How much funding can be received?

The Biofood Innovation Program – Component 1 provides non-repayable funding of up to $3.5 million per year to support applied research, knowledge transfer, and dissemination activities in the biofood sector. The program aims to strengthen research and expertise centres through eligible activities such as operational support, development of scientific teams, and collaborative initiatives aligned with the sector's innovation needs.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

Non-repayable contribution covering up to 90% of eligible project expenses.
Maximum financial assistance of $3.5 million per year per project.
Beneficiaries must contribute at least 10% of eligible expenses, which may include contributions from other public funding sources within cumulative funding limits.
Public funding from all sources cannot exceed 90% of eligible project expenses.
Annual funding disbursed in three instalments: 60% after agreement signature, 30% in September upon acceptance of deliverables, and 10% upon final project deliverables and reports.

grant_single_labels|projects

Support for operations and activities related to the organization's mission and implementation of its strategic plan.
Implementation of research and technology transfer programs that respond to specific expectations outlined by the Ministry.
Support for maintaining and developing scientific teams and expertise within eligible organizations.
Activities that strengthen collaboration, synergy, and partnerships among key players in the research and innovation sector.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 63,000

Kitchen renovation to meet food safety certification standards

$ 58,000

Installation of a solar panel system for workshop operations

$ 50,000

Launching a community recycling program with collection equipment

$ 45,000

Purchase of specialized embroidery machinery for textile business

$ 39,000

Upgrading digital infrastructure for online order fulfillment

$ 30,000

Accessibility improvements including automatic doors and signage

grant_single_labels|admissibility

The applicant must be one of the designated research, technology transfer, or dissemination organizations listed by the Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ), or be an organization recognized by the Ministry due to a change in status or through merger with a listed organization.
The project must have a maximum duration of 5 years from the effective date of the agreement.
The project must include at least one of the eligible activities: support for the organization's operations and strategic plan implementation, execution of research and transfer programs tied to Ministry expectations, maintaining or developing scientific teams and expertise, or activities that strengthen research and innovation partnerships and collaboration.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Applied research centres in the biofood sector
Expertise centres in the biofood sector
Research, development, and technology transfer organizations in agriculture and agri-food

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

Government ministries, government-funded organizations, and Crown corporations, as well as entities controlled by provincial or federal governments or Crown corporations, and municipal entities.
Financial cooperatives and banking institutions.
Applicants who have failed to meet prior financial obligations to the Ministry within the past two years after formal notice.
Applicants subject to a Minister's or judge's order under the Act respecting the welfare and safety of animals.
Applicants under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Salaries of applicant and partner personnel directly involved in the project.
Social charges for labour and students directly dedicated to the project (up to 26% of salaries or as demonstrated by accounting).
Consulting fees and costs for external expertise required for the project.
Travel and accommodation costs, compliant with government reimbursement guidelines.
Purchase or rental of supplies, materials, equipment, or other necessary inputs.
Lease expenses (excluding lease-to-own agreements).
Administrative and management costs related to the project.
Current operating expenses attributable to the project.
Costs related to maintaining or improving functional assets and equipment to ensure compliance or enhance efficiency.
Costs incurred for the recognition and protection of intellectual property related to project activities, including legal fees.
Depreciation of assets, except for those financed by the government.
Non-refundable portion of the GST and QST.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

Quebec

grant_single_labels|criteria

Relevance of the project in relation to the sector and Ministry priorities, as well as the program’s objectives.
Expertise and capacity of the applicant to achieve the program's objectives.
Appropriateness of project costs considering the complexity and scope of proposed activities.
Expected short- and long-term impacts on the biofood sector and the competitiveness of businesses.

grant_single_labels|apply

Confirm organizational eligibility

Verify your organization's eligibility based on the list of eligible research and expertise centers
Check the list of ineligible organizations to ensure compliance

Validate project admissibility

Ensure your project meets admissibility conditions, such as duration and eligible activities
Confirm that project activities align with program objectives and exclude non-eligible actions

Prepare application documents

Gather all required documents, including the completed application form, latest financial statements, strategic plan, budget forecasts, and authorization documents
Request necessary forms and templates by email if not already available

Submit the application

Send the complete, signed application in French to the Ministry by March 1, 2028 at the latest
Ensure all required documents are attached

Respond to Ministry feedback

Receive an acknowledgment of receipt from the Ministry
Provide any additional information or missing document if requested by the Ministry

Sign the agreement if approved

Receive a decision letter by email regarding funding approval or rejection
If approved, sign the financial assistance agreement with the Ministry before March 31, 2028

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Applications are accepted continuously until March 1, 2028.
Financial aid is provided as a non-repayable grant based on actual eligible expenses and subject to the submission of required supporting documentation.
All requests and official communications must be submitted in French.
Annual progress and financial reports are required to receive subsequent payments.