Sector-Wide Projects Explained: CASPP Eligibility Criteria

Sector-Wide Projects Explained: CASPP Eligibility Criteria

Many agriculture groups ask if their project is “sector-wide enough” to qualify for federal funding. This is a common concern with the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program (CASPP). CASPP supports projects that help more than one organization or region. Knowing how Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) defines sector-wide impact is essential for applicants.

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What Counts as a Sector-Wide Project Under CASPP?

CASPP is a federal program from AAFC. It funds projects that benefit the Canadian agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based products sector as a whole. The program focuses on national or broad industry needs, not the growth of one business.

Eligible Applicants

To apply, you must be a legal entity able to sign a funding agreement. Eligible applicants include:

• Not-for-profit organizations in Canada
  • Industry associations
  • Producer groups
  • Marketing boards
  • Cooperatives
• Indigenous organizations
  • First Nation, Métis, or Inuit groups
• Provincial, territorial, or municipal governments
• For-profit organizations in limited cases, if:
  • The project gives clear public or sector-wide benefits
  • The main goal is not private commercial gain

Individual farms or single agri-businesses are usually not eligible unless they lead a project that helps the wider sector.

What “Sector-Wide” Means

AAFC wants projects that help an industry, commodity group, or region—not just one business. A sector-wide project for CASPP should:

• Address a common challenge or opportunity in the sector
• Share results with many, not keep them private
• Show support from several stakeholders (letters of support help)
• Go beyond regular business activities

Examples of sector-wide CASPP projects:

• National sustainability plans or best-practice guides
• Technology adoption projects used by many across the sector
• Environmental benchmarking for multiple regions
• Strategic planning for new markets or climate risks
• Tools or data platforms used by many producers

Projects that only help one organization’s operations or profit are usually not approved.

Funded Activities and Priorities

CASPP funds projects that are time-limited and fit federal agricultural priorities, such as:

• Innovation and technology adoption
• Environmental sustainability
• Strategic planning and sector coordination
• Addressing new issues in agriculture

CASPP does not pay for ongoing operations or core admin costs not related to the project.

Funding Amount and Cost-Sharing

CASPP funding rules include:

• Up to $1 million per project
• AAFC covers up to 50% of eligible project costs
• Your contribution must be cash only
• In-kind contributions are not accepted

You must secure the other 50% from non-federal sources before you apply.

If you want to compare CASPP with other agriculture funding programs by province and industry, GrantHub’s eligibility matcher is a helpful tool.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Focusing on a single-business project
   If your project only helps your organization, AAFC will likely reject it.

2. Using in-kind contributions
   CASPP requires cash matching. Staff time or donated goods do not count.

3. Weak stakeholder support
   Projects without buy-in from the industry often do not show sector-wide value.

4. For-profit confusion
   For-profit groups must prove their project benefits the public or sector. They face more review.

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CASPP Application Process

Applying to CASPP takes planning and careful attention to the rules. Here are the main steps:

1. Check eligibility
   Make sure your organization and project type fit CASPP requirements.

2. Develop a sector-wide project idea
   Show how the project will help the broader industry, not just your group.

3. Gather support
   Collect letters from industry partners, associations, or other groups.

4. Prepare your budget
   Show at least 50% cash contributions from non-federal sources.

5. Submit your application
   Applications are accepted until March 31, 2029, or until funding runs out.

6. Wait for review
   AAFC reviews proposals for sector impact and eligibility.

GrantHub lists hundreds of active grant programs across Canada, making it easier to see which ones fit your organization.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who can apply for the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program?
Canadian not-for-profits, Indigenous organizations, and governments can apply. For-profits may apply only if their project benefits the broader sector.

Q: How much funding does CASPP provide?
CASPP gives up to $1 million per project, covering a maximum of 50% of eligible costs.

Q: What does sector-wide impact mean for CASPP?
Sector-wide impact means the project helps several organizations or the industry as a whole, not just one business or farm.

Q: Is in-kind funding allowed under CASPP?
No. The required 50% contribution must be cash. In-kind support does not count.

Q: When is the CASPP application deadline?
Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until March 31, 2029, or until the funding runs out.

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Next Steps

If your idea solves a shared problem in agriculture or agri-food, CASPP might be a good fit. Review the eligibility rules, funding mix, and sector-wide impact before applying. Careful planning at the start helps avoid common errors. GrantHub can help you compare agriculture grants like CASPP and see which programs match your goals.

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See Also

• Loans vs Grants for Women in Agriculture: Key Differences Explained
• How to stack grants and loans without violating funding rules
• What Business Expenses Are Eligible Across Canadian Grants and Loans?

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