For agri-food businesses looking to sell beyond Canada’s borders, meeting international certification and assurance requirements can be a real barrier to growth. Buyers and regulators increasingly expect verified claims around food safety, traceability, animal welfare, and sustainability. The AgriAssurance Program — Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises component is designed to help Canadian agri-food companies tackle those challenges by supporting the adoption of recognized third-party assurance systems that open doors to export markets.
Delivered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, this national program helps small and medium-sized businesses offset the cost of implementing certification projects that align with foreign market expectations, including those in countries where Canada has free trade agreements. Funding support of up to about $50,000 is available on a cost-shared basis, making it easier for businesses to invest in audits, system development, verification tools, and related improvements that strengthen credibility with international buyers. The program also supports assurance initiatives tied to domestic markets serving Indigenous communities, reflecting its broader focus on trust and transparency in the agri-food sector.
While the current intake is closed due to strong demand, additional application periods may be announced before the program wraps up in 2028. For agri-food SMEs planning future certification or export-readiness projects, reviewing the full program details through GrantHub can help determine whether this funding could support your next market expansion step.
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