How to Apply to MAPAQ’s Food Processing Program (Component 2): Step-by-Step Guide
The MAPAQ Food Processing Program — Component 2 (Productivity of the Workforce) provides Quebec food processors with cost-shared funding to automate, robotize, and digitize production and to implement integrated management systems. For organizations planning capital investments that boost workforce productivity, this provincial grant can offset a significant portion of eligible project costs.
Administered by the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ), Component 2 supports plant automation, robotics, production system digitization, and ERP implementation projects. As of December 1, 2025, applications are accepted on a continuous basis until September 30, 2025 or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first. This guide explains the full MAPAQ application process for Component 2—what to prepare, how to submit, and what to expect next.
Use this step-by-step application guide to confirm eligibility, assemble the required documents in French, and submit a complete package. A complete submission is critical because the date MAPAQ receives all mandatory documents becomes the project’s eligible expense start date.
Overview of the MAPAQ Food Processing Program — Component 2
Component 2 — Productivity of the Workforce aims to increase workforce productivity in Quebec’s food processing sector through:
Automation and robotization of production processes and internal logistics
Digitization of operations and integration of management systems (e.g., ERP/MES/SCADA)
Adaptation and implementation of integrated management software in processing environments
Key funding parameters (as of December 1, 2025; verify before applying):
Minimum grant: $25,000
Typical support level: up to 50% of eligible expenses
Maximum per establishment for the program duration: up to $150,000
Private contribution: minimum 20% of eligible costs
Total public funding stacking: maximum 60% of eligible costs (up to 70% if the project aligns with ministerial or government priorities)
Minimum total eligible project costs: $50,000
Maximum project duration: 36 months from the date the contribution agreement is issued
Applications are reviewed in sequence. Funding is limited; plan to submit early and with a complete, well-documented project.
Eligibility Requirements
MAPAQ Component 2 has eligibility rules for applicants and projects. Use this checklist to self-assess before investing time in the application.
Eligible applicants must:
Be registered with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec (REQ)
Operate an establishment in Quebec and apply for that establishment
Have at least one full year (12 months) of operations
In the most recent annual financial statements prepared by an external CPA (audited, reviewed, or compiled), demonstrate:
Minimum $300,000 in revenue related to food processing or other activities recognized by MAPAQ
Minimum $100,000 in shareholders’ equity
Meet activity requirements at the establishment:
Perform food processing, or at least two other MAPAQ‑recognized activities with foods offered on the wholesale market or through online sales at the time of application
Or operate a central kitchen (only the central kitchen can be targeted by the project)
Ineligible applicants include (non-exhaustive):
Establishments holding certain slaughterhouse or dairy manufacturing permits
Establishments transforming exclusively feed for livestock
Seafood processing establishments in a maritime region whose primary activity is preparation and canning of aquatic products (NAICS 3117)
Businesses with at least 50 employees (25 as of June 1, 2025) for six months or more that are non‑compliant with francization requirements
For‑profit businesses with more than 100 employees seeking $100,000 or more that cannot meet employment equity program requirements
Government entities, state-owned corporations, municipalities, financial cooperatives, and banks
Organizations listed in the Register of enterprises ineligible for public contracts (RENA)
Organizations under certain orders or insolvency protection
Eligible projects must:
Be for one establishment only
Have eligible expenses of at least $50,000
Last no more than 36 months from the date of the contribution agreement
Demonstrate workforce productivity gains backed by a productivity diagnosis
Concern food processing or other recognized activities conducted by the applicant
Consist of one or more of:
Automation, robotization, or digitization of processes or systems
Implementation or adaptation of an integrated management software (e.g., ERP)
Important scope note: For companies with a central kitchen, only the central kitchen can be the subject of the project.
Required Documents
Your application must be complete and in French. Prepare the following items and submit them together in a single email to the program’s address: transfo@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca.
Mandatory items:
Completed and signed financial assistance application form (in French)
Completed financing plan (project budget and funding sources)
Most recent year-end financial statements covering a full 12‑month period, prepared by an external CPA (audited, reviewed, or compiled)
Workforce productivity diagnosis specific to the project (e.g., current baseline, bottlenecks, targeted gains, indicators)
Equipment quotes (provide at the time of submission if available)
Documents supporting any applicable program bonus (e.g., certifications) if available
Environmental and municipal authorizations if required for the project
Format and submission rules:
All documents must be prepared in French
All mandatory documents must be sent together in a single email submission
The date MAPAQ receives a complete set of mandatory documents becomes your eligible expense start date
If a mandatory item is missing, MAPAQ will not analyze the file until the missing elements are received; the eligible start date will shift accordingly
Practical document tips:
Ensure your CPA statements clearly present revenue by activity and shareholders’ equity
Obtain at least one formal supplier quote per major equipment/software line item
For ERP/MES projects, include a scoping note and implementation plan
Label files clearly (e.g., “CompanyName_Component2_ApplicationForm.pdf”)
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps to submit a complete, compliant application to the MAPAQ Food Processing Program — Component 2.
Step 1: Confirm your organization and project eligibility
Verify REQ registration, Quebec establishment, and 12 months of operations.
Check financial thresholds: $300,000 minimum revenue (eligible activities) and $100,000 minimum equity in the latest CPA‑prepared statements.
Ensure your project fits Component 2: automation/robotization/digitization or ERP implementation/adaptation; minimum eligible costs $50,000; maximum duration 36 months.
Identify any ineligibility risks (e.g., certain slaughterhouse/dairy permits, exclusive livestock feed, RENA listing, non‑compliance with francization for larger firms).
Step 2: Complete a workforce productivity diagnosis
Analyze current production and labour productivity metrics (e.g., units per labour hour, cycle times, OEE components).
