Cash flow can swing from year to year in farming. AgriInvest is designed to smooth those ups and downs by giving you a savings account that grows with government matching. It is a federal Business Risk Management (BRM) program under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, delivered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
At its core, AgriInvest helps you set aside money in good years so you have funds ready when income dips or when you want to invest back into your farm.
AgriInvest is a producer–government savings account. You make annual deposits, and governments match part of your contribution.
You are generally eligible if you:
AgriInvest is available across Canada, but Quebec delivers the program separately through La Financière agricole du Québec, with similar rules and limits.
Some products are not eligible, including supply-managed commodities, forestry products, aquaculture, cannabis, and income from farming outside Canada.
Your AgriInvest contribution is based on your Allowable Net Sales (ANS) for the program year.
Here is how it breaks down:
Example:
If your Allowable Net Sales are $400,000:
You can deposit more than the matched amount, but only the first 1% of ANS is eligible for matching.
Government contributions are shared between federal and provincial or territorial governments.
Key points to know:
Because matching is capped at $10,000, larger farms often plan deposits carefully to ensure they receive the full government contribution each year.
If you’re comparing AgriInvest with other BRM programs, tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you check which programs fit your province and farm type.
AgriInvest is flexible. You can withdraw funds at any time, for almost any purpose related to your farm business.
Withdrawals are taken in this order:
This tax structure is why many farmers use AgriInvest as a short- to medium-term risk management tool rather than a long-term retirement account.
If you farm in Quebec, AgriInvest is administered by La Financière agricole du Québec.
The core structure is the same, but note:
Always follow Quebec-specific guidance to avoid missed deadlines.
Missing the AgriInvest form deadline
Filing your tax return is not enough. You must also submit the AgriInvest form on time, or you lose eligibility for that year.
Assuming all sales are allowable
Some commodities and income sources are excluded. Reporting ineligible sales can reduce or delay your matching.
Withdrawing without planning for tax
Government contributions are taxable. Large withdrawals can increase your tax bill if not planned carefully.
Leaving matching money on the table
If you do not deposit up to 1% of ANS, you are not getting the full government match available to you.
Q: How much does the government contribute to AgriInvest each year?
The government matches producer deposits up to 1% of Allowable Net Sales, to a maximum of $10,000 per year.
Q: Can I withdraw AgriInvest funds whenever I want?
Yes. You can withdraw funds at any time, for any farm-related purpose, subject to tax rules on government contributions.
Q: Are AgriInvest withdrawals taxable?
Producer deposits are not taxable when withdrawn. Government contributions and interest are taxable in the year you withdraw them.
Q: Is AgriInvest a grant or a loan?
AgriInvest is neither. It is a savings account with matching government contributions, not money you have to repay.
Q: Do I have to reapply for AgriInvest every year?
You must file your tax return and AgriInvest form each program year to remain eligible and receive matching contributions.
If you want to see which other risk management programs or grants match your farm profile, GrantHub tracks hundreds of options for Canadian producers.
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