Demand for kosher and halal meat in Canada is growing. Production comes with higher costs and strict processing requirements. The Kosher and Halal Investment Program helps federally licensed meat processors invest in equipment and expertise to improve efficiency and increase supply. This is a federal, non-repayable contribution program delivered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).
This guide explains who can apply, what the program funds, and how to prepare a strong application.
The Kosher and Halal Investment Program supports Canadian red meat slaughter establishments that produce, or plan to produce, kosher and/or halal beef and veal. The goal is to reduce costs and improve productivity in these specialized processing streams.
Your project must clearly improve efficiency or productivity in kosher and/or halal meat processing. Eligible costs include:
General operating costs, in-kind contributions, and expenses not tied to kosher or halal processing improvements are not eligible.
To apply for the Kosher and Halal Investment Program, your business must meet all of the following criteria:
Quebec-based businesses can apply but must comply with the province’s M-30 Act requirements.
Applying takes planning. Most successful applicants start months before submission.
Identify where kosher or halal production is slowing down operations or increasing costs. This could be labour intensity, equipment bottlenecks, or certification-related inefficiencies.
You must show that your proposed improvements are backed by a credible expert, such as:
This assessment is a core requirement of the program.
Your budget must:
Use GrantHub to find matching programs by province and industry, especially if you want to combine this with other agri-food funding.
Applications are submitted directly through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Deadlines can vary. Always confirm current intake dates on the official program page.
Applying without expert validation
Projects must be supported by a documented expert assessment. Verbal assurances are not enough.
Including in-kind contributions
Only cash contributions count toward your 50% share. In-kind labour or equipment will be rejected.
Proposing general plant upgrades
The project must be clearly tied to kosher or halal production, not general modernization.
Missing Quebec compliance requirements
Quebec applicants must address M-30 Act obligations early to avoid delays.
Q: Is the Kosher and Halal Investment Program repayable?
No. Funding is provided as a non-repayable contribution, as long as you meet all program conditions.
Q: Can new kosher or halal processors apply?
Yes. Businesses with demonstrable plans to enter kosher and/or halal red meat processing are eligible, even if they are not yet producing at scale.
Q: What types of meat are eligible?
The program is limited to red meat slaughter establishments, specifically beef and veal.
Q: How much of my project will the program fund?
Up to 50% of eligible costs, capped at $2 million per applicant.
Q: Can I stack this with other government funding?
In some cases, yes. Total government assistance cannot exceed program limits. See also How to stack grants and loans without violating Canadian government funding rules.
The Kosher and Halal Investment Program can cover up to $2 million in costs, but only for well-defined, expert-backed projects. If you are planning upgrades or expansion, it often helps to review other agri-food programs at the same time. Use GrantHub to find matching programs for your business before you apply.
Was this article helpful?
Rate it so we can improve our content.
Canada Proactive Disclosure Data
The Canadian government has funded over 400,000 businesses through 1.27 million grants and contributions. Check your eligibility in 60 seconds.