British Columbia’s vibrant food and agriculture sector now has a major new opportunity to expand its global footprint through the BC Agriculture and Food Export Program (BCAFE). This initiative, funded jointly by the governments of Canada and British Columbia and delivered by MNP, is designed to help BC-based producers, processors, and associations increase exports and access new international markets.
The program provides cost-shared funding to support a wide range of export-focused activities, from market research and export-readiness training to participation in international trade shows and buyer missions. Whether you’re a small producer seeking to test export potential or an established business ready to scale globally, the BCAFE program offers resources to help you take the next step.
New in 2026:
- Cannabis producers, processors, and associations are now eligible for funding:
- For inter-provincial markets, both medical and non-medical products are eligible;
- For international markets, only medical cannabis products are eligible.
- Seafood fishers, harvesters, producers (those who raise fish, shellfish, and/or marine plants in controlled environments), processors (those who transform raw seafood, including marine plants, into market-ready products), processor cooperatives, and industry associations are not eligible for Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership funding for interprovincial-focused activities, but are eligible for the development of international markets.
Eligible applicants include farmers, food processors, seafood companies, and industry associations that produce and process products in British Columbia. By emphasizing sustainability, innovation, and market diversification, this program supports the province’s broader goal of strengthening a resilient, globally competitive agri-food economy.
Applications are open now and close on February 13, 2026, with anticipated project start date on April 1, 2026.
For full program details, including eligibility criteria, funding guidelines, and upcoming deadlines, visit bcagricultureandfoodexportprogram.ca.
Photo credit: Keating Farm, Tourism Cowichan, Mio Monasch
