario’s broader economic development strategy and commitment to maintaining a strong, innovative, and globally competitive agrifood sector. 

Who Should Apply and Why It Matters 

This grant for agricultural diversification is a strong fit for Ontario businesses actively pursuing growth beyond their current markets. 

Farmers and Primary Producers 

Producers looking to move into new distribution channels, specialty markets, or export destinations may benefit from support for research, marketing development, and related investments. Diversifying buyers can reduce vulnerability to price volatility and trade uncertainty. 

Food Processors 

Processors seeking to expand into new geographic regions or retail channels may find funding support for marketing strategies, export readiness initiatives, or equipment tied to scaling production for new markets. 

Agribusinesses 

Service providers and supply chain partners positioned to support new market access may also find opportunities under this initiative, particularly if projects directly strengthen Ontario’s agrifood export support ecosystem. 

Ontario’s agrifood sector is one of the province’s key economic drivers. Supporting farm market expansion grants and agrifood export support initiatives ensures that the sector remains competitive globally while strengthening domestic supply chains. 

This initiative is especially relevant for businesses that: 

• Are entering a new export market 
• Are reducing dependence on U.S. markets 
• Are launching new products for differentiated markets 
• Require equipment tied directly to market entry or expansion 

By opening doors to more customers at home and abroad, this initiative strengthens our agrifood sector and creates greater opportunities for Ontario and Canadian producers to succeed on a global scale.” 
– Henk Vaarkamp, President, Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario 

Ready to Apply? Ryan Can Help 

With applications open from February 17 to March 17, 2026, the window to apply is short. Businesses interested in accessing this Ontario agriculture funding opportunity should review eligibility criteria and prepare to submit within the intake period. 

Navigating government funding programs requires careful alignment between project objectives and program criteria. Our Ryan Government Funding team works with farmers, food processors, and agribusinesses to identify eligibility, structure projects effectively, and manage the application process from start to finish. 

Contact Ryan’s Government Funding team to determine your eligibility and begin preparing your application before the March 17, 2026 deadline.