FOOD PROCESSING: SUPPORT IN SIGHT

The Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries, et de l’Alimentation du Québec has launched several food processing subsidy programs.

Projects can be submitted continuously until September 30, 2025, or until credits run out, from April 15, 2024.

The program is divided into four components, each supporting different objectives and eligibility criteria.

Components affecting Quebec food processing companies

Section 1: Project Planning and Skills Development

The aim of this component is to facilitate the implementation of development projects by food processing companies, by supporting the provision of external expertise and the acquisition of skills within these companies. Financial assistance of $75,000 per facility, up to 50% reimbursement of eligible expenses. You own three factories? This financial assistance will be three times $75,000.

Section 2: Workforce productivity

This component aims to increase the productivity of the company’s workforce through the automation and robotization of processes and integrated business management systems. Financial assistance of $150,000 per facility, up to 50% reimbursement of eligible expenses.

Eligible expenses include the purchase of production equipment, vats, production lines aimed at automating a production or packaging line, integration of management software, etc.

Component 3: Food Quality and Safety Management

This component helps food processing companies develop their markets by supporting the implementation and updating of quality and safety management systems, as well as the improvements required to comply with government market access requirements that differ from Canadian requirements. Financial assistance of $150,000 per facility, up to 50% reimbursement of eligible expenses.

Strand 4: Competitiveness and environmental challenges in the slaughterhouse and cheese-making sectors

This component strengthens the ability of slaughterhouses and cheese dairies to meet the challenges specific to their sector by supporting projects aimed at improving their competitiveness and addressing their environmental issues. Financial assistance of $150,000 per facility, up to 50% reimbursement of eligible expenses.

Eligibility for this MAPAQ program

This program, in its various forms, is intended for food processing companies legally incorporated in Quebec or Canada, with a Quebec establishment and at least one full year of operation. The establishment for which the application for financial assistance is submitted meets at least one of the following conditions:

• Food processing activities are carried out here, with foodstuffs being offered on the wholesale or online market at the time of demand;
• Operates a central kitchen.

Eligibility for SECTION 2

For Section 2, the establishment’s most recent audited annual financial statements must include a minimum of $300,000 in sales from food processing activities.

Eligibility for SECTION 4

For Component 4, the establishment applying for financial assistance must meet at least one of the following conditions:

• Holds a proximity or slaughterhouse permit under permanent inspection granted under the Food Products Act (RLRQ, chapter P-29);
• Holds a license to slaughter animals for human consumption (federally inspected abattoir) granted under the Canada Food Safety Regulations (SOR/2018-108);
• Manufactures cheese and holds a permit to operate a dairy plant, granted under the Food Products Act (RLRQ, chapter P-29).

More Questions? We answer them.