Food Producers & Agri-Food
Food producers and processors can find funding for processing equipment, new products and new markets. Agri-food programs in several provinces may pay part of the cost of processing and packaging equipment. Market development programs may help pay for market research, trade shows and new labels. Farm Credit Canada offers loans for food and beverage businesses. We check which programs are open, explain the rules and intake dates, and send deadline alerts. You apply on the official program site.
Common costs
Costs funding can help with
Processing and packaging equipment
Ovens, tanks, sorters and packaging lines are large costs. Agri-food programs in several provinces may pay part of the cost of this equipment. In New Brunswick, for example, Advancing Agri-Food Processing may pay up to $50,000.
Developing new products
A new product needs testing, shelf-life work and trial runs before it sells. Some programs may pay part of these costs. Prince Edward Island's Food Product Development Assistance may pay 50% of project costs, up to $50,000.
Getting into new markets
New buyers and new markets need research, trade shows and sometimes new labels. Market development and export programs may pay part of these costs.
Energy and cold storage costs
Cold storage and processing use a lot of energy. In some provinces, energy rebates may pay part of the cost of efficient refrigeration, lighting and HVAC.
Funding paths
Where to start, in order
- 01
Buy processing equipment
Agri-food programs may pay part of the cost of processing and packaging equipment. Farm Credit Canada food and beverage financing may pay for equipment, expansion and construction. That is a loan, so you pay it back.
- 02
Develop new products
Some agri-food programs may pay part of the cost of product development, testing and trial production runs. Many run in set intakes, so watch for the next one.
- 03
Sell into bigger markets
Export and agri-food market programs may help pay for trade shows, market research, certification and new labels. Some also pay for website or e-commerce work. New Brunswick's Agri-Food Market Development and Access, for example, lists website and e-commerce design among its eligible costs.
- 04
Cut energy costs
Provincial and utility energy rebates may help pay for efficient refrigeration, lighting and HVAC. Some need approval before you buy, so read the rules first.
Funding categories
Programs that may relate
Agri-food, export and rural development programs may support some food business projects. Eligible costs differ a lot between programs, and intakes open and close through the year. The program decides who is approved. We link every program to its official source, where you apply.
We track 127 programs across Canada that may fit a food business. Here are examples from different provinces. You can also check your funding fit to see the ones your province offers.
Advancing Agri-Food Processing
Up to $50,000
Cost-share funding for New Brunswick agri-food processors and manufacturers. It helps pay for equipment that improves production capacity and…
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Horticulture Diversification Program
Up to $40,000
Expand your PEI horticulture business with cost-share funding for infrastructure and agronomic services.
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Technology Demonstration Program (TDP)
Up to $50,000
Finished your DMAP? This Ontario program reimburses 50% of implementing it, up to $50,000: the platforms, software, integration work and one-time…
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Targeted Manufacturing Initiative for Northern Ontario – Productivity Improvements
Up to 33% of costs
This Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario program helps established manufacturers in Northern Ontario invest in productivity.
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Food and Beverage Industry Financing (FCC)
Farm Credit Canada offers loans to food and beverage businesses anywhere in Canada to build, expand, or equip their operations.
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takeCHARGE Business Efficiency Program
Up to $100,000
TakeCHARGE helps commercial businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador reduce energy consumption through tailored efficiency projects.
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New food business funding, straight to your inbox
Programs for businesses like yours open and close all year. One short email when something worth your time changes, and nothing else.
Funding by need
Funding for what food businesses need
Funding for Manufacturing
Grants and loans that may help pay for automation and productivity tools.
Funding for Export and New Markets
Grants and loans that may help pay for trade shows, research and translation.
Funding for Energy Efficiency
Grants and loans may help pay for lighting, HVAC and refrigeration improvements.
Funding for E-commerce
Grants and loans to help you launch or improve your online store.
Where you are
Funding and grants in your province
Free tool · Exporters · ~5 min
Export Readiness Checklist
Market choice, buyer-facing documents, trade-show budget, logistics and CanExport-style funding readiness: the self-check to run before you apply for export funding.
Frequently asked questions
What funding helps a food business reach new markets?
Market development programs may help pay for market research, trade shows and new labels or packaging for new products. In New Brunswick, for example, Agri-Food Market Development and Access may pay up to 50% of eligible costs, up to $15,000 per project. Export programs in other provinces work in a similar way. Each has its own rules and intake dates.
Is there funding for packaging or marketing?
Sometimes, usually as part of a bigger project. Some agri-food programs may pay part of the cost of new labels, packaging equipment or advertising. Buy BC, for example, has helped pay for the first print run of labels that carry the Buy BC logo. Its 2026 intake is closed. Each program defines eligible costs in its own way, so read the rules before you spend.
Are there loans for food businesses?
Yes. Farm Credit Canada offers food and beverage financing for equipment, inventory, expansion and start-up costs. Its Young Entrepreneur Loan offers up to $2,000,000 for young people in agriculture and food. These are loans, not grants, so you pay them back.