Canadian agri-food exporters face rising competition and changing trade rules. Many feel pressure to sell more products outside their usual markets. The federal AgriMarketing Program helps Canadian agricultural associations and businesses promote Canadian products, expand into new markets, and grow export sales with shared funding support. If your goal is to enter new markets, AgriMarketing funding can cover a large part of the cost—if you apply through the right stream.
AgriMarketing is a federal contribution program delivered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). It supports industry-led marketing and trade activities that increase and diversify exports of Canadian agricultural, agri-food, and fish and seafood products.
There are several AgriMarketing funding streams, each designed for a different type of applicant.
(Program ID: 451e37b9-0fca-5518-b42d-06f31aba8055)
This stream is for national, not-for-profit and Indigenous organizations with sector-wide reach.
Who this is for
Funding details
Eligible activities
Applicants are expected to consult Canadian Trade Commissioners in their target markets as part of project planning.
(Program ID: 4c8982f8-9e0b-4700-a4ca-cb4f811ba24d)
This stream supports for-profit agricultural and agri-food businesses that want to expand into new export or interprovincial markets.
Who this is for
What it supports
This stream is often used by individual processors, exporters, and branded food companies rather than associations.
(Program ID: f5fd264b-7e41-4def-bcd6-3d534669f22d)
The core AgriMarketing Program provides matching contributions for larger industry-led export promotion projects.
Key points
This stream is commonly used by well-established sector organizations with multi-year export strategies.
(Program ID: e7595cca-c876-4fca-ba86-7baacf76bac7)
This targeted AgriMarketing component helps organizations and businesses access kosher and halal markets.
What it supports
It is especially relevant for Canadian exporters targeting the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and niche markets in Europe and North America.
To qualify for AgriMarketing funding, your organization must fit the requirements of the specific stream. National industry associations and Indigenous organizations apply under the sector-wide stream, while for-profit businesses use the SME stream. All streams require a clear project plan, proof of cash contribution, and evidence of consultation with Canadian Trade Commissioners for international projects.
Applications are submitted directly to AAFC. Review the guidelines for each stream because eligibility rules and required documents vary. Most streams expect you to show how your project will help expand into new or emerging markets and how it supports Canada’s trade priorities. Using a tool like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you identify the best fit for your organization.
AgriMarketing funding works best when tied to a clear plan to expand into new markets. Strong projects usually:
For associations, this often means branding for the whole sector or group trade missions to promote Canadian products. For businesses, it may focus on launching Canadian goods in new countries or growing interprovincial sales. GrantHub tracks AgriMarketing and other federal and provincial programs, making it easier to compare options.
Applying under the wrong stream
For-profit businesses are not eligible for the national association stream. Applying to the wrong stream leads to automatic rejection.
Weak market justification
Applications must explain why the target market is high-potential or non-traditional. Generic “export growth” claims are not enough.
Missing the cash contribution requirement
In-kind support does not count. Your organization must commit real cash toward the project.
Skipping Trade Commissioner consultation
AAFC expects evidence that you engaged Trade Commissioners in your target markets during planning.
Q: Can for-profit agricultural businesses apply for AgriMarketing funding?
Yes, but only under the SME-focused streams. For-profit businesses are not eligible for the national association market diversification stream.
Q: How much funding can an organization receive through AgriMarketing?
Depending on the stream, funding can reach $1 million per year and up to $5 million over five years, covering as much as 70% of eligible costs.
Q: Does AgriMarketing funding need to be repaid?
No. AgriMarketing provides non-repayable contributions, as long as project terms are met.
Q: What markets does the program prioritize?
Priority is given to new, emerging, or non-traditional markets, especially where Canada has free trade agreements or faces trade disruptions.
Q: Can AgriMarketing be combined with provincial agriculture grants?
In many cases, yes—if stacking rules are respected. See How to Combine Provincial Agriculture Grants with Federal Funding.
AgriMarketing funding can help your organization expand into new markets and grow export sales if your plan matches the right stream and eligibility rules. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active agriculture and export grant programs across Canada, including AgriMarketing and complementary provincial funding. Checking which programs match your business or association profile is a smart place to start.
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