Agricultural Funding Through the New SCAP Kosher and Halal Investment Program

In a move to bolster Canada’s red meat sector, the federal government has introduced a funding initiative that marries tradition with innovation.  

Canada’s red meat industry is evolving to meet diverse consumer demands, including those seeking kosher and halal products. Recognizing the unique challenges in producing meat adhering to Judaic and Islamic laws, the Canadian government has launched the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) Kosher and Halal Investment Program.  

This new government funding program aims to enhance the efficiency and productivity of kosher and halal meat processing, ensuring that Canadian producers can effectively meet domestic and international market needs. 

Funding Snapshot: Kosher and Halal Investment Program 

The SCAP Kosher and Halal Investment Program provides a federal business funding opportunity to help enhance kosher and halal meat processing efficiency. Funding supports initiatives aimed at boosting productivity, with clear objectives including: 

• Mitigating Challenges: Assisting the Canadian red meat sector (beef and veal) in adhering to Judaic or Islamic slaughter laws 
• Increasing Efficiency: Enhancing processing and production efficiency of kosher and/or halal red meat in Canadian slaughter establishments 

Funding Amount: 

• Nonrepayable contribution covering up to 50% of eligible expenses, to a maximum of $2 million per applicant. 

Eligible Applicants: 

• Federally licensed for-profit organizations incorporated in Canada 
• Actively engaged in kosher and/or halal red meat slaughter processing and production or planning to enter the industry 
• Ready to provide efficiency/productivity plans validated by either a credible internal expert (such as an industry expert or Professional Engineer) or an external resource 
• Currently engaging or planning to engage in kosher and/or halal production with plans to increase productivity and efficiency in kosher, halal, or both 

Program Priorities: 

• Consultant/Efficiency Expert: Hiring experts to analyze and recommend improvements for on-site kosher and/or halal production 
• Cost-Reducing Investments: Investing in technologies and equipment to reduce operating costs and enhance productivity, including plant automation and innovative practices specifically for kosher and halal production 

Eligible Expenses: 

• Expertise Acquisition: Efficiency and productivity evaluations 
• Equipment Purchase, Delivery, Installation, and Implementation: Includes cattle-handling equipment, stunning apparatus, slaughtering devices and lines (conveyors, elevators, and winches), meat dismembering lines (deboning), scales, cutting tools, and blades 
• Improvement Technologies: Consciousness assessment tools and production line improvements 
• Equipment and Storage Systems: Cooler upgrades and building expansions or modifications 

Timeline: 

• Eligible project costs can be incurred after your application is deemed complete. 

Application Process: 

Interested organizations must submit detailed project budgets, production forecasts, and financial statements. Applications are accepted until September 1, 2026, or until funds are fully allocated. The clear and thorough preparation of required documentation significantly enhances the likelihood of funding approval. 

Other Government Funding Programs Supporting Kosher and Halal Production 

Beyond this new SCAP program, the Canadian government also offers alternative funding opportunities such as the SCAP AgriAssurance and AgriMarketing funding programs, each dedicating additional resources to enhance the quality assurance and international market access of kosher and halal red meat products.  

Apply for the Kosher and Halal Investment Program 

The SCAP Kosher and Halal Investment Program represents a significant step forward in supporting Canada’s diverse agricultural sector. By providing targeted funding to improve kosher and halal meat processing efficiency, the program ensures Canadian producers are better equipped to meet growing domestic and international demands. 

Producers interested in enhancing their kosher or halal meat processing capabilities should leverage this funding to strengthen their competitive edge and operational efficiency. Contact our team of government funding experts to get started today.