Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program (Canada): How to Apply

Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program (Canada): How to Apply

If you run an aquaculture business in Canada and want to improve your operations, the Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program (ACRDP) can help pay for research that solves real problems. This federal program supports projects led by industry, with help from scientists at Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). It is meant for practical challenges, not just academic research.

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What Is the Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program?

The Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program is a federal program run by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. It gives non-repayable funding for research projects that help Canada’s aquaculture sector. These projects often focus on things like production, the environment, fish health, and new ideas.

ACRDP is different from other grants because:

• Projects must be led by industry
• Research is done with DFO scientists
• Funding is shared, not 100% paid by the government

The program is available in all provinces where aquaculture takes place.

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Who Can Apply for ACRDP Funding?

To apply for the Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program, you must meet all of these conditions:

Who can apply

• Canadian aquaculture businesses
• Industry associations or producer groups
• Indigenous aquaculture organizations
• Other groups working in aquaculture production

Project rules

• The project must be about practical aquaculture research
• You must work closely with DFO researchers
• The research must help the Canadian aquaculture industry, not just one school or university

Colleges and universities can take part, but they cannot be the main applicant.

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How Much Funding Can You Get?

ACRDP gives funding as a shared-cost, non-repayable contribution. The amount you can get depends on your project, your budget, and how much money is available in a given year.

Main funding points:

• Industry partners must pay for a good share of the project
• Your contribution can be cash or eligible in-kind support
• Government money usually does not go over the industry’s share

Funding levels change by year and region. Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can show if ACRDP and other aquaculture research programs fit your needs.

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What Projects Get Funded?

The Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program supports projects that give practical results for the industry. Funded research often looks at:

• Fish and shellfish health or disease issues
• How aquaculture affects the environment
• New technology and ways to improve operations
• Making production more efficient
• Dealing with climate or rule changes

Projects must have clear goals, ways to measure success, and a plan to use the results in real aquaculture businesses.

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How Do You Apply for the Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program?

There is no standard application form. The ACRDP process is based on building relationships and submitting a proposal.

Step-by-step application guide

1. Plan your project
   Decide what problem you want to solve, what you hope to achieve, and what results you expect.

2. Talk to DFO researchers early
   Working with DFO scientists is required, so start this before you write your proposal.

3. Write a detailed proposal
   Your proposal usually needs:

   • A research plan and method
   • A budget and cost-sharing details
   • The role of each partner
   • A timeline and key steps

4. Send your proposal during the intake period
   Application times can change by region and year. ACRDP is not always open.

5. Go through technical and funding review
   Experts will check your project for scientific value, industry need, and if it’s a good use of money.

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Tips for a Successful Application

• Contact DFO early
  If you don’t have a DFO research partner, your project won’t be eligible.

• Focus on practical research
  ACRDP pays for research that helps the industry right away, not just theory.

• Show strong industry support
  Make sure your budget shows a real commitment from your business or group.

• Be careful with other funding
  If you want to combine ACRDP with SR&ED or other grants, make sure you don’t claim the same expenses twice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is ACRDP funding repayable?
No. ACRDP gives non-repayable contributions, but you must pay your share of the costs.

Q: Is ACRDP funding taxable?
Usually, yes. Government contributions are generally taxable and should be recorded in your financial statements.

Q: Can ACRDP be combined with SR&ED tax credits?
It might be possible, but you cannot claim the same costs twice. Ask an accountant for advice.

Q: Is the Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program always open?
No. Application periods change based on federal funding and regional needs.

Q: Do small aquaculture businesses qualify?
Yes. Small and medium-sized operators can apply if the project is industry-led and collaborative.

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Next Steps

The Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program is a good choice if your business faces a real production or sustainability problem that research can help solve. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada, including funding for aquaculture and fisheries innovation, so you can see which ones fit your operation.

See also:

• What expenses are covered by fisheries science and innovation grants in Canada?
• Repayable vs Non-Repayable Business Funding in Canada: Program Examples Explained
• How to Find R&D Partners Using Canada’s Research Facilities Navigator