Agriculture Funding Consortium: 2026-2027 Research and Innovation Program

Eligibility

*UPDATED MARCH 27, 2026*

Researchers from academic institutions are eligible.

Summary

**NEW REQUIREMENT FOR AGRICULTURE FUNDING CONSORTIUM 2026**

At the Full application stage: A PDF copy of the application, including a signature page appended at the end, will now be automatically generated and sent to the team members the PI has listed in that table (including the PI). The PIs are asked to ensure they have discussed this with their team members and that the email addresses listed are correct. Once all required signatures are completed through Adobe Sign, the signed document will be uploaded back into the application (in ARGOS), and a copy will be shared with all signatories. The AFC expects signatures to be in place relatively early in the process (i.e. as the LOI is being finalized).

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The Agriculture Funding Consortium (AFC) brings together partners to coordinate funding and advance research and innovation that support sustainability, diversification, and long‑term growth in agriculture and the food industry across Western Canada. AFC members are funding agencies and organizations with a mandate to support agriculture and food research and innovation in Western Canada. Working collaboratively, members participate in a single‑window process to review applications, align priorities, and coordinate funding that advances sustainability, diversification, and long‑term industry growth.

Webinars

Webinar #2

Friday, June 5, 2026 at 8:30-9:30 am -- register here

Webinar #1

• Slide Deck
• Recording

Program Resources

• Research & Innovation Guidelines
• Member Research Priorities
• Overhead Guidelines for Applicants

Submission Process

There is a two-stage process consisting of a Letter of Intent (LOI) and Full Proposal, which is by invitation only. Both stages of this competition will be part of the Research Management System (RMS), and approvals will be obtained electronically. Research Funding Application Approvals (RFAA) forms are not required as approvals are collected electronically in RMS.

1. Letter of Intent (LOI)

The LOI, plus approval in the Research Management System (RMS) using a Pre-Award/Letter of Intent record, must be submitted to RSO by March 27, 2026 at 12:00 pm. Please be sure to select 'Submitted for approval' (under Save & Progress) in RMS in good time to allow for approvals from your Department Head and/or ADR prior to the RSO internal deadline. Consult your department and faculty for more information on their approval processes and timelines. 

Once you have received RSO approval, you must submit the LOI using the Agriculture Research Grant Organizer (ARGO) online portal by April 1, 2026.

2. Full Proposal (by invitation only)

Please do not create a new Pre-Award/Application record in RMS. Continue with the same RMS number by updating the status of the Pre-Award/Letter of Intent record to 'Invited for full application' (under Save & Progress). The system will generate a Pre-Award/Application record, and you can proceed as usual. 

The Full Proposal, plus approval in the Research Management System (RMS), must be submitted to RSO by July 20, 2026 at 12:00 pm. Please be sure to select 'Submitted for approval' (under Save & Progress) in RMS in good time to allow for approvals from your Department Head and/or ADR prior to the RSO internal deadline. Consult your department and faculty for more information on their approval processes and timelines.

Once you have received RSO approval, you must submit the Full Proposal using the Agriculture Research Grant Organizer (ARGO) online portal by July 23, 2026.

Overhead

May be eligible. Please consult the Overhead Guidelines for Applicants for overhead eligibility and rates.

Pre-application deadlines

RSO internal deadline

Pre-application program deadline

Application deadlines

RSO final internal review deadline

Program application deadline

NOTE: Consult your Faculty Associate Dean (Research) (ADR) regarding Faculty-specific deadlines and submission processes.

Principal Investigators: Complete a Research Management System (RMS) record, including a copy of your complete application, and submit this for approvals in RMS.

Postdocs, students, and trainees: For fellowships and externally-sponsored research training awards or opportunities, you must complete the Research Funding Application Approval (RFAA) Trainee PDF form, and submit it, along with a complete copy of the application, to Research Services at rsotrainee@ucalgary.ca. Trainees should not use RMS at this time.

Approvals: The University of Calgary requires that all funding applications be approved prior to submission. Approval requires signatures via either RMS or the RFAA Trainee form, in the following order:

• Principal Investigator
• Department Head
• Faculty ADR/Dean
• Research Services (on behalf of the Vice-President Research)

Read the Meaning of Grant Signatures policy to understand what your approval means. Please see the agency guidelines for details about which signatures are required on your application, as it may differ from internal requirements.

Late submissions: Late submissions will only be accepted in cases of medical or family emergencies, or other exceptional circumstances. If you submit your RMS record to Research Services after the internal deadline has passed, you must secure additional approvals. Please read: Late Applications Process.

RESOURCES

Reminder: The sooner the researcher engages with Research Services, the more help we can be!

Contact the following Research Service units for support with:

Projects Involving Indigenous Research:

Support with incorporating wise practices in Indigenous research, community engagement, and Indigenous data management is available through the Indigenous Research Support Team (IRST).

Applicants can reach out by email to IRST at IRST@ucalgary.ca in advance of the RSO internal deadline. For more information about IRST, please visit the IRST webpage.

Knowledge Mobilization, Research Impact Assessment, DORA:

Support for knowledge mobilization/engagement/translation, community partnerships, research impact, responsible research assessment (DORA), and open science, is available through the Knowledge to Impact team.

Applicants can reach out by email to the KI team at knowledge.impact@ucalgary.ca.

For more information and access to resource archives, please visit the KI team webpage.

Research Data Management:

For information on research data management plans, processes, or best practices for your research program, please contact research.data@ucalgary.ca.

EDI in Research:

RSO can provide resources and support to research teams on the integration of equitable and inclusive practices in research design and research practice.

Contact edi.rso@ucalgary.ca for more information.

Research Security:

The Research Security Division is available to ensure researchers adhere to research security guidelines and policies, including the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships (NSGRP) and the policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC).

Visit the Research Security website to learn more or contact researchsecurity@ucalgary.ca.

Pre-Award Submissions:

RMS: Creating a Pre-Award LOI
RMS: Creating a Pre-Award Application