Top Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) Grant Funding Programs 

Canada’s agriculture sector is evolving rapidly, and sustainability is no longer a buzzword; it’s a business necessity.  

To help producers, processors, and agri-food innovators meet this challenge, the federal government launched the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP), a $3.5 billion, five-year initiative from 2023 to 2028, designed to enhance competitiveness, innovation, and resilience across the sector 

Our team continues to identify the top SCAP programs that offer the most impactful government funding support for sustainable agriculture. Whether your business is looking to modernize operations, diversify markets, or build inclusive leadership, these government funding programs can help your business move forward in a green direction. 

SCAP Kosher and Halal Investment Program: Boosting Efficiency and Market Access 

The SCAP Kosher and Halal Investment Program is a $25 million initiative supporting Canada’s red meat sector (beef and veal) in improving processing efficiency and meeting religious slaughter requirements. It offers non-repayable contributions of up to 50% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $2 million per project. 

Eligible activities include: 

• Hiring consultants or efficiency experts to analyze and enhance kosher/halal production processes. 
• Investing in cost-reducing or productivity-enhancing technologies and equipment. 

This program is particularly valuable for facilities aiming to expand into domestic and international markets where kosher and halal certifications are essential. 

SCAP AgriInnovate Program: Driving Innovation and Sustainability 

The AgriInnovate Program provides repayable contributions to support the commercialization, demonstration, and adoption of innovative agri-based products, technologies, processes, or services that increase sector competitiveness and sustainability. Applicants can receive up to 50% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $5 million per project.   

Key focus areas include: 

• Precision agriculture technologies. 
• Automation and robotics. 
• Environmental sustainability innovations. 

This program is ideal for businesses ready to bring commercial-ready innovations to market, enhancing both productivity and environmental stewardship. 

SCAP AgriMarketing Program: Expanding Domestic and International Markets 

The AgriMarketing Program is a $129.97 million initiative aimed at increasing and diversifying exports to global markets and seizing market opportunities via industry-led promotional activities. It offers up to 50% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $10 million over five years. 

Program components: 

• National Industry Association Component. 
• Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Component. 
• Kosher and Halal Investment Component (focused on export promotion and market development). 

This program supports a wide range of sectors, including field crops, fish and seafood, food and beverage, horticulture, and livestock, helping them to increase visibility and competitiveness in domestic and international markets.   

SCAP AgriDiversity Program: Promoting Inclusion and Leadership 

The AgriDiversity Program is a $5 million initiative under SCAP that supports projects aimed at helping underrepresented and marginalized groups in Canadian agriculture—including youth, women, Indigenous Peoples, and persons with disabilities—to fully participate in the sector. It offers up to 70% of eligible project expenses, to a maximum of $200,000 per year or $1 million over five years.   

Eligible activities include: 

• Building agricultural leadership and entrepreneurial capacity. 
• Developing tools to implement business and strategic plans. 
• Facilitating skills and knowledge exchange among sector members. 

This program is instrumental in fostering a more diverse and inclusive agricultural sector by empowering underrepresented groups to take on leadership roles and build successful careers in agriculture. 

Optimizing Government Funding Opportunities 

The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) offers a range of government funding programs designed to support the agriculture sector’s transition to a more sustainable, innovative, and inclusive future. By leveraging these funding programs, producers and agri-food businesses can enhance their competitiveness, manage risks, and access new markets. 

“The [SCAP] initiatives that will be rolled out over the next five years will allow the sector to continue to be a world leader in sustainable agricultural, while also allowing farmers to stay productive and competitive so that they can ensure our food security and sustain their livelihood.” 
– Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food 

Our Ryan Canada Government Funding team of experts are committed to helping your Canadian navigate these government funding programs to maximize your funding potential and achieve your sustainability goals. Connect with our team today.