MAPAQ — Food Processing Program — Subcomponent 4.1 - Competitiveness of slaughterhouses and cheese dairies

Who is eligible?

• Slaughterhouses holding a proximity or permanent inspection permit under the Quebec Food Products Act
• Slaughterhouses with a federal inspection license for animal slaughter for human consumption
• Cheese dairies holding a valid dairy plant operating permit under the Quebec Food Products Act

Who is not eligible

• Companies whose establishment exclusively processes animal feed.
• Establishments in maritime regions primarily engaged in seafood preparation and canning (NAICS code 3117).
• Government departments, budgetary and non-budgetary organizations, Crown corporations, and municipally controlled entities.
• Financial cooperatives and banking institutions.
• Companies or their subcontractors listed in the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA).
• Businesses with 50 or more employees (or 25 or more as of June 1, 2025) for at least six months.
• Companies not compliant with French language requirements under the Charter of the French Language.
• Enterprises that have defaulted on previous governmental funding obligations or are listed in the Register of Convictions in the two financial years prior to their application.
• Businesses under bankruptcy or insolvency protection, or subject to a ministerial or court order under relevant Quebec regulations.
• For-profit companies with over 100 employees requesting $100,000 or more in aid and unable to meet employment equity program requirements.

Eligible expenses

• Salaries of internal experts directly responsible for project implementation (up to 30% of total financial assistance).
• Social charges and employee benefits directly related to project time (up to 30% of total financial assistance and calculated at 26% of the salary or a justified amount).
• Rental costs for equipment and specialized premises during the project period.
• Purchase, modification, delivery, and installation of new or used equipment (must include a minimum three-month warranty).
• Costs for materials required for the project.
• Modifications or expansions of premises necessary for the project, completed by a licensed contractor.
• Acquisition and rental of specialized software and related equipment for the project.
• Training costs for personnel, including registration, educational materials, access to training platforms, and travel expenses (in line with Quebec government guidelines).
• Subscription fees for specialized software for a maximum of one year.
• Professional fees and travel expenses for external experts without business ties to the applicant.
• Design of plans and specifications needed for the project (if not already supported under another component).

Eligible geographic areas

• Establishments operating in the province of Quebec.

• The minimum private contribution required for project funding is 20% of eligible expenses.
• Public financial assistance cannot exceed 60% of eligible expenses, or 70% for projects aligned with ministerial or governmental priorities.
• Financial assistance from institutions such as BDC, FAC, or FADQ is considered a private contribution if it is provided under market conditions without preferential benefits.
• Only expenses incurred after the complete submission of all required documentation are eligible for reimbursement.