Agriculture Research and Innovation — Applied Research (Agribusiness and Academic Institutions)

For farms, agri-businesses, and research partners in Prince Edward Island, staying competitive increasingly depends on turning practical research into real-world improvements. The Agriculture Research and Innovation — Applied Research program is designed for organizations that want to test new ideas at the farm or industry level, whether that’s improving crop yields, responding to climate pressures, or finding better ways to manage pests and pollination. Delivered by the PEI Department of Agriculture and Land, this program focuses on short-term applied research that produces usable data and clear economic benefits for the province’s agriculture sector.

Support through the Applied Research stream helps offset a portion of project costs, with non-repayable funding typically covering about a quarter of eligible expenses, up to roughly $40,000. Projects often include field trials, variety testing, and research into new or emerging crops and livestock opportunities, as well as work tied to clean technology, on-farm diversification, or commercialization of new agri-based products. The program also recognizes the importance of sharing results, making room for knowledge transfer activities that benefit the wider PEI agriculture community. It is well suited to collaborations between producers, agri-businesses, industry organizations, and academic or research institutions.

Due to strong demand, this funding stream is currently paused but is expected to reopen in 2026. For organizations planning future research or innovation projects, understanding how this program fits into your longer-term strategy can make a meaningful difference when applications resume.