Identify constraints and quantify expected gains from automation/robotization or ERP (e.g., reduced manual handling, fewer changeovers, less rework, better scheduling).
Link each proposed investment to specific labour productivity outcomes and KPIs.
Summarize methodology and sources; this diagnosis anchors the project’s rationale.
Step 3: Build your financing plan and sourcing strategy
Structure total eligible costs and funding sources:
Private contribution: at least 20% of eligible costs
Public funding (including credits and municipal support): maximum 60% of eligible costs (up to 70% if aligned with priority themes)
Include cash flow timing and contingency lines for non‑eligible costs (e.g., building modifications).
If stacking with other programs, show combined public assistance at or below the 60% (or 70%) threshold.
Step 4: Gather quotes and technical documentation
Obtain supplier quotes for key equipment (e.g., conveyors, palletizers, pick‑and‑place robots, vision systems) and software (ERP/MES/SCADA).
Include integration, installation, commissioning, and training lines where applicable.
Attach datasheets or layouts to clarify scope and compatibility with existing lines.
For ERP/MES, add modules, licensing terms, and implementation milestones.
Step 5: Collect mandatory administrative documents
CPA external financial statements (audited, reviewed, or compiled) for the last full fiscal year (12 months).
Environmental and municipal authorizations if required by the project.
Certificates or attestations supporting any applicable bonus.
Ensure all documents are in French.
Step 6: Complete the MAPAQ application form in French
Describe the establishment, activities, and market (wholesale/online).
Present the project plan, timeline, milestones, and responsible team.
Detail expected workforce productivity gains linked to the diagnosis.
Include a risk register and mitigation measures (supply chain, commissioning, change management).
Attach the financing plan with cost items aligned to quotes.
Step 7: Submit a complete package by email
Send all mandatory documents in one email to transfo@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca.
Use a clear subject line (e.g., “Application — Component 2 — Company Name — Establishment”).
Request an acknowledgment of receipt in your message.
Keep a submission log (date/time sent, attachments list, email confirmation saved).
Application Timeline
As of December 1, 2025:
Intake: Continuous until September 30, 2025 or until credits are exhausted, whichever occurs first
Acknowledgment: MAPAQ issues an acknowledgment of receipt after submission
Admissibility (recevability) check: Confirmed once all mandatory documents are received; the admissibility confirmation is not a funding approval
Analysis: Project evaluation considers productivity gains, feasibility, organizational capacity, financial health, and potential contribution to sustainable development; timelines vary by project complexity
Decision: If approved, MAPAQ issues a contribution agreement to sign; if not approved, MAPAQ communicates reasons for refusal
Reminder: Only expenses incurred on or after the date MAPAQ receives a complete application (all mandatory documents) may be considered eligible, subject to final approval.
Tips for a Successful Application
Anchor everything to productivity: Clearly show how each asset or software module drives measurable labour productivity gains.
Be precise with numbers: Quantify baseline and post‑project KPIs (e.g., labour hours per batch, picks per hour, line throughput).
Demonstrate readiness: Provide a realistic schedule, commissioning plan, training plan, and change management approach.
Clarify integration: Show how the new equipment or ERP interfaces with existing lines and systems.
Right-size scope: Avoid over‑complex projects that exceed internal capacity; phased approaches often evaluate better.
Build conservative stacking: Keep public assistance below the 60% (or 70% with priority) ceiling with clear calculations.
Prepare for evaluation: Address the seven financial metrics MAPAQ reviews (equity, revenue, liquidity, cumulative return after dividends, return on assets, asset management efficiency, self‑financing capacity).
Maintain auditability: Organize quotes, invoices, and time sheets for implementation staff; adopt clear file naming.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting in English: All documents must be in French.
Incomplete package: Missing any mandatory document delays admissibility and shifts your eligible expense start date.
Weak diagnosis: Lack of a rigorous productivity analysis undermines the case for automation or ERP.
Misaligned costs: Including ineligible expenses (e.g., building modifications, rolling stock for transport, consumables, TPS/TVQ) jeopardizes budgets.
Underestimating private contribution: Ensure at least 20% private financing is evident in the plan.
Over‑stacking public funds: Exceeding 60% (or 70% with priority) disqualifies the financial structure.
Ignoring permits: Environmental or municipal authorizations, if applicable, must be secured and included.
Non‑compliance risks: For larger employers, address francization and employment equity requirements when applicable.
What Happens After You Apply
Acknowledgment of receipt: MAPAQ confirms it received your email submission.
Admissibility decision: MAPAQ confirms admissibility once all mandatory items are present. Incomplete files are rejected until resubmitted complete.
Project analysis: MAPAQ evaluates:
Fit with Component 2 objective (workforce productivity)
Consistency between the diagnosis and proposed investments
Targeted productivity gains and realism of assumptions
Technical, organizational, and administrative capacity to execute
Financial viability and performance
Potential contribution to sustainable development
Funding decision:
Approved: You receive a contribution agreement detailing terms, eligible expenditure period, and claiming rules; sign and return as instructed.
Not approved: You receive a decision notice with reasons.
Review request: You may request a review within 20 business days of the decision communication, using the form indicated by the program.
Conclusion
Applying to the MAPAQ Food Processing Program — Component 2 requires a complete French-language submission anchored by a rigorous productivity diagnosis, clear financing plan, and solid proof of readiness. By aligning equipment and software investments to measurable labour productivity gains, demonstrating compliance with eligibility rules, and submitting all mandatory documents in one package, you maximize the likelihood of a smooth review. As program details and budgets can evolve, verify the most current parameters before you submit, and consider contacting a regional advisor or the program secretariat at transfo@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca for procedural clarifications.
