💰 $500M Strategic Response Fund – Dedicated F&B Support

The federal Strategic Response Fund (SRF) includes a dedicated allocation for the food and beverage sector to support large-scale projects that strengthen Canada’s manufacturing base.

Eligible projects may include:

• Facility expansion and modernization
• Automation and productivity improvements
• Supply chain resilience investments
• Job creation and GDP growth initiatives

Projects typically require significant capital investment (minimum company contribution of $10 million).

🔗 Learn more:  https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/ised/en/programs-and-initiatives/strategic-response-fund

🌎 $75M Agri-Marketing Program – Market Diversification for SMEs

The AgriMarketing Program – Market Diversification for SMEs provides non-repayable contributions to help companies expand into new provincial and international markets.

Program highlights:

• Up to $100,000 per project
• Up to 18 months in duration
• Minimum total project cost of $20,000

Eligible activities include trade shows, entering new provinces, export development, market research, and branding initiatives.

🔗 Learn more:  https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/programs/agrimarketing-market-diversification-small-medium-enterprises

This program is designed to help processors reduce market exposure risk and strengthen national and global market access.

🇺🇸 U.S. 15% Global Tariff – CUSMA Exemption Maintained

The United States has implemented a new 15% global tariff under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act.

However, Canadian goods that are compliant under CUSMA remain exempt, including most processed food and agricultural exports.

Companies should:

• Confirm CUSMA certification
• Ensure export documentation is current
• Monitor developments, as the measure is temporary (up to 150 days unless extended)

AFPA continues to monitor this file closely in coordination with Food and Beverage Canada (FBC), our national advocacy partner.

Companies seeking broader federal advocacy engagement or national-level representation are encouraged to contact AFPA for a direct introduction to FBC.

Government Relations Committee – Executive-Level Engagement

To further strengthen Alberta’s industry voice, AFPA is launching a Government Relations Committee for companies seeking deeper policy involvement and enhanced advocacy support.

Participation in the Government Relations Committee requires an additional annual financial commitment.

Companies that invest to join the Committee receive:

• Enhanced government relations and policy support
• Direct access to AFPA’s Executive Director for strategic advocacy guidance
• Coordinated engagement on priority provincial and federal files
• Greater involvement in shaping AFPA’s policy positions and funding recommendations

This structure allows AFPA to dedicate focused executive-level resources to participating companies while strengthening coordinated industry advocacy.

Connect With Us

For industry guidance, national advocacy support introductions to FBC, or to learn more about joining the Government Relations Committee, please contact Bianca Parsons directly bianca@afpa.com