Advancing Agri-Food Processing
Get 25–50% of eligible costs back (max $50,000) to modernize your agri-food processing in New Brunswick — up to 50% for primary producers, up to 25% for other processors. Cost-share terms are set in your letter of offer. Verified against the official source on July 2, 2026.
How we verify funding records →
Before you spend a dollar
You must discuss your application with Department staff and receive approval before spending any money.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Not sure if you qualify?
Get a free, 2-minute read on whether this program fits your business. No obligation.
Check your fit →Is this for you?
- You are an agri-food processor or manufacturer in New Brunswick adding value to primary agricultural products.
- You need to buy specific processing equipment like ovens or tanks, or hire consultants for process analysis.
- You are an Indigenous organization, abattoir, or licensed commercial kitchen involved in further processing.
Probably not the right fit if
- You operate a restaurant, grocery store, ice cream parlour, or retail food service.
- You are a seafood or fish processor, as you are excluded from process analysis funding.
- You need funding for building infrastructure, shipping costs, or normal ongoing maintenance.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to 50% of eligible costs for primary producers (capped at $50,000) or up to 25% for other processors (capped at $50,000).
What may be supported
- Purchase of processing equipment such as ovens, blenders, smokers, or stainless steel tanks.
- Consultant fees for process efficiency analysis or automation design.
- Installation of new technology for product diversification or scaling.
What's excluded or restricted
- Retail food services or grocery stores
- Restaurants
- In-home processing
- Ice Cream parlours
- Normal and ongoing operation and maintenance costs
- Shipping, freight, or transportation cost fees
- Lab material
- Disposable supplies
- Containers and trays
- Bottles that are sold with the product
- Building infrastructure or purchase
- Facilities where the retail environment is larger than the processing area
- Publicly funded facilities
- Processors of seafood or fish
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must pre-consult with government staff and submit a formal application via email or mail, followed by impact reporting.
- 01Contact the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries staff (Business Growth Officer or Development Officer) to discuss your project.
- 02Prepare your application detailing eligible equipment costs or consultant fees for process analysis.
- 03Submit the completed application by email or mail to the Sustainable CAP Program Administrator.
- 04Wait for the letter of offer which will outline reporting requirements and payment terms.
- 05Execute the project and report on the impact of the funding as required.
Who to ask: E-mail: Sustainable.CAP@gnb.ca; Mail: Sustainable CAP Program Administrator, Industry Financial Programs, Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries, PO Box 6000, Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1; Contact list link: Business Growth (Branch) (gnb.ca)
Documents commonly required
- Completed application form (details to be obtained from the Department staff).
- Quotes or invoices for eligible equipment or consultant fees.
- Proof of eligibility (e.g., license for commercial kitchen or abattoir status).
- Impact report (required post-project as per letter of offer).
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN coordinates qualified partners to install your funded processing equipment like ovens and tanks, so you manage one team instead of many.
- BBN designs automation workflows and process analysis systems the grant funds, helping you scale production and reduce waste.
- BBN builds digital tools for inventory and order tracking, giving you clear visibility into your growing manufacturing operations.
- BBN guides you through the application and deadlines, so you don't lose the funding.
What to know before you count on it
- This is a cost-share grant, not a loan, but you must spend the money first and report on the impact to receive payment terms as outlined in your offer letter.
- The program strictly excludes restaurants and retail environments where the retail space is larger than the processing area.
- You must consult with a Business Growth Officer or Development Officer before submitting your application.
- Payment mechanics (upfront vs reimbursement) are not stated in the source; confirm on the official page.
What are your odds?
Funding is competitive and subject to program objectives; pre-consultation is required to gauge fit.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this for my restaurant kitchen equipment?
No. The program explicitly excludes restaurants, retail food services, and ice cream parlours.
Do I get the money before I buy the equipment?
The source does not state the payment timing. Typically, cost-share programs require you to spend first and reimburse later, but you must confirm the specific terms in your letter of offer.
Is there an application fee?
No application fee is stated in the source facts.
Can I fund building renovations?
No. Building infrastructure or purchase is excluded. Funding is for equipment and process analysis.
What you can combine it with
Check with the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries to see if this stacks with other federal or provincial grants.
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Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Record last updated July 3, 2026; last verified July 2, 2026 against the official source. Source: official program page.