Agri-Food Market Development and Access
Get up to 50% of your market development costs covered, to a maximum of $15,000 per project. This cost-share program helps New Brunswick food producers grow sales.
“The following Market Development and Access program elements aim to increase the sales of New Brunswick’s food basket by supporting industry efforts to access and take advantage of new, existing, and emerging market opportunities, from local farmers’ markets to international markets.”
From the official program page
Before you spend any money
You must discuss your application with program staff before applying and cannot spend money until approval is granted.
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 a food or beverage producer, processor, or association based in New Brunswick.
- You need support for market research, packaging design, trade shows, or building direct-to-consumer sales.
- You are open to discussing your project with a Department of Agriculture staff member before applying.
Probably not the right fit if
- You operate a restaurant, cafe, or catering service, as these businesses are explicitly excluded.
- You are looking for funding for general infrastructure, normal operating costs, or in-house labor.
- You are not based in New Brunswick, since this program is for provincial businesses only.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to 50% of eligible costs, capped at $15,000 per project and $45,000 per year per applicant.
What may be supported
- Third-party market assessment and research.
- Design and development of labels and packaging by Health Canada recognized entities.
- Trade show participation, including booth rentals, graphics, and shipping costs.
- Development of online and offline marketing strategies by third-party consultants.
- Design and enhancement of websites and ecommerce platforms.
- Farmer's market development, including electrical/plumbing improvements and display units.
What's excluded or restricted
- Activities not specifically mentioned as eligible.
- Infrastructure costs.
- Cost of tangible asset point of sale merchandise.
- Printing costs (reproduction and printing not eligible for creative services).
- Recertification fees.
- Listing fees.
- In-house work.
- Normal operations.
- In-home processing.
- Food service enterprises such as restaurants and catering (ineligible applicants).
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must pre-consult with a Business Growth Officer or Specialist before applying, and you will need to report on the impact of the funding after receipt.
- 01Discuss your proposed project with a Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries staff member (Business Growth Officer, Development Officer, or Specialist).
- 02Ensure you have obtained any necessary permits, environmental approvals, or certifications required for your project.
- 03Prepare your application materials, ensuring you only include eligible costs (e.g., excluding printing reproduction and in-house work).
- 04Submit your completed application by email to Sustainable.CAP@gnb.ca or by mail to the Sustainable CAP Program Administrator in Fredericton, NB.
Who to ask: Email: 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; List of departmental contacts available at Business Growth (Branch) (gnb.ca).
Documents commonly required
- Completed application form. Ask the program office which form to use and whether there is a fee.
- Evidence of necessary permits, environmental approvals, or certifications (if applicable to your project).
- Project proposal outlining market readiness, development, or direct-to-consumer activities.
- Quotes or estimates for eligible third-party services (e.g., consultants, designers, trade show fees).
What to know before you count on it
- Restaurants and catering businesses are strictly ineligible; this is for producers and processors only.
- You must obtain necessary permits, environmental approvals, or certifications before project completion.
- Printing costs for reproduction are excluded, even if part of creative services for marketing materials.
- The official page does not say whether the money is paid up front or paid back after you spend. Ask the program office before you apply.
What are your odds?
Approval depends on how well your project fits the program's market readiness goals, and you must talk to program staff first. Approval is not automatic.
Frequently asked questions
Can a restaurant apply for this funding?
No. Food service enterprises such as restaurants and catering are explicitly excluded from eligibility.
Do I need to spend the money before I apply?
No. Approval must come before spending. You must discuss your application with staff before applying.
Is the funding a loan or a grant?
This is a cost-share program that covers a share of your eligible costs; it is not a loan. Confirm current terms with the program office.
Are printing costs eligible?
No. Printing costs for reproduction are excluded. Creative services for design are eligible, but the actual printing is not.
More funding by what it pays for
What you can combine it with
Ask the program office if you can combine this with other federal or provincial grants, as rules vary.
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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.