Many groups want to create more inclusive pathways into agriculture, but funding is often a barrier. The AgriDiversity Program supports projects that reduce barriers for underrepresented groups in Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector. If your organization is planning a diversity, leadership, or career-building project, this guide explains how to apply and what funders expect.
The AgriDiversity Program is a federal funding program delivered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). It supports projects that reduce barriers and create opportunities for underrepresented and marginalized groups in agriculture and agri-food.
Eligible groups include:
Funding is provided as a repayable contribution, which means the money must be paid back under agreed terms.
Under the AgriDiversity Program, eligible organizations can receive:
You need other funding before you apply. GrantHub’s matcher helps you find provincial or private programs.
The AgriDiversity Program is not for individual farmers or for-profit businesses. You must apply as an organization.
Eligible applicants include:
Indigenous organizations are strongly encouraged to apply and can access AAFC’s Indigenous Pathfinder Service for application support.
To qualify, your project must clearly address participation barriers or improve representation in agriculture. Funded activities often include:
Projects must show measurable outcomes, such as increased participation, improved skills, or stronger career pathways.
Check if your project goals match AgriDiversity priorities. If your project does not directly support underrepresented groups, it likely will not be approved.
Create a detailed budget that shows:
AAFC reviews costs closely.
Your application should explain:
Send your application through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada during open intake periods. These intakes may be time-limited, so plan ahead.
GrantHub tracks active federal and provincial agriculture programs, which helps you avoid missing intake windows.
After you submit your application, AAFC reviews it for completeness and eligibility. They look at your budget, the project’s alignment with program goals, and the strength of your outcomes. If your application passes the initial review, AAFC may request more information or clarification before making a funding decision. Approval timelines can take several months, depending on the intake period and project complexity.
Applying as a for-profit business
The AgriDiversity Program is for not-for-profits only. For-profit applicants are not eligible.
Weak cost-sharing plan
Not clearly showing the 30% contribution is one of the top reasons applications fail.
Unclear outcomes
AAFC expects measurable results. Vague goals like “raise awareness” without metrics hurt your application.
Overusing in-kind contributions
In-kind support is capped at 25%. Going over this limit makes your budget non-compliant.
The program provides repayable contributions, not non-repayable grants. Repayment terms are outlined in your funding agreement.
Yes. Indigenous organizations are eligible and encouraged to apply. Support is available through AAFC’s Indigenous Pathfinder Service.
No. Applications must come from Canadian not-for-profit organizations, not individuals or private farms.
Yes. Many successful projects support multiple groups, as long as the need and impact are clearly defined.
Timelines vary by intake and project complexity. Expect several months from submission to funding decision.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and contribution programs across Canada, including federal agriculture funding. Checking which ones align with your organization’s profile can save weeks of research.
If you’re planning a diversity-focused agriculture project, the AgriDiversity Program can help you reach your goals. The key is aligning your project, budget, and outcomes with AAFC priorities. GrantHub helps you find compatible funding programs and prepare stronger applications with confidence.
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