Advancing Agri-Food Processing
Primary producers can get back up to 50% of eligible costs, and processors and manufacturers not involved in primary agriculture up to 25%, to a maximum of $50,000, to modernize agri-food processing in New Brunswick. Cost-share terms are set in your letter of offer.
Before you spend any money
You must discuss your application with Department staff and receive approval before spending any money.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Is this for you?
- You are an agri-food processor or manufacturer in New Brunswick adding value to primary agricultural products.
- You need to buy specific processing equipment like ovens or tanks, or hire consultants for process analysis.
- You are an Indigenous organization, abattoir, or licensed commercial kitchen involved in further processing.
Probably not the right fit if
- You operate a restaurant, grocery store, ice cream parlour, or retail food service.
- You process seafood or fish. The guidelines exclude seafood and fish processors, at least from process analysis funding. Ask Department staff whether any part of the program is open to you.
- You need funding for building infrastructure, shipping costs, or normal ongoing maintenance.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to 50% of eligible costs for primary producers (capped at $50,000) or up to 25% for other processors (capped at $50,000).
What may be supported
- Purchase of processing equipment such as ovens, blenders, smokers, or stainless steel tanks.
- Consultant fees for process efficiency analysis or automation design.
- Installation of new technology for product diversification or scaling.
What's excluded or restricted
- Retail food services or grocery stores
- Restaurants
- In-home processing
- Ice Cream parlours
- Normal and ongoing operation and maintenance costs
- Shipping, freight, or transportation cost fees
- Lab material
- Disposable supplies
- Containers and trays
- Bottles that are sold with the product
- Building infrastructure or purchase
- Facilities where the retail environment is larger than the processing area
- Publicly funded facilities
- Processors of seafood or fish
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must pre-consult with government staff and submit a formal application via email or mail, followed by impact reporting.
- 01Contact the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries staff (Business Growth Officer or Development Officer) to discuss your project.
- 02Prepare your application detailing eligible equipment costs or consultant fees for process analysis.
- 03Submit the completed application by email or mail to the Sustainable CAP Program Administrator.
- 04Wait for the letter of offer which will outline reporting requirements and payment terms.
- 05Complete the project and report on the impact of the funding as required.
Who to ask: E-mail: Sustainable.CAP@gnb.ca; Mail: Sustainable CAP Program Administrator, Industry Financial Programs, Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries, PO Box 6000, Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1; Contact list link: Business Growth (Branch) (gnb.ca)
Documents commonly required
- Completed application form (ask Department staff for it).
- Quotes or invoices for eligible equipment or consultant fees.
- Proof of eligibility (e.g., license for commercial kitchen or abattoir status).
- Impact report (required post-project as per letter of offer).
What to know before you count on it
- This is a cost-share grant, not a loan. You must report on the impact of the project afterward.
- The program strictly excludes restaurants and retail environments where the retail space is larger than the processing area.
- You must consult with a Business Growth Officer or Development Officer before submitting your application.
- The official guidelines do not say whether money is paid up front or after you spend. Check your letter of offer or ask Department staff.
What are your odds?
Funding is competitive. You must talk to Department staff first, and they can tell you whether your project fits the program.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this for my restaurant kitchen equipment?
No. The program explicitly excludes restaurants, retail food services, and ice cream parlours.
Do I get the money before I buy the equipment?
Your letter of offer sets out when you are paid. Many cost-share programs pay after you spend, so check that letter before you buy.
Is there an application fee?
The official guidelines do not list an application fee.
Can I fund building renovations?
No. Building infrastructure or purchase is excluded. Funding is for equipment and process analysis.
More funding by what it pays for
What you can combine it with
Check with the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries to see if this stacks with other federal or provincial grants.
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Worth reading before you apply
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Page last updated ; status and deadline checked . Source: official program page.