If you raise chicken or turkey in Canada, you know that growing demand and staying competitive both cost money. Federal agriculture grants can help pay for promotion, consumer research, and even on-farm upgrades. You just need to know which programs apply and how they work. Two main federal programs from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) support these goals in different ways.
This guide explains how to fund poultry promotion, market research, and on-farm upgrades with federal grants, using real program rules and funding details.
The Market Development Program for Turkey and Chicken is a federal, non-repayable contribution program. It focuses on increasing domestic demand for Canadian poultry.
What the program funds
Eligible projects include:
These activities support the whole sector, not just individual farms.
How much funding is available
Who can apply
Most producers access this funding indirectly, through national associations that run research, promotion, or sector programs.
Why this matters to your farm
Even if you are not the applicant, these projects can pay for:
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly check if a program is direct-to-farm or accessed through an industry group.
For on-farm improvements, the Poultry and Egg On-Farm Investment Program (PEFIP) is the main federal option.
Program purpose
PEFIP provides non-repayable contributions to help supply-managed poultry and egg producers:
Total funding
Who is eligible
You must:
What this means for on-farm upgrades
This program does not fund marketing, but it can support:
When combined with sector-level promotion from the Market Development Program, you get support for both consumer demand and farm readiness.
Understanding how to fund poultry promotion, market research, and on-farm upgrades with federal grants means knowing each program’s role:
Many farms benefit from both—one indirectly, one directly.
Applying for federal grants can be easier if you know what to expect. Here are some tips:
GrantHub tracks hundreds of grants and can help you find programs that fit your farm and project ideas.
Assuming you can apply directly for promotion funding.
Individual farms are not eligible under the Market Development Program.
Missing cost-share requirements.
The Market Development Program only covers up to 80% of costs. You or your organization must fund the rest.
Mixing up marketing and on-farm upgrades.
PEFIP does not cover consumer promotion or market research.
Ignoring eligibility dates.
PEFIP eligibility is tied to quota status as of January 1, 2021.
Q: Can my poultry farm apply directly for the Market Development Program for Turkey and Chicken?
No. Only national not-for-profit industry organizations can apply. Farms benefit indirectly through sector projects.
Q: Is funding from the Market Development Program repayable?
No. It is a non-repayable contribution, not a loan.
Q: Does the Market Development Program support export marketing?
No. The program focuses on increasing domestic demand within Canada.
Q: Can PEFIP be used for marketing or promotion?
No. PEFIP supports on-farm investments such as efficiency, biosecurity, and sustainability improvements.
Q: Is government grant funding taxable?
In many cases, government funding is considered taxable income. Check with your accountant or tax advisor for your situation.
Federal programs can support both sides of your business: building demand for poultry products and upgrading your farm to meet it. The key is knowing which funding is indirect through industry groups and which you can apply for yourself.
If you want to see other agriculture funding options, including provincial programs, GrantHub helps you identify grants that fit your operation, quota status, and investment plans.
See also:
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