Funding Assistance
Funding specific to organic agriculture is limited but it's worth exploring options.
Federal and provincial funding through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) and Resilient Agriculture Landscape Program (RALP) will begin in 2023. With a focus on supporting carbon sequestration, climate adaptation and other environmental co-benefits, it’s possible that more funding will become available for organic and ecological agriculture; we are waiting to see how the programs unfold. Even without organic-specific funding, organic farmers can apply through their provincial programs for general production and marketing support.
Funding Specific to Organic Agriculture
Canadian Organic Trade Association (COTA)
COTA’s Organic Transition Program is for farmers in their first, second or third year of pre-certification or for farmers already certified organic who are increasing their organic acreage. This program reimburses paid certification costs up to $1000 maximum.
PEI Certified Organic Producers Cooperative
The Organic Certification Rebate Program is available to members of the PEI Certified Organic Producers Cooperative. Contact PEI COPC for more information.
Prince Edward Island Department of Agriculture and Land
The Organic Industry Development Program is designed to support the organic agriculture sector in Prince Edward Island by providing strategic assistance with projects which will increase competitiveness, productivity and profitability of the sector.
New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries
(2022) Market Access Certification: Support for organic certification costs in the pre-certification year or first year of organic certification. NB CAP AgriIndustry Development or contact Claude Bertheleme, NB DAAF (claude.bertheleme@gnb.ca)
Additional Resources
AAFC On Farm Climate Action Fund: Helping farmers improve cover cropping, rotational grazing and nitrogen management. Connect with an organization near you to find out more.
- New Brunswick: ECOCERT Canada and NB Soil and Crop Improvement Association.
- Nova Scotia: ECOCERT Canada and Perennia Food and Agriculture Inc.
- Prince Edward Island: PEI Federation of Agriculture.
- Newfoundland and Labrador: Perennia Food and Agriculture Inc.
Federal (AAFC) Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) Programs (2023-2028)
- AgriAssurance, AgriCompetitiveness, AgriDiversity, AgriInnovate, AgriMarketing and AgriScience
Provincial programs supporting agricultural production and marketing (2022):