Agri-Food Market Development and Access
Get reimbursed for up to 50% of your market development costs, up to $15,000 per project. This cost-share program helps New Brunswick food producers grow sales, but you must pay first and get reimbursed later. Verified against the official source on July 2, 2026.
How we verify funding records →
“The following Market Development and Access program elements aim to increase the sales of New Brunswick’s food basket by supporting industry efforts to access and take advantage of new, existing, and emerging market opportunities, from local farmers’ markets to international markets.”
Before you spend a dollar
You must discuss your application with program staff before applying and cannot spend money until approval is granted.
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 a food or beverage producer, processor, or association based in New Brunswick.
- You need support for market research, packaging design, trade shows, or building direct-to-consumer sales.
- You are open to discussing your project with a Department of Agriculture staff member before applying.
Probably not the right fit if
- You operate a restaurant, cafe, or catering service, as these businesses are explicitly excluded.
- You are looking for funding for general infrastructure, normal operating costs, or in-house labor.
- You are not based in New Brunswick, since this program is for provincial businesses only.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to 50% of eligible costs, capped at $15,000 per project and $45,000 per year per applicant.
What may be supported
- Third-party market assessment and research.
- Design and development of labels and packaging by Health Canada recognized entities.
- Trade show participation, including booth rentals, graphics, and shipping costs.
- Development of online and offline marketing strategies by third-party consultants.
- Design and enhancement of websites and ecommerce platforms.
- Farmer's market development, including electrical/plumbing upgrades and display units.
What's excluded or restricted
- Activities not specifically mentioned as eligible.
- Infrastructure costs.
- Cost of tangible asset point of sale merchandise.
- Printing costs (reproduction and printing not eligible for creative services).
- Recertification fees.
- Listing fees.
- In-house work.
- Normal operations.
- In-home processing.
- Food service enterprises such as restaurants and catering (ineligible applicants).
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must pre-consult with a Business Growth Officer or Specialist before applying, and you will need to report on the impact of the funding after receipt.
- 01Discuss your proposed project with a Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries staff member (Business Growth Officer, Development Officer, or Specialist).
- 02Ensure you have obtained any necessary permits, environmental approvals, or certifications required for your project.
- 03Prepare your application materials, ensuring you only include eligible costs (e.g., excluding printing reproduction and in-house work).
- 04Submit your completed application by email to Sustainable.CAP@gnb.ca or by mail to the Sustainable CAP Program Administrator in Fredericton, NB.
Who to ask: Email: 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; List of departmental contacts available at Business Growth (Branch) (gnb.ca).
Documents commonly required
- Completed application form (details not stated; confirm on the official page).
- Evidence of necessary permits, environmental approvals, or certifications (if applicable to your project).
- Project proposal outlining market readiness, development, or direct-to-consumer activities.
- Quotes or estimates for eligible third-party services (e.g., consultants, designers, trade show fees).
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN designs your packaging and brand look so your product stands out on the shelf and at market, ready to pair with the Health Canada-recognized label work this grant funds.
- BBN builds and enhances your website and e-commerce platform, turning the grant funds into a direct sales channel that lets customers buy your food products online.
- BBN designs your trade-show graphics, signage and marketing materials, giving you a high-impact booth presence that attracts buyers and boosts brand visibility at events.
- BBN sets up your Local SEO and digital marketing so buyers and distributors find your food products online, extending the reach of your funded marketing.
What to know before you count on it
- Restaurants and catering businesses are strictly ineligible; this is for producers and processors only.
- You must obtain necessary permits, environmental approvals, or certifications before project completion.
- Printing costs for reproduction are excluded, even if part of creative services for marketing materials.
- Payment mechanics (reimbursement vs upfront) are not published; confirm on the official page.
What are your odds?
Approval depends on project alignment with market readiness goals and prior consultation with staff; do not assume automatic qualification.
Frequently asked questions
Can a restaurant apply for this funding?
No. Food service enterprises such as restaurants and catering are explicitly excluded from eligibility.
Do I need to spend the money before I apply?
No. Approval must come before spending. You must discuss your application with staff before applying.
Is the funding a loan or a grant?
This is a cost-share program that reimburses a share of your eligible costs; it is not a loan. Confirm current terms on the official page.
Are printing costs eligible?
No. Printing costs for reproduction are excluded. Creative services for design are eligible, but the actual printing is not.
What you can combine it with
Check with the administering body to see if this can be combined with other federal or provincial grants, as rules vary.
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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.