How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $50000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

MAPAQ — Ministerial initiative for the development of greenhouses and large tunnels

Q: What are MAPAQ — Ministerial initiative for the development of greenhouses and large tunnels's eligibility criterias?

The applicant must be an agricultural enterprise with a minimum gross agricultural income of $25,000 in one of the two most recent years, where at least 50% of the income is derived from horticultural production activities.

Last Update: May 13, 2025

QC, Canada

Greenhouse and tunnel development initiative for Québec horticulture

MAPAQ — Ministerial initiative for the development of greenhouses and large tunnels at a glance

Eligible Funding

From 10,000 to 50,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Closing date : February 1, 2025

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Grant Providers

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ)

Status

Closed

Overview of the MAPAQ — Ministerial initiative for the development of greenhouses and large tunnels program

The Initiative for the Development of Greenhouses and Large Tunnels provides financial assistance to enhance food autonomy in Québec by expanding horticultural production through the construction or expansion of greenhouses, large tunnels, or umbrella shelters, as well as the modernization of existing facilities. Eligible projects can receive up to 50% of admissible expenses, with a maximum funding amount of $50,000 per applicant during the initiative's duration.

Financing terms and conditions

The financial aid is provided as a non-repayable subsidy, covering up to 50% of eligible project expenses.
A maximum financial aid of $50,000 is allowed per applicant for the duration of the Initiative.
For projects focusing on certified organic products or located in the Îles-de-la-Madeleine area, the aid can increase to 60% of eligible expenses, not exceeding $50,000.
Two payment installments allowed: a first installment up to 85% upon acceptance of deliverables and justifications, and a final installment of 15% upon project completion and evaluation of outcomes.
Payments are contingent on the submission of deliverables and supporting documents, adhering to accounting regulations, and compatibility with the authorized expenditures of the project.
An exception for payments under $2,500 exists, except for the final payment.
Any overruns of project costs must be pre-approved by the minister's representative and cannot exceed 10% of the initially granted financial aid, nor the maximum support limit of the Initiative.
The submission of required documents must occur within 16 months following the grant agreement date.
The cumulative financial assistance from government and municipal sources must not exceed 70% of the project's eligible expenses.
Upon exceeding the set rate of cumulative public aid due to receiving subsequent financial assistance from designated institutions, repayment of the surplus to the minister may be required.
Visibility of the Ministry's contribution is mandatory in public communications about the project.

Eligible projects & activities

Construction or expansion of greenhouses, large tunnels, or umbrella shelters.
Purchase of fixed production equipment linked to the construction or expansion of greenhouses, large tunnels, or umbrella shelters.
Integration of horticultural production in an existing but unequipped greenhouse, large tunnel, or umbrella shelter.
Modernization of existing greenhouses, large tunnels, or umbrella shelters aimed at increasing productivity or improving energy efficiency.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 45,000

Modernizing existing greenhouse for improved energy efficiency

$ 40,000

Expansion of greenhouse operations with modern equipment

$ 27,500

Upgrading greenhouse to increase strawberry yield

$ 35,000

Building an umbrella shelter for diversified vegetable crops

$ 42,500

Construction of a new large tunnel for berry production

Eligibility criteria of the MAPAQ — Ministerial initiative for the development of greenhouses and large tunnels program

The applicant must be an agricultural enterprise that has generated a minimum of $25,000 in gross agricultural revenue in one of the last two years.
At least 50% of this revenue must originate from horticultural production activities.
The project must aim to increase horticultural production using greenhouses, large tunnels, umbrella shelters, or closed environments in Quebec.
The project must fall into at least one of the following categories: construction or expansion of greenhouses, large tunnels, or umbrella shelters; purchase of fixed production equipment linked to these structures or to integrating horticultural production into an existing under-equipped setup; modernization of existing facilities to enhance productivity or energy efficiency.
The projects must involve a minimum investment of $20,000 for greenhouse construction or expansion and $10,000 for other project categories.

