If you sell Canadian agricultural or food products, your marketing costs can add up quickly. This is especially true if you are trying to reach new export or national markets. The AgriMarketing Program helps cover some of these costs by funding specific, pre-approved marketing and promotion activities. This federal program is run by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). Its goal is to help Canadian agri-food businesses grow at home and in other countries.
The AgriMarketing Program gives non-repayable, cost-shared contributions. These funds support marketing and promotional work for Canadian agricultural, agri-food, and seafood products. The program helps the sector find new markets, boost exports, and build Canada’s reputation internationally.
You can apply if you are:
Projects must focus on market development and promotion. The program does not support production or processing upgrades.
Understanding eligible marketing expenses is important. Applications are often delayed or rejected because of confusion over what costs are allowed. Below are the main expense categories you can claim if they are directly linked to approved marketing activities.
You can claim costs for learning about and entering new markets, such as:
These expenses must have a clear marketing goal. For example, you might want to export to a new country or sell in a new Canadian region.
The program covers costs for taking part in approved events, including:
Eligible costs include:
Travel costs can be eligible but must follow AAFC guidelines and be tied to the event.
You may claim expenses for creating or adapting materials that promote your products:
Translation and localization costs are often allowed if needed for your target market.
You can include:
General brand ads without a clear market goal are less likely to be approved.
You can claim costs for outside experts who help with your marketing, such as:
Internal staff time is usually limited and must meet AAFC rules if claimed.
GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly filter marketing grants by province, industry, and export focus—saving you time before you apply.
The AgriMarketing Program offers cost-shared, non-repayable funding. This means:
The exact funding share and maximums depend on your project stream and approval terms. Always check the funding ratio before you spend money.
Claiming production or operating costs
Equipment, processing upgrades, and everyday business expenses are not eligible.
Starting activities before approval
Costs paid before your project is approved will not be covered.
Submitting unclear marketing plans
AAFC wants to see clear target markets, goals, and ways to measure results.
Double-funding the same expense
You cannot claim the same cost from more than one government program.
Q: Is the AgriMarketing Program a grant or a loan?
It is a non-repayable contribution. You do not have to pay it back if you meet all the program’s reporting rules.
Q: Can small agri-food businesses apply?
Yes. Export-ready SMEs can apply, as long as their project focuses on market development and promotion.
Q: Can I combine AgriMarketing funding with other grants?
Yes, but stacking rules apply. You cannot claim the same expense twice, and the total government funding must not go over program limits.
Q: Are AgriMarketing contributions taxable?
Usually, government contributions count as taxable income. Ask your accountant for advice for your business.
Q: Does the program support domestic marketing, or only exports?
The program mostly supports export and market growth activities. Some domestic marketing linked to larger market growth may also be eligible.
The AgriMarketing Program can help lower your marketing costs if you plan your expenses carefully. GrantHub tracks current federal and provincial marketing grants across Canada, including programs for agri-food and export-focused businesses. Checking which ones fit your business is a smart step before you set your marketing budget.
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.