What MAPAQ’s Food Processing Program (Component 2) Can Fund in Quebec
The MAPAQ Food Processing Program — Component 2 (Productivity of the Workforce) provides Quebec food processors with non‑dilutive funding to increase labour productivity through automation, robotization, and integrated management systems. This guide explains what the program can fund, the funding amounts and rates, the eligible and ineligible expenses, and how funding is claimed.
As of 2025-12-01, intake is continuous until September 30, 2025 or until funds are exhausted. Always verify the most current caps and conditions before committing to expenditures.
Program Funding Overview
Component 2 of the MAPAQ Food Transformation Program (often called the PTA program) targets productivity gains at Quebec food processing establishments. The program supports:
Automation and robotization of processes and systems
Digitalization of operations
Implementation or adaptation of integrated management software (ERP/MES and related systems)
Funding is provided as a provincial contribution (grant/subsidy) that reimburses a share of eligible project costs. Projects must:
Concern a single establishment in Quebec operated by the applicant
Present eligible expenses of at least $50,000
Have a maximum duration of 36 months from the date of funding approval
Demonstrate a labour productivity gain based on a productivity diagnosis aligned with the project
Only expenses incurred after the admissibility date (the date a complete application is received and confirmed receivable) can be reimbursed, subject to approval.
Funding Amounts & Rates
Component 2 uses a cost‑sharing model. Key parameters include:
Minimum contribution: $25,000
Typical contribution rate: up to 50% of eligible expenses
Per‑establishment cap: up to a program‑defined maximum (commonly up to $150,000 for Component 2); confirm the latest cap before applying
Public aid stacking: generally capped at 60% of eligible costs across all public sources, or up to 70% if the project meets ministerial or government priorities
Private financing: at least 20% of eligible costs must be privately financed
Notes on stacking:
All public support (federal, provincial, municipal, including refundable tax credits) counts at 100% of its value toward the public aid limit.
Financing from BDC, FCC, or FADQ is treated as private if it offers no advantage (i.e., at market conditions).
Because program parameters may be updated, applicants should confirm the current per‑establishment and overall program maxima before finalizing their funding plan.
Eligible Expenses
MAPAQ Component 2 funds costs that are directly associated with delivering an approved automation/digital transformation project at a Quebec food processing establishment. Eligible expense categories include:
1) Equipment purchase and implementation
Purchase of new or used equipment from an equipment supplier, with a minimum 3‑month warranty
Delivery and installation of the equipment for its intended use, typically performed by qualified technicians
Improvements required to integrate the equipment within the process, when part of the installation scope
Examples:
Conveyors, pick‑and‑place robots, palletizers, case erectors, automated packaging systems
Collaborative robots (cobots), end‑of‑arm tooling, safety systems
Sensors and vision systems for inspection, counting, alignment, or quality verification
Weighing, dosing, and filling equipment tied to automated lines
Industrial controllers, drives, and control cabinets associated with new line automation
Auxiliary equipment necessary to operate the new automated cell or line
Important boundary: Installation refers to installing and making the equipment operational for its intended use. It does not include building modification or construction work carried out by trades (e.g., electricians, plumbers, masons, carpenters) when these are considered facility upgrades rather than equipment installation.
2) Integrated management systems and specialized software
Purchase and implementation of an integrated management software system (ERP, MES, SCADA, WMS, APS)
Acquisition of specialized software tied to the project (e.g., quality, traceability, maintenance management, inventory control)
One‑year subscriptions to specialized software directly related to the project
Configuration, integration, and commissioning services tied to the approved system
Examples:
ERP modules for production planning, procurement, lot traceability, and costing
MES for shop‑floor data collection, OEE monitoring, and line performance dashboards
SCADA for supervisory control of processes and alarms
WMS for automated inventory and warehouse flows
Quality/safety systems supporting HACCP, SQF, or BRCGS processes when integrated into the automation/digitalization scope
3) Professional services (external)
Fees and travel expenses for external experts without a business affiliation with the applicant
Engineering and integration services for system design, programming, and commissioning
Design of plans and specifications that were not previously supported under Component 1
Examples:
Automation engineering (PLC/HMI programming, robotics integration, safety validation)
Industrial IT (networking for controls, database setup, interface to ERP/MES/SCADA)
Process engineering for line balancing and throughput modelling related to the project
Independent validation of the productivity diagnosis methodology or calculations
Note: Expenses for preparing and following up on the funding application itself are ineligible (see Ineligible Expenses).
4) Internal experts and related employer contributions
Salary costs for internal experts responsible for implementing the project, proportional to the time directly dedicated to the project
Employer contributions associated with eligible internal labour (e.g., social charges/benefits) proportional to the project time; typically up to 26% of salary unless another rate is supported by accounting documentation
Limits:
The financial assistance related to services of internal and external experts combined is capped at 30% of total financial assistance for the project.
5) Training directly tied to new equipment/systems
Registration fees for training directly related to the implementation and operation of the new automation/software
Pedagogical materials and access to training platforms
Travel expenses for training activities, using Quebec government management policy ranges
Boundary:
Employee salaries while they attend training are not eligible (see Ineligible Expenses).
Ineligible Expenses
Costs that are not directly linked to the approved project or that fall outside program boundaries are not eligible. Common ineligible items include:
Any expense incurred before the admissibility date (the date a complete application is received and deemed receivable)
Cost overruns beyond the approved scope
Expenses already supported under this program or any other MAPAQ measure
Costs from a subcontractor listed on the Register of enterprises ineligible for public contracts (RENA) or subcontractors previously defaulting on public aid obligations
Building modifications, construction work, or expansions carried out by construction trades (e.g., electrical upgrades, plumbing, masonry, carpentry)
Fees of external experts for preparing and following up on the funding application
Purchase of motorized rolling stock used for transport (e.g., trucks, forklifts not integral to a fixed automated cell)
Purchase of land or buildings
Employee wages while they are in training
Consumables (e.g., packaging materials, lubricants, cleaning supplies)
GST and QST
General operating expenses and standard facility maintenance not directly tied to the project
If a cost is not expressly required to deliver the approved automation/software scope at the establishment, plan to treat it as ineligible.
