How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 60% of admissible expenses, capped at $150000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the MAPAQ — Food Processing Program — Component 2?

MAPAQ — Food Processing Program — Component 2 is funded by Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ)

What are MAPAQ — Food Processing Program — Component 2's eligibility criterias?

Company registered with the Quebec Business Registrar and operating a facility in Quebec for at least 12 months. Minimum revenue of $300,000 and equity of at least $100,000 in the audited, reviewed, or compiled financial statements by an external CPA. Project related to automation, robotization, or the implementation of software for eligible food processing activities, with eligible expenses of at least $50,000.

MAPAQ — Food Processing Program — Component 2

Last Update: June 20, 2025

QC, Canada

Enhancing productivity through food industry automation assistance

MAPAQ — Food Processing Program — Component 2 at a glance

Eligible Funding

From $25,000 to $150,000
Up to 60% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : May 7, 2025
Closing date : September 30, 2025

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Grant Providers

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ)

Status

Closed

Overview of the MAPAQ — Food Processing Program — Component 2 program

The significant shortage of manpower in Quebec's food processing sector compromises both the efficient use of company facilities and their ability to seize market opportunities. To overcome this problem, companies need to increase the productivity of their workforce, which requires significant investment.

Financing terms and conditions

Financial assistance can cover up to 50% of eligible project expenses, with a maximum of $150,000 per applicant or group of related applicants (effective April 1, 2025).
The minimum total financial assistance that can be granted is $25,000.
Applicants must provide at least 20% of eligible expenses through private funding.
Public financial assistance may not exceed 60% of eligible expenses; this threshold can increase to 70% for projects aligning with ministerial or governmental priorities.
The maximum cumulative financial assistance for all components of the program is $525,000 per applicant, including related applicants.

Eligible projects & activities

Automation, robotization, or digitization of production processes in food processing facilities.
Implementation or adaptation of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 150,000

Robotizing vegetable processing to enhance workforce productivity

$ 150,000

Enhancing cheese production through automation and ERP integration

Eligibility criteria of the MAPAQ — Food Processing Program — Component 2 program

The business must be registered with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec.
The business must have at least one full year (12 months) of operations.
The most recent annual financial statements, prepared by an external Chartered Professional Accountant, must show a minimum of $300,000 in revenue from food processing or other activities recognized by the Ministry and a maximum total revenue of $200,000,000, as well as a minimum of $100,000 in equity.
The financial aid application must be submitted for an establishment operated in Quebec and refer to activities in food processing, or for a central kitchen operated by the business.
Projects must aim to automate, robotize, or digitalize processes, or implement/adapt integrated management software, and must present a demonstrated gain in workforce productivity supported by a productivity diagnosis.

Who is eligible?

Companies registered with the Quebec Enterprise Register (Registraire des entreprises du Québec) engaged in food processing or recognized related activities
Businesses operating a central kitchen facility in Quebec

Who is not eligible

Companies holding specific permits related to slaughterhouses, animal slaughter for human consumption, or cheese production facilities.
Businesses that exclusively process animal feed or products for livestock.
Central kitchen operators seeking funding for establishments other than the central kitchen itself.
Entities primarily engaged in the canning and preparation of aquatic products in maritime regions (NAICS code 3117).
Financial cooperatives, banking institutions, government bodies, municipal entities, and companies under bankruptcy or insolvency protection.

Eligible expenses

Purchase, improvement, delivery, and installation of new or used equipment (must include a minimum three-month warranty).
Purchase and implementation of an integrated management software (ERP).
Professional fees and travel expenses for external experts unrelated to the applicant.
Salaries of internal experts dedicated to project implementation (direct time spent on project only, subject to program limits).
Employer contributions and benefits for internal staff dedicated to the project, calculated as 26% of salary or as otherwise justified by accounting records (subject to program limits).
Design of plans and specifications for the project (if not funded under Component 1 of the program).
Acquisition of specialized software and necessary equipment for project realization.
Subscription fees for specialized software, for a maximum period of one year.
Training expenses for personnel, including registration, educational materials, platform access, and travel compliant with Quebec government policies.

Eligible geographic areas

Quebec

Eligibility criteria of the MAPAQ — Food Processing Program — Component 2 program

Relevance of the project with respect to the objectives of Component 2 (workforce productivity improvement through automation, robotization, or integration of management systems).
Alignment between the project's diagnostic and the proposal submitted as part of the financial aid application.
Demonstrated gains in workforce productivity as a result of the project.
Feasibility, realism, and viability of the project.
Presence of technical, organizational, and administrative capacities necessary to successfully complete the project.
Financial viability and performance of the applicant (including analysis of equity, revenue, liquidity, profitability, asset management, and self-financing level).
Contribution to sustainable development.

How to apply to the MAPAQ — Food Processing Program — Component 2 program

Verify eligibility and gather information

Review eligibility criteria for applicants and projects
Consult the program's web page and official documentation
Contact regional advisors for support if needed

Prepare and compile required documents

Complete and sign the financial aid application form
Prepare the financial plan for the project
Gather the latest CPA-verified financial statements for a full year
Obtain the labor productivity diagnostic report for the project
Collect equipment quotes and required certifications as needed
Secure required environmental and municipal authorizations if applicable

Submit application and documents

Submit all required documents by email in French to: transfo@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca
Ensure all mandatory documentation is included for processing
Retain proof of submission

Acknowledge receipt and provide missing information

Receive acknowledgement of receipt from the Ministry
Respond promptly to requests for additional information or missing documents if applicable

Wait for eligibility review

Wait for the eligibility confirmation notice (recevabilité)
If complete and eligible, application proceeds to project analysis
If not eligible or incomplete, receive a decision notice explaining the reasons

Project and financial analysis by Ministry

The Ministry's representative analyzes the application and supporting financials
Evaluation of project relevance, productivity gains, feasibility, and financial health

Receive funding decision and sign agreement

Receive the Ministry's funding decision
If approved, sign the financial aid agreement with specific conditions and payment terms
If refused, receive a decision notice outlining reasons for denial

Request a decision review if refused

If refused, applicant can request a review within 20 business days using the available web form

Additional information

Applications may be submitted continuously until September 30, 2025, or until funds are depleted, whichever occurs first.
A support service is available from MAPAQ regional advisors prior to submitting the application; however, this does not guarantee acceptance or eligibility.
Confirmation of application eligibility does not constitute a funding guarantee; all program criteria must be met for the grant to be awarded.
The program documentation prevails over any summaries or guides; applicants are encouraged to refer to the full program text for complete details.