If you are working on a new agricultural product, process, or technology in New Brunswick, funding can be a major challenge. The Enabling Agricultural Research and Innovation (EARI) program helps address this by supporting eligible research and innovation projects with significant repayable funding (Program Guidelines, Government of New Brunswick). This guide explains who can apply, what is funded, and how to submit a strong application.
The Enabling Agricultural Research and Innovation program is a provincial initiative delivered by the New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries (DAAF). Its goal is to support applied research and innovation that strengthens the province’s agriculture and agri-food sectors (Program Guidelines).
The program supports projects across three main streams:
EARI provides repayable funding. This means recipients must pay back the funding according to the terms set by the program, similar to a loan and not a grant (Program Guidelines).
Funding amounts depend on the type of project you are proposing:
EARI can cover a significant portion of eligible project costs, up to the maximum amounts listed above. The guidelines specify that funding is repayable. You must pay it back according to the program’s terms (Program Guidelines). Some streams or projects may have unique terms or cost-share requirements, so always check the latest guidelines.
This makes EARI a practical choice for early-stage research or pilot projects that may not yet attract private investment.
Detailed eligibility criteria are outlined in the program guidelines, but EARI generally supports applicants in these sectors (Program Guidelines):
Typical eligible applicants include:
Projects must take place in New Brunswick and align with provincial agricultural priorities.
Eligible projects under the Enabling Agricultural Research and Innovation program usually fall into one of these categories (Program Guidelines):
Eligible costs often include:
For more details about cost rules, see: What Business Expenses Are Eligible Across Canadian Grants and Loans?
Here is how the application process usually works:
Review the program guidelines
Start with the official EARI guidelines from the Government of New Brunswick to confirm your project fits (Program Guidelines).
Define your project scope
Be clear about your objectives, timeline, and expected outcomes. Reviewers look for practical benefits to New Brunswick’s agriculture sector.
Prepare a detailed budget
Your budget should connect each cost to a project activity. Since funding amounts are capped, accuracy is important.
Submit your application
EARI usually operates on an open intake, meaning applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until funds are allocated (Program Guidelines).
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly confirm whether EARI—and other New Brunswick agriculture programs—fit your business profile before you apply.
Treating EARI like a grant
The funding must be repaid, similar to a loan. Not planning for repayment can cause cash flow problems later.
Submitting unclear project outcomes
Applications with vague benefits to the agriculture sector are less competitive.
Overestimating eligible costs
Only costs directly tied to the project are considered. General operating expenses are often excluded.
Ignoring stacking rules
If you combine EARI with other funding, make sure total assistance does not exceed allowed limits. See also: How to stack grants and loans without violating funding rules
Q: What is the Enabling Agricultural Research and Innovation program?
It is a New Brunswick program that supports applied agricultural research, innovation, and technology development. It is delivered by the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries (Program Guidelines).
Q: Is EARI funding repayable or non-repayable?
EARI funding is repayable. You must pay it back according to the program’s terms (Program Guidelines).
Q: When is the deadline to apply?
The program generally operates on an open intake, so there is no fixed annual deadline. Funding is awarded until program budgets are fully allocated (Program Guidelines).
Q: Can I combine EARI with other agriculture grants?
Yes, stacking is often allowed, but total government assistance cannot exceed program limits. Always disclose all funding sources in your application (Program Guidelines).
Q: What types of projects are most competitive?
Projects that show clear, practical benefits for New Brunswick’s agriculture sector and strong plans for adoption or commercialization tend to be more competitive.
The Enabling Agricultural Research and Innovation (New Brunswick) program is a strong option if you are testing or developing new agricultural ideas and need support for your project costs. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and repayable funding programs across Canada—including agriculture and agri-food funding—so you can quickly see which ones match your business and project goals before you apply.
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