The AgriProcessing Initiative (API) is part of the Agricultural Flexibility Fund announced in Budget 2009. The initiative is designed to enhance the competitiveness of the agri-processing sector in Canada. It supports agriprocessing projects that involve the adoption of new technologies and processes that are essential to sustaining and improving the sector’s position in today’s global marketplace.

API is a five year, $50 million initiative ending on March 31, 2014. It is a discretionary program delivered nationally by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. API may provide repayable contributions of up to $2 million per project, or up to 50% of eligible costs, whichever is less, towards the cost of purchasing and installing new (novel to facility) machinery and equipment in Canadian facilities in order to enable the adoption of new manufacturing technologies and processes. The program may also contribute towards costs related to the contracting of external expertise for services related to equipment installation, and consultation, design, and advice regarding new (novel to facility) manufacturing technologies, processes and products.

Applications are welcome on an ongoing basis. While there are no deadlines to apply, funded projects must be completed by March 31, 2014, therefore, the timing of applications must allow for this condition to be met.

To contact a program officer for further information, please e-mail API at API@agr.gc.ca, or call 1-877-246-4682.

API Program Description