If you run an agriculture or food processing business in Saskatchewan and want to develop a new product or improve an existing one, the Saskatchewan Product Development Program can help cover early-stage costs. This provincial program supports value-added processors who turn raw agricultural products into higher-value goods. Funding is limited. Knowing the application process and what reviewers expect will give you a better chance of approval.
The Product Development Program is part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) and is open to eligible Saskatchewan businesses.
The Product Development Program (PDP) is delivered by the Saskatchewan Food Development Centre (SFDC) for the Government of Saskatchewan. Its main goal is to help agri-businesses move from idea to prototype by lowering the financial risks of product development.
There are two main program streams:
Product Development Program – Government of Saskatchewan
Product Development Program – Saskatchewan Food Development Centre
Funding is competitive. It only supports activities that you list and get approved in your application. You must spend the money as described in scores your funding agreement.
To apply, your business must:
Industry groups and non-commercial organizations are not eligible under the SFDC stream.
Eligible expenses are tied to product development, such as:
The program does not cover marketing, full-scale commercialization, or regular operating costs.
If you’re unsure about eligible costs, tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher help you filter programs by province and activity type.
Applying takes several steps. Many applications are rejected because of missing or unclear information.
Your application must explain:
Be specific. Vague ideas are not likely to be funded.
Before you submit a full application, contact the Saskatchewan Food Development Centre to check if your project fits. This step saves time if your project does not match the program.
Your budget must include:
Budgets should be realistic and only include eligible expenses.
Send your application through the SFDC or provincial intake process, depending on the stream. Some intakes accept applications anytime; others have set deadlines. Always check the official program page for current timelines.
If you are approved, you will get a funding agreement that outlines:
Do not start spending until you get written approval.
This program only supports development and testing—not full market launch.
Adding marketing or operating costs to your budget can hurt your application.
Costs you pay before approval are usually not eligible.
You must keep track of spending and project results as described in your agreement.
GrantHub tracks thousands of active grant programs across Canada—including Saskatchewan agriculture funding—so you can quickly check which ones match your business profile.
Q: Is the Saskatchewan Product Development Program a grant or a loan?
It is a conditional, interest-free contribution. You do not repay it if you follow all program rules.
Q: Can startups apply for the Product Development Program?
Yes, if the business is for-profit, operates in Saskatchewan, and meets all agriculture processing requirements.
Q: When is the deadline to apply?
Some intakes are rolling, but timelines can change. Always confirm deadlines on the official program page.
Q: Is Product Development Program funding taxable?
Government funding is often taxable income. Speak with your accountant for advice about your business.
Q: Can I combine this funding with other grants?
Sometimes. You must list all other funding sources, and total government support cannot go over allowed limits.
If you want to develop a new or improved agricultural product, the Saskatchewan Product Development Program can help with early development costs. The most important steps are making sure your project fits the program and submitting a complete application. GrantHub helps Saskatchewan businesses find matching funding programs and check eligibility before they apply.
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