Up to $4 million to support innovation, productivity improvements, and value-adding projects across regional New South Wales agriculture and agrifood industries, supporting statewide economic growth.
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What is the Agriculture Industries Innovation and Growth Program (AIIGP)?
The NSW Agriculture Industries Innovation and Growth Program (AIIGP) provides funding to support innovation, productivity improvements, and value-adding activities across regional NSW agriculture and agrifood industries. The program aims to strengthen regional economies by encouraging industry growth, enhancing competitiveness, and supporting projects that deliver measurable economic benefits to NSW regional communities.
Agriculture Industries Innovation and Growth Program level of support
- Total program funding available: up to $25 million
- Minimum grant: $50,000
- Maximum grant: $4,000,000
Co-contribution:
- Co-contribution is required
- Applicants must demonstrate an ability to financially contribute to the project through cash and/or eligible in-kind contributions
- The exact co-contribution ratio is assessed on a value-for-money basis and must be clearly justified in the application
- Applicants must provide evidence that sufficient funding is available to complete the project in full
Agriculture Industries Innovation and Growth Program important dates
- Applications close: Friday 9 January 2026 at 4:00pm
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Agriculture Industries Innovation and Growth Program objectives
The objectives of the program are to:
- Support innovation and productivity growth within agriculture and agrifood industries
- Encourage value-adding and diversification within regional NSW
- Strengthen regional supply chains and market opportunities
- Deliver sustainable economic benefits and employment outcomes for regional communities
- Support projects that align with NSW Government priorities for regional economic development
Projects and expenditure eligible for Agriculture Industries Innovation and Growth Program support
Projects must:
- Be located in an eligible regional NSW Local Government Area
- Align with the objectives of the program
- Deliver measurable economic and regional development benefits
- Be ready to commence and completed within the approved timeframe
Examples of eligible project activities include:
- Innovation and technology adoption
- Capital equipment and infrastructure directly related to project delivery
- Value-adding and diversification initiatives
- Activities that improve productivity, efficiency, or market access within agriculture and agrifood industries
The following costs are not eligible for funding:
- Costs already funded by another government program
- Purchase of land or buildings
- General business operating or maintenance expenses
- Marketing, advertising, or promotional activities
- Business-as-usual expenses
- Staff training not directly related to the funded project
- Motor vehicles
- Ongoing operational costs beyond the project scope
Other Agriculture Industries Innovation and Growth Program important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Agriculture Industries Innovation and Growth Program support
Eligible applicants include:
- Incorporated associations or co-operatives
- Companies limited by guarantee
- Trustees for trusts
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations
Applicants must also:
- Have an ABN and be registered for GST
- Be financially viable and able to provide recent financial statements
- Have an annual turnover of less than $30 million
- Demonstrate the capability and capacity to deliver the proposed project
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
Agriculture Industries Innovation and Growth Program assessment criteria
Applications are assessed against the following criteria:
1. Strategic Alignment
- Alignment with program objectives and NSW Government regional priorities
- Clear demonstration of how the project supports innovation, productivity, or value-adding outcomes
2. Value for Money
- Appropriateness of project costs
- Justification of funding requested relative to expected outcomes
- Level and credibility of co-contribution
3. Economic Benefit
- Expected economic outcomes such as job creation, industry growth, or supply chain development
- Long-term benefits for the regional economy
4. Balanced Regional Development
- Contribution to regional economic resilience
- Benefits to local communities and industries
- Consideration of broader regional impacts beyond the applicant organization
No formal weighting percentages are specified in the guidelines; however, applications must perform strongly across all criteria to be competitive.
How do I get the Agriculture Industries Innovation and Growth Program?
To successfully secure funding, applicants should clearly demonstrate:
- A strong alignment between the project and program objectives
- A well-defined project scope with measurable outcomes
- Evidence of organisational capability and relevant experience
- Financial viability and capacity to co-fund the project
- Clear economic and regional development benefits
- Project readiness, including realistic timelines and risk management strategies
Information to prepare for the Agriculture Industries Innovation and Growth Program application
Before applying, applicants should prepare:
- A detailed project plan and scope
- A comprehensive project budget, including quotes or cost estimates
- Evidence of financial capacity and recent financial statements
- Details of key personnel and delivery partners
- Supporting documentation demonstrating regional and economic benefits
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Agriculture Industries Innovation and Growth Program
Applications must be submitted online via SmartyGrants.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Agriculture Industries Innovation and Growth Program resources
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