A Guide to Canada’s Top Agri-Food Marketing Funding Programs 

Canada’s agri-food businesses are competing on a global stage where branding, export readiness, and market visibility argubly matter just as much as product quality. 

From international trade shows to digital marketing campaigns and export development initiatives, marketing investments are becoming essential growth drivers for food and beverage companies looking to expand domestically and abroad. The challenge is that these initiatives can be expensive, especially for small and mid-sized businesses already balancing operational costs, supply chain pressures, and evolving consumer demands. 

Fortunately, several federal and provincial funding programs are helping Canadian agri-food companies offset those costs. Programs such as the AgriMarketing Program and the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) are providing meaningful grant and loan support for businesses in need.  

Here is a closer look at some of the top agri-food marketing funding programs available to Canadian businesses in 2026. 

AgriMarketing Program: Supporting Export Growth and Market Diversification 

The federal AgriMarketing Program remains one of Canada’s most significant funding opportunities for agri-food marketing and export development. 

Delivered through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), the program helps businesses and industry associations promote Canadian agricultural and food products in domestic and international markets.  

Eligible activities may include: 

• International trade shows and trade missions  
• Branding and promotional campaigns  
• Market research  
• Export readiness initiatives  
• Buyer engagement activities  
• Digital marketing efforts  
• Market diversification strategies  

The program has become increasingly important as Canadian businesses look to reduce reliance on traditional export markets and explore opportunities in emerging global regions. 

Funding Snapshot: AgriMarketing Program 

The AgriMarketing Program helps Canadian agri-food businesses increase exports, improve market access, and diversify into new domestic and international markets. 

Program Objectives 

• Support export growth and market diversification  
• Increase visibility of Canadian agri-food products  
• Help businesses pursue new market opportunities  
• Strengthen international competitiveness  

Funding Amount 

• Funding varies by stream and project scope  
• Cost-share contributions generally cover up to 50% of eligible costs  
• Some initiatives may receive up to 70% support for Indo-Pacific market activities or underrepresented groups  

Eligible Applicants 

• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)  
• National industry associations  
• Indigenous organizations  
• Agri-food businesses and exporters  

Eligible Projects 

• Trade shows and exhibitions  
• Export marketing activities  
• International market development  
• Branding and promotional campaigns  
• Market research and buyer engagement  

Timeline 

• Current market diversification streams are open from February 13, 2026, through September 30, 2030, unless funding is fully committed earlier.  

For companies looking to accelerate export growth, the AgriMarketing Program can provide meaningful support for activities that directly improve international market reach and brand recognition. 

MAPAQ: Supporting Quebec Agri-Food Businesses 

In Quebec, the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ) program delivers funding through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP), a five-year federal-provincial-territorial agreement running from 2023 to 2028.  

The broader SCAP framework represents a $3.5 billion national investment designed to strengthen innovation, resiliency, sustainability, and competitiveness across Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector.  

Under this framework, Quebec businesses may access support for: 

• Commercialization activities  
• Market development  
• Branding initiatives  
• Innovation adoption  
• Sustainability-focused projects  
• Sector competitiveness initiatives  

Many Quebec agri-food businesses leverage MAPAQ and SCAP funding to strengthen both domestic and international market positioning while improving operational competitiveness. 

Funding Snapshot: MAPAQ  

The MAPAQ program supports Quebec agri-food businesses pursuing growth, innovation, sustainability, and market expansion. 

Program Objectives 

• Improve competitiveness within Quebec’s agri-food sector  
• Support innovation and commercialization  
• Strengthen sustainability and resiliency  
• Encourage market development and expansion  

Funding Amount 

• Funding varies significantly by initiative and stream  
• Some programs provide nonrepayable contributions for eligible projects  
• Quebec’s SCAP agreement includes approximately $955 million in combined funding over five years  

Eligible Applicants 

• Agricultural producers  
• Food processors  
• Agri-food manufacturers  
• Industry organizations  
• Cooperatives and SMEs  

Eligible Projects 

• Marketing and commercialization  
• Export development  
• Innovation and technology adoption  
• Sustainable production initiatives  
• Business competitiveness projects  

Timeline 

• Sustainable CAP programming runs through March 31, 2028.  
• Individual intake periods vary by stream and province. 

Businesses should monitor MAPAQ and AAFC announcements closely, as many funding intakes operate on limited windows and may close once allocations are exhausted. 

Additional Funding Programs: Agri-Food Marketing and Commercialization 

While AgriMarketing and MAPAQ programs via SCAP remain major funding sources, several complementary initiatives may also help agri-food businesses offset marketing and expansion costs. 

Programs such as CanExport SMEs can support international business development activities, while regional economic development agencies may offer additional commercialization and export support for food manufacturers and processors. 

Many funding programs can also be strategically stacked together, allowing businesses to support broader initiatives that include: 

• Packaging modernization  
• Product commercialization  
• Digital transformation  
• International expansion  
• Sustainability improvements  
• Manufacturing scale-up efforts  

The key is identifying which programs align best with a company’s growth strategy, project timeline, and eligibility profile. 

Businesses should also recognize that funding applications are becoming increasingly competitive. Strong applications typically include: 

• Clear commercialization objectives  
• Defined export strategies  
• Measurable outcomes and KPIs  
• Detailed project budgets  
• Demonstrated market demand  
• Alignment with government priorities  

Companies that prepare early and align projects with funding priorities often position themselves more competitively for approval. 

Why Agri-Food Funding Matters More Than Ever 

Canada’s agri-food sector continues to face mounting pressure to innovate, diversify export markets, and strengthen supply chain resiliency. 

At the same time, consumers are demanding greater transparency, sustainability, and product differentiation. Marketing and commercialization efforts are no longer optional growth activities. They are essential business investments. 

Government funding programs are helping businesses reduce the financial burden associated with entering new markets, promoting products internationally, and strengthening brand visibility. 

For many companies, these programs can accelerate growth plans that may otherwise be delayed because of cost constraints. 

With intake windows now open across several major programs, businesses should evaluate opportunities early and begin preparing project plans and application materials before deadlines approach. 

Get Support Navigating Canada’s Agri-Food Funding Landscape 

Identifying the right funding opportunities is only part of the process. Building a strong application strategy, aligning projects with program objectives, and maximizing available funding can significantly improve approval outcomes. 

Ryan’s Government Funding team helps agri-food businesses identify, prepare, and secure funding for marketing, commercialization, export development, innovation, and growth initiatives across Canada. 

Whether your organization is pursuing international expansion, launching new products, attending trade shows, or investing in market diversification, our team can help you navigate the funding landscape and position your applications for success. 

Contact Ryan’s Government Funding team today to explore available agri-food marketing funding opportunities and start building your next growth strategy.