AgriCompetitiveness Program

National agriculture and agri-food organizations that play a leadership or coordination role across the sector often face challenges keeping pace with changing regulations, public expectations, and emerging risks. The AgriCompetitiveness Program was created to help address those pressures by supporting large-scale, industry-led initiatives that strengthen the overall capacity and resilience of Canada’s agricultural system. Delivered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the program focuses on projects with national reach and broad sector impact rather than individual farm operations.

Through this program, national industry associations, non-profits, enterprises, and Indigenous groups have been able to access substantial non-repayable funding—reaching up to $5 million spread over multiple years—to support activities such as sector benchmarking, safety and mental health awareness, leadership development, knowledge sharing, and mentorship. Projects often include conferences, educational initiatives, best-practice development, and efforts that build public trust in the Canadian food system. There is also a strong emphasis on inclusivity, including engagement with Indigenous Peoples and underrepresented groups, as well as initiatives that promote farm safety, wellbeing, and career awareness.

While the main intake for the AgriCompetitiveness Program is currently closed, the program illustrates the type of high-impact, cost-shared funding available to organizations working at a national level within agriculture and agri-food. Reviewing the full program details can help determine whether future intakes or similar federal opportunities may align with your organization’s mandate and long-term goals.