The Indigenous Food Sovereignty Program

The Indigenous Food Sovereignty Program will support more sustainable food production, community food security, and enhance participation in the agriculture and food sectors for Indigenous communities and businesses. Funding will support infrastructure such as greenhouses, irrigation systems, community gardens and food storage.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the IFS application will not be shared prior to the opening date. We encourage you to apply during the application period from May 13 to 20, 2025.

Who Can Apply

• First Nation communities (Indian Act, Self-government, or Treaty) or any of their departments or organizations under their authority or control (eg. Economic development corp, community school etc)
• Tribal Councils
• Métis Nation Chartered Communities
• Indigenous led not for profit organizations that supports programs primarily for the benefit of Indigenous peoples and where it can be demonstrated that decisions and directions of the organizations are being made by Indigenous peoples at the highest governance level (i.e. at least 51% decision making power)
• Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs engaged in food production or processing, including for profit or social enterprise, cooperative or other similar body where applicant or majority indigenous ownership (at least 51%) can validate their indigenous ancestry or affiliation (status card, Métis citizenship card) or other method of validating a clear and authentic connection to their Indigenous heritage

Funding Amount

Stream 1 (Planning & Development):

• Community businesses and Indigenous farms: up to $150,000
• Entrepreneurs: up to $100,000

Stream 2 (Implementation & Capital):

• Community businesses and Indigenous farms: up to $250,000
• Entrepreneurs: up to $150,000

Project Overview

The Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty (IFS) Program is entering its third and final year, with the last funding intake scheduled for May 2025. Funded by the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food and administered by NRT, the IFS Program addresses gaps in supporting Indigenous agriculture and food projects. It aims to revive traditional food systems, processing, and resource management practices to promote sustainable community health and long-term socio-economic impact. Applicants can access two funding streams to support both planning and implementation stages, ensuring support throughout the full project lifecycle. 

Project Funding Streams

Applicants may be eligible for one of the funding streams below: 

• STREAM 1 – Funding caps: $150,000 for Community businesses including Indigenous Farms: $100,000 for Entrepreneurs:  provides funding for activities and costs associated with the business development, planning and design phase of a food security project.

Eligible expenses include (not an all-inclusive list) feasibility studies and assessments, business planning, business coaching/mentorship, permaculture design, food production strategies, site analysis, community engagement, agriculture & food training etc.

• STREAM 2 – Funding caps: $250,000 for Community businesses including Indigenous Farms: $150,000 for Entrepreneurs: provides funding for activities and costs associated with the implementation of a food security project.

Eligible expenses include (not an all-inclusive list) start-up costs, capital contribution for construction, retrofits, equipment, community greenhouses, processing technologies, food cold storage, smoker/dehydration, freeze drying technologies, water infrastructure solutions, marketing, composting solutions, and other acquisitions to support the project and skills, training and capacity development directly related to food security project launch etc.

Applicant Criteria

• Grants for certain projects will not be a stand-alone source of funds as applicants must be willing and able to pay a portion of the costs of the project.
• Approved applicants can only have one funded project at a time.
• Applicants that receive Stream 1 funding and successfully complete their project will be prioritized for Stream 2 funding upon receipt of a new application.
• Businesses/entrepreneurs must have a minimum 51% Indigenous ownership structure with the underlying indigenous ownership and control being in proportion to the amount of equity invested in the business.
• On Reserve projects may require evidence of support or land-use approval from the appropriate governing body or organization with that authority.

Intake Frequency

The IFS will have a continuous intake and approval process during the annual application intake periods identified below.

Please note that the annual intake and approval process will end the earlier of the intake closing date or when the annual funding available has been exhausted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply directly for Stream 2 funding without completing Stream 1?

Yes, if your project is ready for implementation, you can apply directly for Stream 2. However, successful Stream 1 participants will be prioritized.

Can funds be used for traditional Indigenous food systems that aren’t mainstream agriculture?

Absolutely! The IFS program strongly encourages projects reviving traditional food systems, even if they don’t align with conventional agricultural methods.

What if I have questions before applying?

We encourage you to contact our team at FS@nrtf.ca. We’ll respond within 5 business days and help guide you through your application.

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