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Part of Programs

Value-Added Program

Invests in projects that increase company sales and production capacity, expand market opportunities and create jobs in Alberta.

Important dates

Stream A – Currently closed
Stream B – Currently closed

Overview

The Value-Added Program supports the continued diversification, innovation, growth and prosperity in Alberta’s value-added food and bio-industrial sectors. Processors can apply for grants for value-added projects that increase company sales and production capacity, expand market opportunities and create jobs in Alberta.

Funding

The program has 2 streams:

  • Value-Added Stream A: (maximum grant $50,000) applications are assessed based on eligibility criteria and merit scoring
  • Value-Added Stream B: (grant over $50,000 to maximum grant $250,000) applications are assessed based on eligibility criteria and merit scoring

Applicants can select either Stream A or B at time of application and can only apply once per program fiscal year (April 1 to March 31).

Eligible capital expenses shall be cost-shared at 25% grant and 75% applicant.

Eligible non-capital expenses shall be cost-shared at 50% grant and 50% applicant up to a maximum total amount of $50,000. The $50,000 maximum includes a $5,000 maximum for travel expenses.

For more information, see Value-Added Program Terms and Conditions.

Program details

  • Eligibility

    To be eligible, an applicant must be:

    • a bio-industrial processor or food processor that is in the business of changing an agricultural product into a value-added product*
    • be an individual or a corporation registered in Alberta at time of application

    *For information on additional requirements, see Value-Added Program Terms and Conditions

    For the purposes of Stream B, an applicant must also have $100,000 or greater in global annual gross sales at the time of application.

    Indigenous applicants

    The province is committed to supporting the success of Indigenous businesses in the agriculture and food sector. We understand that Indigenous businesses may have distinct characteristics reflective of regulatory, operational, cultural, and other factors affecting their business history and operation. We aim for flexibility in our programs. If you are interested in applying for the program but have questions about the application process or eligibility requirements, contact program staff at
    [email protected].

    Eligible activities

    Applicants can apply for activities under one or more of these funding categories:

    • processing capacity expansion
    • food safety improvement
    • new product and process development
    • market development and access

    For more information: Value-Added Program Funding List

  • How to apply – currently closed

    Step 1: Check your eligibility

    Determine whether you are eligible by reviewing the Value-Added Program Terms and Conditions.

    Confirm that your proposed activities are ‘eligible activities’ listed in the Funding List.

    Complete all sections of the application form. If you have questions on eligibility or program criteria, e-mail [email protected] and a grant specialist will assist you.

    Step 2: Complete application form

    Complete and sign the Value-Added Program Application form.

    Read ‘Part F: Certification’ carefully before you sign. Only original signatures will be accepted (electronic or digital signatures are not acceptable).

    Step 3: Submit application form

    Stream A – Submit the completed application form and supporting documents within 90 calendar days of the project start date.

    Stream B – Submit the completed application form and supporting documents before the program closes.

    Email

    Send PDF applications only to: [email protected]

    Mail

    Value-Added Program, Sustainable CAP
    Trade, Investment and Food Safety Division
    Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation
    Suite 301, 7000 113 Street
    Edmonton, Alberta  T6H 5T6

  • What happens next

    Once you have submitted your application and documentation you may be contacted for additional information.

    Processing times

    Total processing time objective is up to 23 weeks from the program closing date to receiving notification of a decision on project support.

Resources

Contact

Connect with the Value-Added Program team:

Email: [email protected]

General inquiries:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)

Toll free: 310-FARM (3276) (in Alberta)
Phone: 403-742-7901 (outside Alberta)

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