BC Agriculture and Food Export Program – New Funding to Support Market Growth
The BC Agriculture and Food Export Program is now open for applications, offering cost-shared funding to help agriculture, food and beverage exporters in British Columbia develop and expand markets beyond the province. This initiative is part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year federal-provincial program designed to strengthen the agricultural sector and build long-term economic resilience.
The program’s goal is to support B.C. producers, processors, cooperatives and industry associations in exploring new markets, increasing sales and reducing the risks associated with relying on limited sales channels. Funding is intended to help businesses grow internationally and diversify their customer base.
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants include:
- Primary agriculture or seafood producers;
- Food and beverage processors;
- Agriculture, food or beverage cooperatives; and
- Recognized industry associations and councils.
To qualify, businesses must be based in B.C. and products must be grown or processed in the province. Applicants should have a clear plan for export market development and demonstrate how the project will support export growth.
What the Funding Supports
The program covers a range of eligible activities outside B.C. that support market development, such as:
- Participation in export-focused trade shows, food fairs and sales exhibitions;
- Development of marketing materials and advertising campaigns tailored to export markets;
- Export market research and product adaptation planning; and
- Activities that help build relationships with buyers and distributors in new regions.
Funding amounts vary by applicant type. Producers, processors and cooperatives may receive up to $50,000 per year (or 30 % of the previous year’s revenue, whichever is lower). Industry associations can access up to $75,000 per year.
