Table of contents

Important dates

Not accepting applications.

Overview

The On-Farm Value-Added Grant Program supports primary producers in adding value to their agricultural products to grow sales, expand production capacity, explore market opportunities and create jobs in Alberta.

Funding

The program has 2 streams:

  • On-Farm Value-Added Stream A: (maximum grant $50,000) applications are assessed based on eligibility criteria
  • On-Farm Value-Added Stream B: (grant over $50,000 to maximum grant $250,000) applications are assessed based on eligibility criteria and merit scoring.

The stream will be determined by the program area, based on review of the budget sheet for eligible expenses and activities.

Eligible capital expenses: will be cost-shared at 25% grant and 75% applicant.

Eligible non-capital expenses: will be cost-shared at 50% grant and 50% applicant up to a maximum total amount of $50,000. The $50,000 maximum includes a $5,000 maximum for travel expenses.

For more information, see On-Farm Value Added Program Terms and Conditions (PDF, 433 KB).

Program details

  • Eligibility

    To be eligible, an applicant must:

    • be a primary producer
    • be an individual or a corporation registered in Alberta that is operating in Alberta, or that can establish to the satisfaction of the minister that it will operate in Alberta
    • be responsible for input costs for crops, bees or livestock
    • produce at least $25,000 worth of commercial agriculture production annually
    • not be a landlord whose only interest in the crop, bee, cattle operation is ownership of the land
    • be adding value past harvest or slaughter of the agricultural product

    Indigenous applicants

    The province is committed to supporting the success of Indigenous businesses in the agriculture and food sector. We understand that Indigenous businesses may have distinct characteristics reflective of regulatory, operational, cultural, and other factors affecting their business history and operation. We aim for flexibility in our programs. If you are interested in applying for the program but have questions about the application process or eligibility requirements, contact program staff at
    [email protected].

    Eligible activities

    Applicants can apply for activities under one or more of these funding categories:

    • processing capacity expansion
    • food safety improvement
    • new product and process development
    • market development and access

    For more information: On-Farm Value-Added Program Funding List (PDF, 338 KB)

  • How to apply

    Step 1: Check your eligibility

    Determine if you are eligible by reviewing the On-Farm Value-Added Program Terms and Conditions.

    Confirm that your proposed activities are eligible activities listed in the Funding List.

    Complete all sections of the application form. If you have questions on eligibility or program criteria, e-mail [email protected] and a grant specialist will assist you provide support.

    Step 2: Complete application form

    Complete and sign the On-Farm Value-Added Program Application form.

    Please read ‘Part F: Certification’ carefully before you sign. Note that only original signatures will be accepted (electronic or digital signatures are not acceptable).

    Step 3: Submit application form

    Submit the completed Application Form and supporting documents by 11:59 pm MST on May 15, 2023:

    Email

    Send PDF applications only to: [email protected]

    Mail

    On-Farm Value-Added Program, Sustainable CAP
    Trade, Investment and Food Safety Division
    Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation
    Suite 301, 7000 113 Street
    Edmonton, Alberta  T6H 5T6

  • What happens next

    Once you have submitted your application and documentation, you may be contacted for additional information.

    Processing times

    Total processing time objective is up to 23 weeks from the program closing date to receiving notification of a decision on project support.

Resources

Contact

Connect with the On-Farm Value-Added Program team:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Toll free: 310-FARM (3276) (in Alberta)
Phone: 403-742-7901 (outside Alberta)
Email: [email protected]

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