Selling outside your local area takes planning and investment. The New Brunswick Agri-Food Market Development and Access Program supports agri-food, fish, and aquaculture businesses by helping cover some costs needed to reach new buyers. The program provides up to $15,000 per project for market development and access activities anywhere in New Brunswick.
The Agri-Food Market Development and Access Program is managed by the New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries. Its main goal is to help local producers and processors increase sales by improving how their products are marketed and accessed in new or existing markets.
Your business must pay at least 50% of total project costs from other sources.
The program focuses on market development and market access. Eligible expenses may include:
You cannot use funding for routine expenses or equipment.
Before you apply, check that your business and project meet the program’s rules.
Eligible applicants include:
Your business must operate in New Brunswick and be involved in producing, processing, or marketing eligible agri-food products.
If you are unsure if your project qualifies, review the official guidelines or speak with a funding specialist.
Many applications are declined because of simple errors. Avoid these common mistakes:
Carefully review your application before submitting. For extra help, GrantHub’s eligibility matcher lets you filter New Brunswick agri-food programs by activity and funding level.
Applications are accepted while the program is open and funding is available.
Read the official program guidelines
Make sure your project activities and costs fit what is allowed.
Describe your project clearly
Include:
Collect supporting documents
Usually needed:
Submit your application
The department reviews all applications. Qualifying does not guarantee funding.
Set clear goals
Describe your target markets, buyers, and sales objectives.
Check expense eligibility
Make sure all costs are allowed by the program.
Show financial readiness
Prove you can pay your share of costs.
Disclose other funding
If you are combining programs, list all sources.
Avoid vague answers
Strong applications are clear, detailed, and focused on market growth.
Q: Is the Agri-Food Market Development and Access Program a grant?
No. The program offers repayable funding for up to 50% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $15,000.
Q: Can I apply if I am a small or new agri-food business?
Yes, as long as your business is based in New Brunswick and works in eligible agri-food, fish, or aquaculture activities.
Q: What is the application deadline?
The program is currently open, but funding is limited. Deadlines and intake periods can change, so check the official guidelines before applying.
Q: Can this funding be combined with other agriculture programs?
Often, yes. Stacking limits apply, and you must disclose all other funding sources in your application.
Q: Are export-focused projects eligible?
Yes. Activities to access new domestic or export markets are a main focus of this program.
The New Brunswick Agri-Food Market Development and Access Program can help pay for market growth, but only if your project fits the rules. If you want to compare other funding options, GrantHub tracks hundreds of grant and funding programs across Canada to help you find what suits your business.
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