If your BC agri-food business needs to meet food safety standards to sell to retailers or export markets, funding can help cover key costs. The BC Food Safety Program (FSP) — Stream 2 Post-Farm supports expenses like food safety assessments, system upgrades, and certifications. This stream is for post-farm businesses—such as processors and packers—that must follow national or international food safety rules to stay competitive.
The Food Safety Program (FSP) – Stream 2 Post-Farm is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC (IAF). It helps BC-based agri-food and post-farm businesses adopt, improve, or certify formal food safety systems.
The program’s goal is to help your business meet legal requirements and buyer expectations, and boost public confidence in BC food products.
You can only claim costs that help you meet food safety rules or get certified.
To apply for the BC Food Safety Program (FSP) — Stream 2 Post-Farm, your business must:
The program does not accept applications from:
If your business is in one of these groups, you are not eligible.
Stream 2 Post-Farm funding covers practical costs that help you meet food safety rules, such as:
You cannot claim general operating costs or upgrades that are not required for food safety.
If you want to see all food safety grants that fit your business, GrantHub’s eligibility matcher is a helpful tool to filter programs by province and business type.
Applications are reviewed first come, first served, so it’s important to apply early.
Check your eligibility
Make sure your business, licensing, and food safety needs fit program rules.
Define your project scope
Describe what food safety system, assessment, or certification you plan to complete.
Collect supporting documents
Gather quotes, project timelines, and proof of business registration.
Apply through IAF BC
Submit your application before funds run out.
Wait for approval before starting
Costs before approval are usually not covered.
Applying as a retail or restaurant business
Retail and foodservice businesses do not qualify for Stream 2 Post-Farm.
Starting your project too early
Expenses before written approval are not eligible.
Claiming non-compliance upgrades
Only upgrades needed for food safety compliance are allowed.
Missing animal registration
If you raise animals, you must be registered with the BC Premises ID Program or your application may be rejected.
Q: Is the BC Food Safety Program first come, first served?
Yes. Applications are reviewed in the order received, and funding closes when the budget is used up.
Q: Can I get funding for food safety equipment upgrades?
Yes, if the upgrades are needed to meet food safety or certification standards.
Q: What certifications are eligible under Stream 2 Post-Farm?
Eligible certifications include HACCP, SQF, and CanadaGAP, among others approved by IAF BC.
Q: Are seafood or aquaculture businesses eligible?
No. Aquaculture and seafood businesses are not eligible.
Q: Do I need a CRA Business Number to apply?
Yes. You must have an active 9-digit CRA Business Number or GST number.
The BC Food Safety Program (FSP) — Stream 2 Post-Farm can help your business meet certification or compliance needs to grow. GrantHub tracks hundreds of grant programs across Canada, including ones for agri-food and food safety in BC, so you can find the right fit for your business and timelines.
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