Many PEI growers want to add new crops, extend their season, or reduce risk from climate and market swings. The Horticulture Diversification Program helps cover part of those costs, but eligibility rules can be strict. If you farm fruits, vegetables, or other horticulture crops in Prince Edward Island, here’s how to tell if your business qualifies and what the program will actually fund.
The Horticulture Diversification Program is delivered by the PEI Department of Agriculture under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP). It supports projects that diversify crops, increase domestic food supply, and help farms adapt to climate change.
To be eligible, your farm must meet all core requirements:
Eligible applicants also include:
You may still qualify even if you don’t yet meet the $20,000 sales threshold. New farmers can apply if they:
This makes PEI horticulture diversification funding one of the more accessible options for early-stage growers.
Funding is cost-shared, meaning you must cover part of the project yourself.
Under the Horticulture Diversification Program, you can receive:
This means you can apply in more than one year, as long as you stay under the lifetime cap and meet annual limits.
Eligible projects must directly support horticulture diversification or expansion. Common approved expenses include:
General operating costs, land purchases, or unrelated equipment are usually not eligible.
If you’re unsure whether a cost qualifies, tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs and compare eligible expenses by province and farm type in seconds.
Applying without meeting sales or new farmer requirements
If you don’t hit $20,000 in gross sales and aren’t enrolled in the Future Farmer Program, your application is likely to be rejected.
Submitting projects that don’t clearly diversify production
Replacing old equipment without adding new crops or capacity often fails the diversification test.
Assuming 100% of costs are covered
This is a cost-share program. You must show how your farm will fund the remaining portion.
Forgetting the lifetime funding cap
Even if you qualify annually, you cannot exceed $75,000 total under SCAP for this program.
Q: What is the Horticulture Diversification Program in PEI?
It’s a provincial funding program that helps commercial growers diversify crops, adapt to climate change, and increase domestic horticulture supply. The program is administered by the PEI Department of Agriculture.
Q: Can I apply more than once?
Yes. You can apply in multiple years, as long as you stay within the annual funding limits and the $75,000 lifetime maximum.
Q: Can new farmers apply if they make less than $20,000?
Yes, if they are enrolled in the Future Farmer Program or submit an approved production or marketing plan showing commercial intent.
Q: Are agronomy and consulting services eligible?
Yes. Professional agronomic services can be funded at up to 75% of costs, to a maximum of $5,000.
Q: Is this funding taxable?
Most government grants are considered taxable income. You should confirm how it applies to your farm with an accountant familiar with agricultural programs.
PEI horticulture diversification funding can be a strong fit if your farm is ready to grow or adapt, but eligibility details matter. GrantHub tracks active agricultural grant programs across Canada, including PEI-specific funding, so you can quickly check which options match your crops, sales level, and growth plans before you apply.
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