If your agri-food business wants to sell outside Canada, choosing the right export grant is important. The AgriMarketing Program is a well-known federal option, but it’s not the only source of export funding for agriculture. Knowing how AgriMarketing compares to other agriculture export grants can help you focus on programs that best fit your export goals and budget.
Canada’s federal government supports agri-food exports through several programs, each targeting different stages of growth and types of activities.
The AgriMarketing Program is a federal funding program delivered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). Its main goal is to help Canadian agriculture and agri-food businesses promote and market their products in domestic and international markets.
Key features of the AgriMarketing Program:
AgriMarketing is best for businesses with a product ready for market that need help covering the cost of promotion and export-focused marketing.
GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs by province and industry in seconds, which is especially useful if you are comparing multiple export-focused grants.
While AgriMarketing focuses on promotion and market development, other agriculture export grants support different needs. Here’s how they usually differ.
Some agriculture programs focus on product development, innovation, or processing, not marketing. These grants may support:
If your business is still refining its product, AgriMarketing may be too early. Innovation-focused programs usually require strong R&D or commercialization plans, while AgriMarketing assumes your product is already market-ready.
Provincial and regional economic development agencies often offer export grants that:
AgriMarketing, by contrast, is national in scope and often better suited for businesses with established export ambitions or multiple target markets.
Not all export support comes as a grant. Programs delivered through federal trade services may offer:
These supports can complement AgriMarketing, but they do not replace the cash contribution that AgriMarketing provides for eligible marketing expenses.
AgriMarketing is usually a strong fit if:
Because the program is cost-shared, you must pay eligible expenses first and then claim reimbursement.
Applying too early
If your product is not market-ready, AgriMarketing is unlikely to be approved.
Assuming all export costs are covered
Only specific marketing and promotion expenses are eligible. General operating costs are not.
Double-funding the same expense
You cannot claim the same cost under multiple government programs.
Underestimating reporting requirements
AgriMarketing requires detailed expense tracking and reporting.
For more on this topic, see How to stack grants and loans without violating funding rules.
Q: Is the AgriMarketing Program a grant or a loan?
It provides non-repayable contributions, not loans. You do not repay the funding as long as you meet program requirements.
Q: How much funding can you receive from AgriMarketing?
Funding amounts vary by project and are cost-shared. The exact contribution depends on your activities and approved budget.
Q: Can AgriMarketing be combined with other export grants?
Yes, in many cases. You must ensure the same expense is not funded twice and that stacking limits are respected.
Q: Are AgriMarketing contributions taxable?
In most cases, government contributions are considered taxable income. Confirm treatment with your accountant.
Q: Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include Canadian agri-food businesses, exporters, and industry organizations involved in agriculture marketing.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada — check which ones match your business profile.
Choosing between AgriMarketing and other agriculture export grants depends on where your business is today. If your priority is promotion and market entry, AgriMarketing is often the right starting point. If you need product development or regional support, other programs may be a better fit.
See also:
GrantHub helps you compare federal and provincial options side by side, so you can focus on grants that match your export plans before you apply.
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