Agri-Food Export Program
The Agri-Food Export Program is a hands-on initiative that helps Canadian agri-food and food-tech companies build real commercial connections in South Korea and Vietnam. Unlike a typical trade mission, it starts well before anyone boards a plane: participants work through export-readiness training and mentorship, then take part in innovation roundtables, networking events, and facilitated business-to-business meetings with buyers, distributors, investors, and research partners. The program culminates in participation at two flagship trade events in Seoul and Ho Chi Minh City. Delivered by YSpace at York University in partnership with The Invention Lab, and funded by Government of Canada.
What you'll gain
Practical training to prepare your business for entering South Korea and Vietnam, so you arrive with a plan rather than a pitch deck.
One-on-one guidance from people who understand eastern markets and the agri-food and food-tech sectors.
Firsthand insight into buyer expectations, regulations, and opportunities in both markets.
Facilitated B2B meetings with buyers, distributors, investors, accelerators, research institutions, industry associations, and trade promotion organizations.
Chances to exchange ideas and build relationships with Canadian and eastern partners.
What to expect
Stage 1: Export-readiness training
Participants work through training and mentorship focused on building the skills and market knowledge needed to succeed in South Korea and Vietnam.
When: Twice a week, January 11, 2027 - February 5, 2027
Where: Online
Stage 2: Market preparation
20 companies move on to advanced preparation for the trade mission to Seoul and Ho Chi Minh City, at no cost to the program. YSpace will support you through B2B matchmaking, innovation roundtables, and networking events (partial travel funding for select eligible founders).
Briefing: February (exact date TBC), 2027
Tradeshows: June 2027
Timeline
Applications Open
November 2, 2026
Applications Close
December 11, 2026
Program Starts
January 11, 2027
Program Ends
February 5, 2027
Tradeshow
June 14-25, 2027
(optional June 8-11 Seoul F&H)
Application process
Step: One
Applications are now open. Apply now.
If you have any questions, email us at yspace@yorku.ca
Step: Two
Applicants will be notified of their acceptance to participate by December 21, 2026.
Step: Three
Accepted participants begin training January 11, 2027.
Program eligibility
- A Canadian-based agri-food or food-tech small and medium-sized enterprise
- Be interested in exploring or expanding into international markets, with a focus Asia, specifically Vietnam and South Korea
- Have sufficient inventory and production capacity to support export opportunities
- Have annual revenue of $1 million+ (exceptions may apply)
- Be available to participate in an international trade visit for 7 - 14 days in late May to early June 2027 (training is mandatory for the trade visit, but is not mandatory to go on the trade visit)
Frequently asked
Apply now
Applications are now open. Apply now.
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Contact us
For more information, please contact us at
yspace@yorku.ca
416-736-2100 ext. 44940
