Applications closed, monitoring for reopening
Applications are not open right now. Many programs like this reopen, so we re-check and update this page. Last verified July 3, 2026.
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Organic Industry Development — Increasing Market Competitiveness
Get up to $100,000 in cost-share reimbursement to grow your organic business in Prince Edward Island. You pay for eligible expenses first, then get paid back, but the 2026-2027 intake is currently closed. Verified against the official source on July 3, 2026; applications are closed right now and we watch for reopening.
How we verify funding records →
“The Increasing Market Competitiveness Sub-Program will support producers and processors in capturing a larger share of the certified organic market which will increase their profitability.”
Before you spend a dollar
Approval must come BEFORE spending; expenses incurred prior to an approved application are not eligible for assistance.
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 organic producer, processor, or industry organization based in Prince Edward Island.
- You hold current organic certification or have passed an inspection for the equipment and market competitiveness sub-programs.
- You need support for specialized equipment, market projects, land conversion, or strategic initiatives.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are located outside of Prince Edward Island.
- You are not certified organic or have not applied for certification with an inspection for the equipment and market competitiveness sub-programs.
- You are looking to fund normal operating costs, feasibility studies, or expenses incurred before approval.
How much you'd realistically get
Varies by sub-program: 50% of eligible expenses up to $40,000/year for market competitiveness; 50% up to $15,000/project for specialized equipment; specific per-acre or per-square-meter rates for land conversion up to $15,000/year; and variable rates for strategic initiatives. The overall cap is $100,000 per recipient across all sub-programs over the life of the Sustainable CAP Framework Agreement (2023-2028).
What may be supported
- Technology to meet certified organic market requirements
- Modification of facilities to meet certified organic requirements
- Development of new organic products or markets
- Participation in trade shows or organic product expositions
- Purchase of specialized equipment like grain cleaners, weeders, or seeders
- Land conversion to organic production
- Strategic capacity building and market development activities
What's excluded or restricted
- In-kind contributions (including wages and labour) [Sub-program 4.3.1 only].
- Purchase of breeding stock and/or seed [Sub-program 4.3.1 only].
- Construction of new infrastructure or crop storages [Sub-program 4.3.1 only].
- Non-arms-length transactions [Sub-program 4.3.1 only].
- Feasibility studies, market surveys, and business plans [Sub-program 4.3.1 only].
- Capital equipment purchases [Sub-program 4.3.4 only].
- Land which is not in the first year of full organic conversion [Sub-program 4.3.3 only].
- BRM-type activities [All sub-programs].
- Normal and ongoing operating and maintenance activities [All sub-programs].
- Activities that do not provide a direct benefit to the sector [All sub-programs].
- Activities related to aquaponic food production, or to aquaculture, seaweed, fish and seafood production and processing (except international marketing and traceability activities for fish and seafood) [All sub-programs].
- Activities that provide tax credits or rebates [All sub-programs].
- Development and enforcement of regulations [All sub-programs].
- Expenses incurred prior to the submission of an approved application.
- Leasing equipment (requires additional guidelines/consultation with Program Advisor; generally not standard eligible expense without prior approval).
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must complete a General Application Form and a specific Appendix, submit via email or mail, and later provide paid invoices and a project report for reimbursement.
- 01Review the Organic Industry Development Program Guidelines.
- 02Complete the General Application Form.
- 03Complete the corresponding Appendix (Appendix A for Sub-programs 4.3.1, 4.3.2, 4.3.4; Appendix B for Sub-program 4.3.3).
- 04Submit the completed application package via email to organic@gov.pe.ca or by mail to PEI Department of Agriculture, 11 Kent Street, PO Box 2000, Charlottetown PE C1A 7N8.
- 05Upon project completion, submit a claim form, copies of paid invoices, a project report, and copies of material produced/photos.
Who to ask: Email: organic@gov.pe.ca; Phone: (902) 368-4880; Mail: PEI Department of Agriculture, 11 Kent Street, PO Box 2000, Charlottetown PE C1A 7N8
Documents commonly required
- General Application Form
- Corresponding Appendix (A or B)
- Proof of Organic Certification or application/inspection status
- CRA registration number or SIN
- Paid invoices and project report for reimbursement
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN coordinates specialized equipment and facility modifications, bringing in qualified partners so you manage one project lead instead of five contractors.
- BBN builds your digital market presence with a website and Local SEO, turning new organic products into online sales that reach customers beyond Prince Edward Island.
- BBN designs trade show branding and promotional materials to help your booth stand out and capture leads when you use funding to attend organic expositions.
- BBN guides you through the application and deadlines so you don't lose the funding.
What to know before you count on it
- The 2026-2027 fiscal year intake is closed; you must monitor for reopening.
- You must pay first and then submit a claim with paid invoices and a project report for reimbursement.
- In-kind contributions like wages and labor are excluded for Sub-program 4.3.1.
- Leasing equipment is generally not eligible without prior approval and additional guidelines.
What are your odds?
Applications are assessed on a first-come, first-served basis when open, but eligibility is strict regarding organic certification status and location.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this funding for normal operating costs?
No. Normal and ongoing operating and maintenance activities are excluded from all sub-programs.
Do I need to be certified organic to apply?
For Sub-programs 4.3.1 and 4.3.2, you must have current Organic Certification OR have applied to an Organic Certification Body and participated in an organic certification inspection. Other sub-programs may have different requirements; confirm on the official page.
Is there an application fee?
No application fee is published; confirm on the official page.
Can I lease equipment?
Leasing equipment requires additional guidelines and consultation with the Program Advisor; it is generally not a standard eligible expense without prior approval.
What you can combine it with
This program is part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP); confirm on the official page if other grants can be stacked.
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 3, 2026 against the official source. Source: official program page.