What Can the Program to Support Agriculture and Agri-Food Fund?
The Program to Support the Development of Agriculture and Agri-Food in the Regions (PADAAR) plays a vital role in promoting regional agricultural growth in Quebec. By understanding what this program can fund, organizations can strategically plan their projects to maximize financial support.
Program Funding Overview
PADAAR aims to enhance the agricultural and agri-food sectors through targeted financial assistance. It focuses on regional economic development and innovation by supporting projects that align with strategic regional priorities. The program offers grants to cover eligible expenses associated with various agricultural activities, providing up to 70% funding for specific initiatives.
Funding Amounts & Rates
The program provides financial assistance that varies by project type:
Up to 70% of operating expenses for regional agricultural consultation tables, capped at $50,000 annually.
Up to 50% of eligible expenses for projects addressing specific regional challenges, with a maximum of $50,000 per project.
Up to 50% for regional structuring projects involving local partnerships, also capped at $50,000 per project.
For innovation projects, up to 50% of costs for testing and implementing new practices, with support reaching $10,000 per project.
Demonstration projects can receive a flat rate of $2,000.
Eligible Expenses
Operational Costs
Salaries for staff directly involved in eligible projects.
Administrative costs linked to project management.
Innovation and Development
Costs related to research and development of new agricultural practices.
Equipment and materials for implementing innovative techniques.
Training and Integration
Expenses for training sessions aimed at skill development for new agricultural producers.
Costs associated with workshops and seminars for knowledge transfer.
Regional Collaboration
Expenses for organizing and facilitating regional agricultural meetings and events.
Partnership development costs for collaborative projects.
Ineligible Expenses
Certain costs are not covered under PADAAR, including:
Expenses not directly related to the approved projects.
Costs incurred outside the approved project timeline.
Non-Quebec purchases unless specifically authorized.
Expense Documentation Requirements
To secure funding, beneficiaries must provide:
Detailed invoices and receipts for all eligible expenses.
Annual reports or end-of-project summaries outlining achieved objectives and outcomes.
Verification documents for compliance with Quebec content purchasing requirements.
Examples of Funded Projects
A Quebec-based agri-food company receiving support for a project to develop a new organic product line.
A regional cooperative organizing workshops to introduce sustainable farming practices.
An innovation-driven agricultural enterprise testing a new irrigation technology.
Funding Disbursement & Claiming Process
Funding is generally disbursed upon project completion, contingent upon meeting all program conditions. Beneficiaries must submit all necessary documentation for reimbursement, and the Ministry may conduct on-site verifications to confirm the execution of projects.
Stacking Rules
PADAAR funding can be combined with other programs, provided the total public funding does not exceed the highest percentage of eligible costs under any single program. This rule does not apply to financing from La Financière agricole du Québec or federal support for Indigenous initiatives.
Real-World Budgeting Tips
To maximize funding, applicants should:
Plan projects around eligible expenses.
Ensure all documentation aligns with program requirements.
Consider strategic partnerships to enhance project scope and impact.
Conclusion
Understanding the funding scope of PADAAR allows Quebec's agricultural enterprises to effectively plan and execute projects that align with regional development goals. By leveraging this program, organizations can advance their initiatives while contributing to the prosperity of the agricultural sector in Quebec.