Expense Documentation Requirements
To be reimbursed, expenses must be supported by clear, auditable records. Build an audit‑ready file from day one:
Contracts and purchase orders showing vendor, scope, and pricing
Supplier invoices detailing equipment/software items, serial numbers or license identifiers where relevant
Proof of payment (e.g., cancelled cheques, bank statements, payment confirmations)
Timesheets for internal experts, showing hours and tasks directly linked to the project
Payroll registers and calculations for employer contributions; include justification if using a rate other than 26%
Travel and training receipts, agendas, and proof of attendance
Commissioning reports, acceptance certificates, and evidence that the equipment/system is operational
Versioned plans/specifications and engineering deliverables linked to the approved scope
Keep all documentation consistent with the project timeline and the admissibility date. Retain records for the full period specified in your funding agreement.
Examples of Funded Projects
Below are typical automation and digitalization projects in Quebec’s food sector that align with MAPAQ Component 2. Funding rates and amounts depend on your approved scope and current program parameters.
Example 1: Packaging line automation with robotics
Scope: Case erector, conveyor synchronization, vision‑guided pick‑and‑place cobot, automatic palletizer, safety systems; integration to existing filler.
Eligible costs: Equipment purchase, delivery and installation; robotics integration services; PLC/HMI programming; commissioning; operator training; one‑year software subscriptions for robotics programming suite.
Not eligible: Electrical room upgrades to facility power capacity; new loading dock construction; consumables.
Example 2: ERP/MES implementation for traceability and OEE
Scope: ERP modules for production scheduling and traceability; MES for shop‑floor data collection; interfaces between ERP, MES, and label printers; scanners and terminals.
Eligible costs: Software licenses/subscriptions (one year for specialized software), integration, configuration, data migration, training; internal expert time for process mapping and testing; scanners and terminals.
Not eligible: General office IT unrelated to production; legacy software maintenance contracts that predate the project.
Example 3: Vision inspection and inline quality automation
Scope: Camera‑based inspection for fill level and seal integrity; reject station; analytics dashboard.
Eligible costs: Cameras, lighting, industrial PC; software licenses; integration services; commissioning; operator training; internal expert time to update SOPs.
Not eligible: Building modifications to widen a doorway; forklift purchase.
These examples share three traits: a clear productivity gain, direct linkage to the establishment’s processing activities, and costs incurred after the admissibility date.
Funding Disbursement & Claiming Process
Funding is typically reimbursed after costs are incurred and verified, according to the schedule in your funding agreement. Expect the following:
Claims are submitted with invoices, proof of payment, and supporting records aligned to approved budget lines.
Milestone‑based or periodic claims may be allowed during the project, with a final claim upon completion.
Internal labour must be documented with task‑specific timesheets and payroll proof; employer contribution rates must be justified.
Only costs incurred after the admissibility date are claimable.
The ministry may request clarifications or additional documents; maintain a clear audit trail.
Plan your cash flow knowing that a minimum of 20% of eligible costs must come from private financing and that reimbursement follows verification.
Stacking Rules
When combining MAPAQ with other public programs:
The total public funding generally cannot exceed 60% of eligible costs; projects aligned with ministerial/government priorities may reach up to 70%.
All public support counts at full value, whether repayable or not (including tax credits).
Private financing must be at least 20% of eligible costs.
Financing from institutions like BDC, FCC, and FADQ is considered private when provided at market terms without special advantages.
Disclose all other funding in your application and in each claim to stay compliant with stacking rules.
Real-World Budgeting Tips
Anchor your scope to productivity: Align every budget line to a measurable labour productivity gain shown in your diagnosis. This strengthens eligibility and claim acceptance.
Separate installation from construction: Budget vendor installation under eligible costs and list facility construction upgrades separately as ineligible to avoid claim reductions.
Document internal time meticulously: Use project codes on timesheets and capture discrete tasks tied to the approved scope to substantiate internal expert costs.
Right‑size software subscriptions: Limit specialized software subscriptions in the budget to the eligible one‑year window and ensure they are directly tied to the project.
Pre‑plan training: Include role‑specific training that enables rapid adoption of new equipment/systems. Budget training fees and travel, but exclude trainee wages.
Phase for cash flow: Consider phasing large automation deployments into milestones that match your reimbursement schedule and private financing capacity.
Protect the admissibility date: Do not incur project costs before your complete application is officially deemed receivable; early costs are ineligible.
Verify caps before purchase orders: Confirm the current per‑establishment cap and any group‑of‑applicants rules to avoid over‑budgeting non‑reimbursable amounts.
Conclusion
MAPAQ’s Food Processing Program — Component 2 funds a broad set of costs that drive automation, robotization, and integrated management in Quebec food processing establishments. Eligible expenses include equipment purchase and installation, ERP/MES and specialized software, engineering and integration, internal expert time, and targeted training—provided they are tied directly to an approved scope that improves labour productivity. With a typical contribution of up to 50% of eligible costs, stacking limits of 60% (70% for priority projects), and a minimum private share of 20%, careful planning and documentation are essential. As of 2025-12-01, intake remains open until September 30, 2025 or until funds are exhausted; verify current caps and conditions before finalizing your budget.
