U.S. tariffs and other trade disruptions can quickly hurt the cash flow of Canadian farms and agri-food businesses that rely on exports. To help, Farm Credit Canada (FCC) created the Trade Disruption Customer Support Program, offering $1 billion in new lending to help businesses manage short-term financial pressure.
This guide explains what the program offers, who qualifies, and how to apply so you can decide if it fits your business needs.
The Trade Disruption Customer Support Program (TDCS) is not a grant. It is a federal lending program run by Farm Credit Canada to provide temporary relief and extra credit during trade disruptions like U.S. tariffs.
Eligible businesses may access:
Deferred principal payments
Defer principal payments on existing FCC loans for up to 12 months to help improve short-term cash flow.
Additional credit lines
Get access to an extra credit line of up to $500,000, depending on FCC’s lending assessment.
New or enhanced term loans
FCC may offer extra term financing to help keep your business stable during the disruption.
FCC has set aside $1 billion nationally for this program. There is no set amount per business. Support depends on your financial situation and borrowing capacity.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly filter similar federal and provincial programs by industry and location.
Eligibility focuses on financial health and the impact of trade disruptions, not just business size.
To qualify, your business must:
You do not need to be an existing FCC customer. New customers can apply if they meet the lending standards.
FCC does not provide:
The application process is more direct than most grant programs, but being prepared is still important.
Start by contacting an FCC relationship manager or submitting an inquiry through FCC’s Trade Disruption Customer Support Program page.
FCC will check your lending eligibility. Be ready to provide:
Having clear and up-to-date financials can speed up approval. If you need help, see How to Prepare Financial Statements for Grant Applications in Canada.
FCC will review several areas. They look at your financial health before the disruption. They also check your current debt levels. Finally, they assess your ability to repay after any relief measures.
Approval timelines can differ, but FCC aims to respond quickly to trade-related shocks.
Show clear trade impact
FCC expects you to explain how U.S. tariffs or other trade disruptions have affected your business.
Apply early
Don’t wait until your cash flow is in trouble. FCC prefers to work with businesses before financial stress becomes too severe.
Understand your options
This program offers loans and credit flexibility, not grants. It can be used with other supports. Knowing the difference between Repayable vs Non-Repayable Business Funding in Canada can help you plan.
Keep your documents organized
Up-to-date financial statements and cash flow projections make the process smoother.
Q: Is the FCC Trade Disruption Customer Support Program a grant?
No. FCC provides loans, deferred payments, and credit support. All funding is repayable.
Q: Do I need to be an FCC customer to apply?
No. Both current FCC customers and new applicants can apply if they meet lending criteria.
Q: How much funding can my business receive?
There is no fixed amount. FCC assesses each business individually within the program’s $1 billion national lending envelope.
Q: What types of businesses qualify?
Canadian farms, agribusinesses, and food processors affected by trade disruptions or U.S. tariffs may qualify.
Q: Are FCC loans taxable income?
No. Loans are not considered taxable income, unlike grants. Repayments and interest follow standard tax rules.
The FCC Trade Disruption Customer Support Program can provide temporary relief when trade disruptions put pressure on your cash flow, but it is only one option. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and funding programs across Canada, including agriculture, export, and recovery supports. Checking which programs match your business profile can help you build a stronger funding plan.
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