Who is eligible?

Agricultural enterprises generating a minimum gross agricultural income of $25,000 in one of the last two years
Companies with at least 50% of income derived from horticultural production activities

Who is not eligible

Ministries, budgetary bodies, non-budgetary bodies, and Crown corporations listed in Annexes 1 to 3 of the Financial Administration Act.
Entities controlled directly or indirectly by a government or a Crown corporation.
Municipal entities.
Financial cooperatives and banking institutions.
Applicants registered in the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA).
Applicants previously failing to meet obligations after being warned by the minister in connection with prior financial aid.
Applicants subject to ministerial or judicial orders under the Animal Welfare and Safety Act.
Applicants listed in the Register of Criminal Offenses regarding financial aid requests.
Applicants under protection of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.

Eligible expenses

Expenses directly linked to the realization of the project.
Costs incurred from the date of submission of a financial assistance request to the Ministry.
Expenses related to the purchase of new greenhouses, large tunnels, or umbrella shelters from a recognized supplier. A written exemption is required if not available in Quebec.
Expenses related to the purchase of new fixed production equipment from a recognized supplier. A written exemption is required if not available in Quebec.
Remuneration for contractual work related to the project, including construction or enlargement of greenhouses, large tunnels, or umbrella shelters, and installation of new fixed production equipment, provided it is done by a recognized supplier or licensed contractor.
Preparation of the land for construction or enlargement of greenhouses, large tunnels, or umbrella shelters purchased under the initiative.
Professional fees related to plans and specifications.

Eligible geographic areas

Province of Quebec
Agglomeration of the Îles-de-la-Madeleine

Eligibility criteria of the MAPAQ — Ministerial initiative for the development of greenhouses and large tunnels program

Pertinence de la réalisation du projet.
Capacité technique et financière du demandeur.
Contribution du projet au développement durable.
Échéancier de réalisation du projet.
Montage financier.

How to apply to the MAPAQ — Ministerial initiative for the development of greenhouses and large tunnels program

Consult the documents

Read the complete initiative text (PDF 1.34 MB)
Consult the Applicant's Guide (PDF 783 KB)

Complete application forms

Fill and sign the Financial Assistance Application Form (PDF 1.75 MB)
Include the optional Annex to the form (PDF 1.10 MB), if applicable

Provide financial statements

Attach the last two annual financial statements prepared by a CPA
If unavailable, provide a balance sheet with T2042 or Annex 125 (T2)

Submit project details

Include detailed bids
Attach lighting calculations and plans if applicable
Submit preliminary plans and specifications, signed by an engineer if necessary

Authorize a representative

Provide a proxy or document authorizing the representative if needed

Email the application

Email all required documents to your regional MAPAQ office

Additional information

The initiative provides a bonification for projects involving certified organic products or those located in the agglomeration of Îles-de-la-Madeleine, allowing for up to 60% of eligible expenses covered.
The grant will not fund expenses covered by a conditional sales contract or a lease.
Financial contributions from the Business Development Bank of Canada, Farm Credit Canada, and La Financière agricole du Québec are treated as private contributions if they are at market conditions.
The maximum cumulative public assistance an applicant can receive must not exceed 70% of eligible project expenses.
The grant agreement limits the maximum public financial assistance to prevent full financing of eligible project expenses.
Grantees must not sell or transfer any acquired assets without prior ministerial approval for at least five years post-project completion.
Applicants are responsible for declaring all public financial aids received, including their total cumulative impact on project financing.
Lenders like Hydro-Québec or Energir may charge fees for connectivity, which are ineligible for funding.
The initiative reserves the right to suspend or modify the assistance if the grantee fails to meet all requirements and integrity standards.
All deliverables and justification documents supporting project claims must be submitted within 16 months after the date the financial assistance agreement is issued.
The applicant must ensure proper acknowledgment of government support in any project-related publicity.