How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 80% of admissible expenses, capped at $750000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Biofood market development program — Component 1?

Biofood market development program — Component 1 is funded by Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ)

What are Biofood market development program — Component 1's eligibility criterias?

The applicant must be a legally constituted non-profit organization, cooperative, association, or group of businesses in Quebec. The applicant must have at least one establishment in Quebec and operate or benefit the biofood sector in Quebec.

Biofood market development program — Component 1

Last Update: July 22, 2025

QC, Canada

Quebec agri-food industry support for institutional market access

Biofood market development program — Component 1 at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $750,000
Up to 80% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Grant Providers

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ)

Program status

Closed

Overview of the Biofood market development program — Component 1 program

The grant program aims to increase the access of the Quebec biofood industry to Quebec's institutional sector, offering up to $750,000 in financial assistance. Eligible activities include enhancing business competencies for marketing biofood products, developing marketing and distribution strategies, creating educational and promotional tools, and facilitating business networking with institutional buyers.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant provides a structured financing framework designed to encourage the development of biofood market initiatives, with specific funding limits and co-funding requirements based on the type of applicant.

A maximum of 80% of eligible expenses is covered for non-profit organizations, associations, and cooperatives, up to $750,000.
For groupings of businesses, a maximum coverage of 50% of eligible expenses is provided.
The total eligible expenses presented must be at least $25,000.
Applicants must contribute either in cash or in-kind for the first $50,000 of financial aid.
A minimum cash contribution of 15% is required for the portion of financial aid exceeding $50,000.
Lump-sum allocations for travel and accommodation are available, subject to maximum financial aid limits and government standard rates.

Eligible projects & activities

This grant supports projects aimed at increasing the access of the Quebec biofood industry to institutional markets. Eligible activities include enhancing business readiness and marketing strategies while emphasizing logistical solutions.

Increase business preparedness and improve capabilities for marketing biofood products in institutional settings.
Develop and implement food marketing and distribution strategies targeting institutional markets.
Create and disseminate educational, informational, or promotional tools within a Quebec biofood supply project.
Support businesses in expanding their marketing activities in institutional markets, including obtaining public tender contracts.
Conduct marketing and business networking activities between institutional buyers and biofood businesses.
Implement logistical solutions for institutional markets.

Eligibility criteria of the Biofood market development program — Component 1 program

To be eligible for this grant, applicants must meet specific organizational and operational criteria.

Applicants must be legally constituted in Quebec.
Applicants must have at least one establishment located in Quebec.
Applicants must operate within the bioalimentaire sector or provide benefits to businesses in this sector.
Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, non-profit cooperatives, non-profit associations, and business groups.

Who is eligible?

Eligible applicants for this grant are organizations based in Quebec that are legally constituted and operate in the bio-food sector, including cooperatives, and associations. They must have activities that directly benefit the bio-food sector.

Non-profit organizations.
Non-profit cooperatives.
Non-profit associations.
Groups of companies based in Quebec.

Who is not eligible

The eligibility criteria for this grant focus on nonprofit organizations, cooperatives, and business groupings within the biofood sector in Quebec. Therefore, several types of companies and industries are excluded from applying for this grant due to their status or activities being outside the specified criteria.

For-profit companies are not eligible.
Businesses not registered or without legal status in Quebec cannot apply.
Organizations not operating in the biofood sector or not benefiting companies within this sector.

Eligible expenses

Eligible expenses for this grant are those directly related to the execution of the project.

Expenses for market studies or database access fees.
Travel and accommodation expenses in line with the current public service rates in Quebec.
Rental and setup fees for exhibition spaces.
Costs for transporting goods for trade fairs.
Costs related to renting rooms and logistics for organizing an event.
Professional and contractual fees up to $150 per hour.
Base salaries up to a specified annual limit for project managers.
Expenses for creating and disseminating educational, informational, and promotional materials.
Administration costs not exceeding 10% of the financial aid.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to companies and organizations that are legally constituted in Quebec. The program targets those with an establishment operating within the province.

Companies legally constituted in Quebec.
Organizations with at least one establishment in Quebec.

Eligibility criteria of the Biofood market development program — Component 1 program

Projects submitted for this grant are evaluated and selected based on certain criteria to ensure they meet the program's objectives and are feasible for successful implementation.

Financial and human capacity of the applicant to complete the project.
Relevance of proposed activities to the project objectives in line with the program objectives.
Alignment between work plans and financing plans.
Potential and measurable impacts aligned with the program and component objectives.
Contribution and involvement of the bio-food industry in the project.
Sustainability and structuring effect of the project.

How to apply to the Biofood market development program — Component 1 program

Eligibility Check

Confirm that your organization meets the eligibility criteria, including legal status and activity in the agri-food sector in Quebec.
Verify if your project is eligible and does not fall under the Proximity Program for projects of $100,000 or less.

Preparation of the project proposal

Draft a detailed project proposal including the objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
Ensure the alignment of the proposed activities with the objectives of the sub-component and include a clear justification.
Prepare a financial plan detailing the contributions from the applicant and partners, as well as the anticipated expenses.

Gathering of the required documents

Obtain proof of the legal constitution of the organization in Quebec.
Compile financial documents proving the ability to successfully carry out the project.
Collect all documentation supporting the sustainability and structuring effect of the project.

Submission of the application

Submit the application to the Ministry through a call for projects, including all required documents.
Verify that all information is complete and accurate before submission.

Confirmation of receipt of the request

Wait for the confirmation of receipt of the request by the Ministry.
Keep all correspondence and copies of submitted documents for your records.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

A combination of financial support from the applicant and partners is required, including a minimum 15% cash contribution for the part of the grant exceeding $50,000.
Flat rates for travel and accommodation may be allocated within the maximum financial assistance in line with Quebec's public service scales.

Apply to this program

Supports local market initiatives and agrotourism in Quebec