Ontario Agriculture Grants (2026): Current Funding Options for Ontario Farms and Agri‑Businesses

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Ontario Agriculture Grants (2026): Current Funding Options for Ontario Farms and Agri‑Businesses

If you farm, process, or market agricultural products in Ontario, 2026 is an active funding year. Most Ontario agriculture grants now flow through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) 2023–2028, a joint federal–provincial framework that replaced earlier programs like CAP and OMAFRA standalone grants. Several intakes are open or recurring, but many are short and competitive.

This page is an updated 2026 hub, focused on what’s open now, who qualifies, and how Ontario farmers actually access funding—not just a recycled list.


Ontario Agriculture Grants Available in 2026

Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Ontario)

The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) is the main funding route for Ontario agriculture from 2023 to 2028. It supports productivity, sustainability, competitiveness, and risk management across the agri‑food sector.

Under SCAP, Ontario delivers funding through multiple streams rather than one single grant.

Who it supports

  • Primary producers
  • Agri‑food and beverage processors
  • Producer groups and associations
  • Indigenous agricultural businesses

Funding types

  • Cost‑share grants (often 35%–70%)
  • Risk management payments
  • Environmental and landscape stewardship funding
  • Market and trade development support

Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative (Ontario)

This is one of the most time‑sensitive Ontario agriculture grants in 2026.

Program highlights

  • Total funding envelope: Up to $20 million
  • Current intake: February 17, 2026 to March 17, 2026 (11:59 p.m. ET)
  • Who can apply: Eligible Ontario producers and processors
  • Purpose: Reduce reliance on single markets and strengthen trade resilience

Eligible activities may include:

  • New market development
  • Export readiness
  • Supply chain adjustments
  • Market research and promotion

If your farm or processing business sells into export markets or relies heavily on one buyer or country, this program is worth prioritizing.


Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (Ontario delivery via OSCIA)

Ontario participates in the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP) through delivery partners like the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA).

What it funds

  • Soil health improvements
  • Climate resilience projects
  • Water quality protection
  • On‑farm environmental practices

Status

  • Listed as accepting applications through OSCIA program guides
  • Intakes vary by practice and region

Funding is typically cost‑shared and tied to approved best management practices rather than cash flow support.


Business Risk Management Programs (Ontario + Federal)

Not all Ontario agriculture grants are “grants” in the traditional sense. Business Risk Management (BRM) programs provide predictable support when markets or production go sideways.

Ontario Risk Management Program (RMP)

Administered by Agricorp, RMP supports:

  • Cattle
  • Hogs
  • Sheep
  • Veal
  • Grains and oilseeds
  • Edible horticulture

Payments are triggered when market prices fall below support levels.

Federal BRM Programs

Ontario producers can also stack federal tools:

  • AgriStability
  • AgriInvest
  • AgriInsurance
  • Advance Payments Program (APP)

These programs are ongoing and form the backbone of income protection for many Ontario farms.


How Ontario Agriculture Grants Are Usually Structured

Most Ontario farm funding works differently than traditional business grants.

You should expect:

  • Cost‑sharing, not 100% coverage
  • Project‑based approvals, not automatic payments
  • Receipts and reporting after expenses
  • Specific intake windows, sometimes only 3–4 weeks long

Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter Ontario agriculture grants by farm type, commodity, and project goal in seconds—especially when multiple SCAP streams overlap.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Waiting for a “perfect” grant
    Many Ontario agriculture grants run on short intakes. If you miss the window, you may wait another year.

  2. Assuming all funding is cash‑up‑front
    Most programs reimburse after expenses. Plan your cash flow before applying.

  3. Ignoring risk management programs
    Programs like RMP and AgriStability are often overlooked but provide the most consistent support year to year.

  4. Applying outside your commodity stream
    Eligibility is strict. For example, RMP coverage depends on your specific commodity group.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are there Ontario agriculture grants for small farms?
Yes. Many SCAP programs are open to small and mid‑size farms, but minimum revenue or activity thresholds may apply depending on the stream.

Q: Do I have to repay Ontario agriculture grants?
No. Grants do not need to be repaid, but you must meet project conditions and reporting requirements.

Q: Can I combine Ontario and federal agriculture funding?
Often yes. Ontario programs are designed to stack with federal BRM tools, as long as costs are not double‑claimed.

Q: Are equipment purchases funded?
Sometimes. Equipment is usually eligible only if it directly supports program goals like environmental outcomes or market expansion.


You may also find these helpful:

  • Money from Ontario Government (2025–2026)
  • Agriculture and Agri‑Food Canada Grants
  • Ontario Small Business Grants

Next Steps

Ontario agriculture grants change frequently, and most are tied to narrow intake windows. GrantHub tracks 2,500+ active grant programs across Canada — check which ones match your business profile so you don’t miss the next Ontario or federal intake that fits your farm.

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