Poultry and Egg On-Farm Investment Program: Eligible On-Farm Costs (Stream 1)

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Poultry and Egg On-Farm Investment Program: Eligible On-Farm Costs (Stream 1)

If you raise chickens, turkeys, or eggs under supply management, knowing which on-farm costs are eligible under the Poultry and Egg On-Farm Investment Program can help you build a strong application. Stream 1 helps you make your farm safer, more efficient, and better for the environment. The program covers up to 70% of eligible costs, which is a high level of support compared to other federal programs for poultry and egg producers.


Eligible On-Farm Costs Under Stream 1

The Poultry and Egg On-Farm Investment Program — Stream 1 is run by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). It offers non-repayable contributions covering up to 70% of eligible project costs, with maximum funding based on your share of provincial quota or production holdings as of January 1, 2021.

Eligible costs must be:

  • Directly related to on-farm activities
  • Reasonable and necessary to complete the project
  • Incurred for an approved investment area

Projects can be retroactive to March 19, 2019, as long as they follow program rules.

1. Modernization and Efficiency Improvements

Stream 1 supports capital investments that make your daily farm work easier and more productive.

Examples of eligible costs include:

  • Automated feeding, watering, or egg collection systems
  • Climate control systems (ventilation, heating, cooling)
  • Energy-efficient lighting and equipment
  • Equipment that improves labour efficiency or reduces manual handling

These costs must be for new equipment or upgrades, not routine maintenance.

2. Biosecurity Enhancements

Biosecurity is a major focus of the program, especially for disease prevention.

Eligible biosecurity costs can include:

  • Controlled entry systems and anterooms
  • Handwashing and sanitation stations
  • On-farm traffic control systems
  • Equipment dedicated to specific barns to reduce cross-contamination

The investment must clearly reduce disease risk on your operation.

3. Environmental Sustainability Investments

Stream 1 also supports projects that reduce environmental impact.

Eligible environmental costs include:

  • Manure management and storage improvements
  • Water conservation systems
  • Energy efficiency upgrades that reduce emissions
  • Waste reduction or recycling systems directly tied to poultry or egg production

General farm improvements that are not linked to measurable environmental benefits are usually not eligible.

4. Animal Welfare Improvements

Projects that improve housing or handling conditions for birds may qualify.

Examples include:

  • Enriched housing systems
  • Equipment that reduces stress during handling or transport
  • Monitoring systems that improve animal health outcomes

These investments must align with recognized animal welfare standards.

Tip: Using tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly find federal and provincial programs that support on-farm equipment, sustainability, and biosecurity investments.


Costs That Are Usually Not Eligible

While Stream 1 is flexible, some costs are commonly excluded:

  • Routine repairs and maintenance
  • Operating expenses like feed, utilities, or insurance
  • Used equipment
  • Land purchases or building a new farmhouse
  • Costs not directly related to poultry or egg production

Always check exclusions in the program guide before committing funds.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Including operating expenses
    Stream 1 is for capital investments, not day-to-day farm costs.

  2. Assuming all building work is eligible
    Only renovations tied directly to approved investment categories qualify.

  3. Missing proof of payment
    You must keep invoices and payment records for all claimed costs.

  4. Exceeding your funding cap
    Your maximum funding is tied to quota or production share, not project size.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Poultry and Egg On-Farm Investment Program Stream 1?
It is a federal program that helps supply-managed poultry and egg producers invest in on-farm modernization, biosecurity, and sustainability. It covers up to 70% of eligible costs.

Q: Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants are Canadian supply-managed producers of chicken, turkey, eggs, or broiler hatching eggs. You must hold quota or production share.

Q: Are young producers eligible for higher support?
Yes. Producers who were 35 or younger on January 1, 2021 may qualify for an increased cost-share, depending on program rules.

Q: Can I claim costs from projects already started?
Yes. Eligible costs can be claimed retroactively to March 19, 2019, if they meet program requirements.

Q: Is funding from this program taxable?
Non-repayable contributions are generally considered taxable income. You should confirm treatment with your accountant.


See Also

  • What Business Expenses Are Eligible Across Canadian Grants and Loans?
  • How to stack grants and loans without violating funding rules
  • Loans vs Grants for Women in Agriculture: Key Differences Explained

Next Steps

Understanding eligible on-farm costs is the first step to getting funded under the Poultry and Egg On-Farm Investment Program. The next step is matching your planned investments to active federal and provincial programs. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada and helps you see which ones fit your farm, quota, and investment plans.

Ready to find the right funding for your poultry or egg operation? Try GrantHub today to compare programs and boost your chances of success.

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