Agriculture Research and Innovation Program

The Agriculture Research and Innovation Program will support farm-level applied research, innovation and adoption projects that are designed to address challenges and opportunities and increase the competitiveness, productivity and profitability of the PEI agriculture industry.  

The Program will be implemented through two sub-programs:

• 2.1.1 Applied Research Sub-Program
• 2.1.2 Agriculture Technology Advancement Sub-Program

Am I eligible to apply for Agriculture Research and Innovation funding?

The following includes a summary of program and funding eligibility. Before completing the application form, please review program and funding criteria in the Agriculture Research and Innovation Program Guidelines .

2.1.1 Applied Research Sub-Program 

The Applied Research Sub-Program will support the undertaking of short-term applied research that will yield economic benefits to the PEI agriculture industry. Research funded under this sub-program will provide data to develop new production methods, fill information gaps as well as to provide support to emerging commodities.

Eligible Recipients

• Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups;
• Agricultural producers;
• Small to medium-sized agri-businesses;
• Agriculture industry organizations, clubs, and associations;
• Public, private and academic research bodies;
• Municipal and provincial governments; and
• Others as approved by the Applied Research Review Committee.

Eligible Activities/Expenses

• Variety and/or crop research trials that can include yield evaluations, climatic suitability analysis, pest resistance, and improvements in pollination;
• Crop and livestock development research that will lead to on-farm diversification;
• Crop and livestock research that will support commercialization of new agri-based products;
• Pest management research to quantify the extent of specific pest problems and/or evaluation of control measures to reduce pest or pesticide risk;
• Crop and livestock research which has the potential to address challenges associated with climate change;
• Short-to-medium term projects which address gaps in scientific knowledge and/or target new clean technology opportunities; 
• Information sharing and/or knowledge transfer activities; 
• Salaries;
• Consulting fees;
• Equipment rental;
• Monitoring equipment;
• Project-related travel (i.e. plot visits);
• Materials and supplies; 
• Analytical laboratory fees; and
• Administration costs.

2.1.2 Agriculture Technology Advancement Sub-Program 

The Agriculture Technology Advancement Sub-Program will support implementation and adoption of technologies and best management practices that lead to improved efficiencies and increased profit margins.

Eligible Recipients

• Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups;
• Agricultural producers;
• Small to medium-sized agri-businesses;
• Agriculture industry organizations, clubs, and associations;
• Municipal and provincial government; and
• Others as approved by the Agriculture Technology Advancement Review Committee.

Eligible Activities/Expenses

• Innovative projects which lead to on-farm diversification including crops, livestock and alternative uses for agricultural products;
• Demonstration and evaluation of new technologies;
• Support for the adoption of on-farm best practices, considered to be innovative and forward thinking for the sector; 
• Adapting existing equipment or technologies in a new and innovative manner for use on Prince Edward Island;
• Information sharing and/or knowledge transfer activities; and
• Consulting fees [up to 35%].

What do I need to complete the application form?

Information required for all programs:

Application form

• Applicant contact information;
• Business or organization information, including CRA registration number;
  • If applicable, Partnership information
• Project start and end date; 
• Additional sources of project funding;
• Recipient type (i.e. primary producer, agricultural landowner, processor);
• Type of industry (i.e. Dairy, potato, beef, hog, grains and oilseeds);
• Signature for declaration and consent to personal information; and
• Demographic information (optional).

Agriculture Research and Innovation Project Details (for both sub-programs):

• Project proposal (1-2) pages with the following sections:
  • Cover page;
  • Executive summary;
  • Project objectives;
  • Timeline;
  • Results;
  • Sustainable CAP Outcome; 
  • Climate change/carbon sequestration;
  • Budget;
  • Evaluation;
  • Communication of support (if applicable).

For more information contact:

PEI Department of Agriculture 
11 Kent Street
PO Box 2000
Charlottetown PE C1A 7N8
Telephone: (902) 368-4880
Email: ARIP@gov.pe.ca 

The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a new $3.5-billion, 5-year agreement (April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2028), between the federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector. The agreement includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and $2.5 billion in cost-shared programs and activities funded by federal, provincial and territorial governments..