If you run a farm, fishery, or food business in Canada, knowing which expenses are eligible can make or break a grant application. Many innovation grants will only reimburse specific cost categories. Northern programs like NWT Agriculture Funding have their own rules. Getting this right early saves time and avoids rejected claims later.
In Canada, agriculture, fisheries, and food innovation grants usually focus on expenses for equipment, infrastructure, and knowledge-building. These costs are meant to improve productivity or food security.
Most agriculture and food innovation grants prioritize equipment that improves production, efficiency, or sustainability.
Common eligible costs include:
For example, NWT Agriculture Funding supports equipment purchases that help establish or expand agricultural production in the territory. Costs usually need to be new or demonstrably fit-for-purpose, not general replacements.
Infrastructure is often eligible when it directly supports agricultural or food production.
Typical eligible expenses:
Programs usually require that infrastructure be located in the funding jurisdiction and used mainly for agricultural activity. In the NWT, this means the project must clearly support local food production or agricultural capacity.
Some grants allow a portion of funding for consumable inputs, especially during startup or pilot phases.
Eligible examples:
These costs are often capped or only eligible when tied to an approved project scope. General operating supplies are commonly excluded.
Innovation-focused programs often fund expert help, not just physical assets.
Eligible services may include:
When searching for grants, it’s helpful to review each program’s guidelines to see if professional service costs are allowed. GrantHub can help you filter programs by province and industry, making it easier to find those that support these expenses.
Many agriculture and food grants support learning and experimentation.
Common eligible costs:
These expenses must usually be directly tied to the funded project, not general staff development.
NWT Agriculture Funding is designed to strengthen local food production and agricultural capacity in the Northwest Territories.
Based on current program information, funding generally supports:
Projects must show a clear benefit to territorial food production or agricultural sustainability. Personal expenses, ongoing operating costs, and unrelated business activities are typically not eligible.
Including regular operating costs
Rent, utilities, and wages are often excluded unless explicitly listed as eligible.
Buying equipment before approval
Many programs only reimburse costs incurred after written approval.
Submitting vague budgets
Grant assessors expect itemized budgets with clear links to project goals.
Assuming all innovation costs qualify
Even innovative ideas can be rejected if expenses fall outside program guidelines.
Q: Are labour costs eligible under agriculture and food innovation grants?
Sometimes. Many programs limit labour to project-specific or incremental costs, and some exclude wages entirely. Always check the program’s eligible expense list.
Q: Can I use grant funding for used equipment?
Usually no. Most programs require new equipment unless used purchases are explicitly allowed and well-documented.
Q: Do agriculture grants cover marketing or branding costs?
Rarely. Marketing expenses are often excluded unless the program focuses on market development or value-added food products.
Q: Are Indigenous-led food projects eligible for these grants?
Yes. Many federal, provincial, and territorial programs explicitly support Indigenous applicants, including agriculture and food initiatives in northern regions.
Q: Can I combine NWT Agriculture Funding with other grants?
In some cases, yes. However, stacking rules apply, and total public funding may be capped. Always disclose other funding sources.
After reviewing your questions, it helps to see the full picture. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada — check which ones match your business profile and expense needs.
Before you apply, map your project budget against each program’s eligible expense list. This is especially important for northern programs like NWT Agriculture Funding, where costs must clearly support local production. GrantHub allows you to compare agriculture, fisheries, and food innovation grants in one place, so you can focus on programs that fit your project from the start.
Was this article helpful?
Rate it so we can improve our content.
Canada Proactive Disclosure Data
The Canadian government has funded over 400,000 businesses through 1.27 million grants and contributions. Check your eligibility in 60 seconds.