If you run an agri-food processing business in New Brunswick, finding capital to develop new products or improve efficiency can be a challenge. The New Brunswick Advancing Agri-Food Processing Program helps cover part of those costs with government funding. This program is designed to strengthen local processors and make New Brunswick products more competitive.
The Advancing Agri-Food Processing Program (AAFP) is delivered by the New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries. It provides repayable financial assistance to agri-food processors working on product development or production improvements.
Here’s what the program offers:
The goal is to support projects that improve competitiveness, efficiency, or innovation in New Brunswick’s agri-food processing sector.
While eligibility depends on your specific project, the program generally supports:
Your business must be able to demonstrate clear project outcomes and the ability to repay the assistance.
The New Brunswick Advancing Agri-Food Processing Program focuses on practical, production-focused improvements. Eligible costs typically include:
General operating expenses or unrelated capital purchases are unlikely to qualify.
If you’re unsure about eligible costs, use GrantHub to quickly find programs by province and industry.
Applying for the Advancing Agri-Food Processing Program is straightforward, but preparation matters.
Define your project clearly
Outline what you are building, improving, or developing, and why it strengthens your business.
Prepare a project budget
Show total costs and clearly identify the 50% you are asking the program to cover.
Demonstrate repayment ability
Because the funding is repayable, financial statements or projections may be required.
Submit your application
Applications are submitted through the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries. Intake timing may depend on available funding.
Assuming it’s a non-repayable grant
This program provides repayable assistance. Your cash flow plan must account for repayment.
Submitting vague project descriptions
Applications without clear outcomes or measurable improvements are often delayed or declined.
Requesting ineligible expenses
Costs must be directly tied to product development or processing efficiency.
Waiting too long to apply
The program is open, but funding is limited and may close without notice.
Q: How much funding can I receive?
You can receive up to $50,000, covering a maximum of 50% of eligible project costs.
Q: Is the funding repayable or a grant?
The assistance is repayable, meaning it functions more like a government loan than a traditional grant.
Q: Can startups apply for the program?
Yes. Early-stage processors may be eligible if the project is well-defined and commercially viable.
Q: What types of expenses are covered?
Eligible expenses relate to product development and production efficiency improvements in agri-food processing.
Q: Can I combine this with other funding?
Stacking with other grants or loans may be possible, as long as total government assistance limits are respected.
The New Brunswick Advancing Agri-Food Processing Program can be a strong fit if your business is ready to invest in growth and can manage repayable funding. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and loan programs across Canada—including agriculture and food processing supports—so you can easily see what else matches your business profile and funding goals.
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