How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 7500% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the Emerging Farmers Award?

Emerging Farmers Award is funded by Gouvernement du Québec

What are Emerging Farmers Award's eligibility criterias?

Majority owner (at least 51%) of an agricultural business for 3 to 10 years Business registered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Quebec Business generated at least $50,000 gross revenue in the year prior to application

Emerging Farmers Award

Last Update: July 30, 2025

QC, Canada

Supports young agricultural entrepreneurs demonstrating innovation and community impact

Emerging Farmers Award at a glance

Eligible Funding

From $3,500 to $7,500

Timeline

Closing date : May 20, 2025

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Grant Providers

Gouvernement du Québec

Program status

Closed

Overview of the Emerging Farmers Award program

The Emerging Farmers Award offers up to $7,500 to recognize young agricultural entrepreneurs under 40 for their achievements in animal or plant production. The program rewards innovation, sustainable practices, and community involvement in Quebec's agricultural sector.

Financing terms and conditions

A grant of $7,500 is awarded to the winner.
A grant of $3,500 is awarded to the finalist.

Eligible projects & activities

Establishing and successfully managing an agricultural enterprise in animal or plant production.
Demonstrating innovation and distinctive skills in agricultural entrepreneurship.
Implementing sustainable development practices within an agricultural business.
Engaging and contributing to the local community through agricultural activities.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 7,400

Developing a hydroponic strawberry production system using LEDs

$ 6,500

Implementing a no-till market garden for organic vegetable sales

$ 7,100

Establishing a sustainable beekeeping operation for pollination services

$ 6,000

Installing a drip irrigation system for organic greenhouse tomatoes

$ 7,350

Launching a mobile chicken coop for pasture-raised egg sales

$ 6,350

Introducing agritourism with educational tours in an apple orchard

Eligibility criteria of the Emerging Farmers Award program

The applicant or group of applicants must be under 40 years old (39 years or younger) as of June 1, 2025.
The applicant must be the majority owner of a business (at least 51% ownership) for 3 to 10 years.
The applicant must operate an agricultural enterprise registered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ).
The business must have generated at least $50,000 in gross revenue in the year preceding the application.

Who is eligible?

Businesses operating in animal production
Businesses operating in plant production (crop farming)
Agricultural enterprises registered with the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation (MAPAQ)

Eligible geographic areas

Quebec

Eligibility criteria of the Emerging Farmers Award program

Profile of the business and young entrepreneur(s).
Initial and ongoing training of the entrepreneur(s).
Management skills demonstrated.
Entrepreneurial vision.
Actions implemented for sustainable development.
Involvement of the business and its members in the community.
Technical and financial performance of the business.
Distinctive aspects of the establishment.
Personal aptitudes of the entrepreneur(s).

How to apply to the Emerging Farmers Award program

Verify eligibility criteria

Review the eligibility requirements, including age, business ownership, and registered agricultural enterprise conditions
Ensure your agricultural business meets the minimum gross revenue threshold for the previous year

Gather required documentation

Prepare a detailed company profile highlighting your business and its young entrepreneurs
Collect documentation on education, management skills, and technical and financial performance

Prepare the application file

Demonstrate innovation, sustainable development initiatives, and community involvement in your application
Ensure all selection criteria from the jury are addressed

Submit the application

Submit your completed application by the specified deadline
Confirm that all forms and supporting documents are included

Await results

Wait for the jury's evaluation and decision
Be available for any clarifications or additional information if requested

Additional information

The award ceremony is held during the official ceremony of the Ordre national du mérite agricole in autumn 2025.
Winners and finalists receive media recognition and are showcased as examples of successful emerging farmers in Quebec.
The jury includes experts from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and representatives from the business and community sectors.
The award emphasizes innovation, community involvement, and sustainable development within the agricultural sector.

Apply to this program