
MAPAQ — Food Processing Program — Subcomponent 4.1 - Competitiveness of slaughterhouses and cheese dairies
grant_single|update May 7, 2025
QC, Canada
Supports competitiveness investments for Quebec slaughterhouses and cheese dairies
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDate May 7, 2025
- grant_single|closingDate September 30, 2025
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The MAPAQ Food Processing Program — Subcomponent 4.1 provides up to $150,000 in funding per applicant to support investments that enhance the competitiveness of slaughterhouses and cheese dairies in Quebec. Eligible activities include automation, process optimization, new production lines, and modernization of traceability systems.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
- Minimum financial assistance: $7,500 per project.
- Maximum of 50% of eligible expenses, up to $150,000 per applicant or related applicants (from April 1, 2025, for the program's duration).
- An additional increase of up to 10% of eligible expenses may be granted for projects that address ministerial or governmental priorities.
- Private funding must represent at least 20% of the eligible project expenses.
- Total public funding (all sources combined) may not exceed 60% of eligible project expenses (up to 70% for projects meeting ministerial or governmental priorities).
grant_single_labels|projects
- Automation, robotics, or digitization of processing activities.
- Implementation or adaptation of integrated management software systems (ERP).
- Introduction of new processing methods.
- Optimization of existing processes.
- Addition of new production lines or diversification of products.
- Implementation or modernization of animal or food traceability systems.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 66,500
Launch solar rooftop pilot for commercial bakery facility
$ 27,000
Develop digital art workshop outreach program for youth in need
$ 75,000
Upgrade workshop with energy-efficient CNC machines and ventilation
$ 41,000
Adapt storefront for universal accessibility and mobility devices
$ 23,000
Implement inventory cloud system and point-of-sale for bookstore
$ 52,000
Retrofit multi-unit housing with efficient lighting and heat pumps
grant_single_labels|admissibility
- The applicant must be a company registered with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec.
- The company must have operated an establishment for at least one full year (12 months).
- The most recent annual financial statements, verified, reviewed, or compiled by a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), must show total revenues not exceeding $200 million.
- The grant application must be for a facility operated by the applicant in Quebec, which must either hold a valid proximity or permanent inspection slaughterhouse permit, a federal animal slaughter license for human consumption, or a permit to operate a dairy plant (for cheese manufacturing).
- The project must focus on specific activities that improve competitiveness, such as automation, process optimization, or the implementation of new production lines or traceability systems, and target only one establishment.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
- 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
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
- 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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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).
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
- Establishments operating in the province of Quebec.
grant_single_labels|criteria
- Pertinence of the project in relation to the specific objectives of Subcomponent 4.1.
- Feasibility, realism, and viability of the proposed project.
- Demonstrated technical, organizational, financial, and administrative capacity to carry out the project.
- Financial viability and performance of the applicant.
- Contribution of the project to sustainable development.
grant_single_labels|apply
1
Verify eligibility requirements
- Check eligibility criteria for your business and project
- Ensure your establishment meets required permits or licenses
- Verify financial requirements are satisfied
2
Assemble required documentation
- Prepare the completed and signed financial assistance application form
- Fill out the project-specific financial plan
- Gather most recent financial statements or equivalent financial documentation
- Compile required permits or licenses for the establishment
- Collect equipment quotes, authorizations, and supporting documents if available
3
Validate application completeness
- Ensure all mandatory documents are accurate and complete
- Confirm all information aligns with eligibility and project requirements
- Fill out documents in French
4
Submit the application
- Submit all documents in a single email to transfo@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca
- Wait for receipt acknowledgment from MAPAQ
5
Await project evaluation
- Monitor communications for requests for additional information
- Await project eligibility and compliance review
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
- 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.
grant_single_labels|contact
transfo@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca
Apply to this program
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