ACAAF Information

ACAAF Objectives

The objectives of the ACAAF program are to:

The goal of the Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (ACAAF) Program is to position Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector at the leading edge to capture new opportunities. Ideas that lead to better products, processes and technologies need to be developed, tested and advanced for use throughout the sector. Information needs to reach the right people at the right time. ACAAF is about the future of the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector and finding new approaches for advancement and innovation.

The agriculture and agri-food industry is constantly changing and requires flexibility and the capacity to address new issues as they emerge.

Under the ACAAF program, funding is available for eligible projects identified and carried out by the agriculture and agri-food sector. The ACAAF program complements the objectives set out under the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF) and will further advance progress toward its goals by engaging industry stakeholders in undertaking new activities which complement existing programming. ACAAF will also encourage the sector to contribute to future agriculture and agri-food policy directions.

The Three "Pillars"

The ACAAF program is delivered under the following three "pillars," which were confirmed through extensive consultation with industry:

Program Principles and Criteria

Proposals to access ACAAF funding must meet specified principles and be consistent with the program's criteria. See Objectives, Principles and Criteria for the full requirements.

Program Delivery

National industry organizations and other eligible recipients may apply for ACAAF funding through an open application process. Further information regarding the application process and eligibility requirements for national projects can be found under How to Apply to ACAAF.

The fourteen (14) Industry Councils, established under CARD, will deliver the regional ACAAF programming in their respective province or territory by providing funding to support eligible projects. This grass-roots delivery structure provides greater responsibility and accountability to industry in responding to the needs and issues of the agriculture and agri-food sector at the local, regional and multi-regional level. Future projects of a local, regional or multi-regional nature should be directed to the appropriate council established in each province and territory.

Collective Outcomes

Increasing collaboration and forming new alliances throughout the sector will be key for future success. To foster and strengthen collaboration, while maximizing the benefits from the federal investment, the ACAAF program will encourage and support "collective outcome" projects which demonstrate greater industry collaboration amongst national, multi-regional and regional stakeholders.

Industry councils will identify project proposals that have broad application, and in situations where more than one council shares the same priority, these projects may be considered under the collective outcomes umbrella. National organizations, working in collaboration with provincial/territorial sectoral groups and councils, where appropriate, would also play a key role in the identification and delivery of collective outcome projects.

Where Can I Get More Information?

For more information please email ACAAF at acaaf@agr.gc.ca or contact the

Adaptation Division
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
613-759-6557

List of regional Industry Council Contacts.