How much funding can be received?

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.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

This initiative provides financial assistance under structured modalities to support the development of greenhouses and large tunnels, aimed at strengthening Quebec's horticultural production. The modalities ensure systematic disbursement of funds based on project progression and compliance.

Financial assistance is awarded as a non-repayable contribution or grant.
The financial aid is structured into up to two separate payments.
The first payment can be as much as 85% of the total allocated aid, contingent on ministerial approval of deliverables and documentation related to the project.
The final payment, constituting 15% or the remaining aid balance, is contingent upon the approval of all final deliverables and documentation related to the project's outcomes and impact assessment.
Payments are made only for claims exceeding $2,500, apart from the last payment.
All supportive documentation must comply with accounting standards and align with the project and authorized eligible expenses.
Any cost overruns included within the initiative require pre-approval, and any increased financial aid cannot exceed the support cap set by the initiative.
Deliverables and supporting documents must be submitted no later than 16 months following the financial aid agreement's issuance date.

grant_single_labels|projects

The grant aims to enhance food autonomy in Quebec by supporting projects that increase horticultural production in controlled environments. Eligible projects focus on expanding, modernizing, and equipping greenhouse infrastructure.

Construction or expansion of greenhouses, large tunnels, or umbrella shelters.
Purchase of fixed production equipment related to the construction or expansion of these structures.
Integration of horticultural production in existing but unequipped structures or closed environments.
Modernization of existing greenhouses, large tunnels, or umbrella shelters to increase productivity or improve energy efficiency.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

To be eligible for this grant, certain criteria must be met by the applicant and regarding the project.

The applicant must be a farm that has generated a gross agricultural income of at least $25,000 in one of the last two years, at least 50% of which comes from horticultural production activities.
The project must aim to increase horticultural production in greenhouses, under a large tunnel, under an umbrella shelter or in a closed environment in Quebec.
The project must belong to one of the following categories: construction or expansion of greenhouses, large tunnels or umbrella shelters, purchase of fixed production equipment, or modernization of existing greenhouses, large tunnels or umbrella shelters.
The project must present investments of at least $20,000 for greenhouse construction or expansion projects, and $10,000 for other project categories.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Eligible applicants for this initiative include agricultural operations that have generated a gross agricultural income of at least $25,000 in one of the last two years, with at least 50% of this income coming from horticultural production activities.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This initiative excludes particular entities based on their status or involvement in certain activities. The restrictions are designed to ensure that the grant supports appropriate and eligible projects.

Ministries, budgetary or non-budgetary organizations, and state enterprises listed in the annexes 1 to 3 of the Financial Administration Act.
Entities controlled directly or indirectly by a provincial or federal government or by a state corporation.
Municipal entities or organizations.
Financial cooperatives and banking institutions.
Applicants registered in the Register of Ineligible Enterprises for public contracts (RENA), including subcontractors listed in this register.
Applicants that have failed to meet obligations for prior financial aid from the minister within the past two years.
Applicants under any order from the minister or judge under the Animal Welfare and Safety Act.
Applicants listed in the Register of Criminal Convictions within the past two years.
Applicants under the protection of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers expenses directly tied to the completion of the project, specifically for acquiring and installing new equipment and structures necessary for horticultural production.

Expenses related to the purchase of new greenhouses, large tunnels, or umbrella shelters from a recognized supplier.
Expenses for the purchase of new fixed production equipment from a recognized supplier.
Remuneration of contractors for construction or expansion of new greenhouses, large tunnels, or umbrella shelters, if purchased within the initiative.
Installation of new fixed production equipment bought in the context of the initiative.
Site preparation work for constructing new greenhouses, large tunnels, or umbrella shelters purchased within the initiative.
Professional fees associated with plans and specifications.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This initiative targets the enhancement of autonomy in Quebec through increased horticultural production. Companies must operate on the Quebec territory to be eligible for this financial assistance.

Projects located on the territory of Quebec.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.

Pertinence of the realization of the project.
Capacity technical and financial of the applicant.
Contribution of the project to sustainable development.
Schedule for project completion.
Financial arrangement.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Review Initiative Details
Read the text of the initiative and consult the complete text provided in PDF format.
Review the Guide for Applicants available online.
Step 2: Prepare Application Documents
Complete and sign the Financial Assistance Application Form.
Compile the last two annual financial statements prepared by a certified professional accountant.
Gather detailed quotations for project costs.
Prepare lighting calculations and plans if the project involves artificial lighting in a greenhouse or closed environment.
If applicable, obtain sealed and signed plans and specifications by a qualified engineer.
Prepare a procuration or board resolution authorizing the representative to apply, if necessary.
Step 3: Submit Application by Email
Send all mandatory documents by email to your regional MAPAQ directorate.
Step 4: Confirmation and Follow-up
Await confirmation of receipt and decision from the minister, which will be communicated by mail or electronically.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Financial assistance is in the form of a non-repayable grant, and up to two payments may be made, with the first payment being a maximum of 85% of the total.
If cost overruns occur, they must be pre-approved by the minister's representative and may not exceed 10% of the initially granted financial assistance.
Financial assistance is contingent on budgetary credits adopted by the Assembly and on the existence of a sufficient balance available for the expenditure.
The applicant must maintain the funded structures and equipment for a minimum of five years or until the end of their useful life, whichever comes first.
The applicant agrees not to transfer or sell any assets acquired through the grant without prior written authorization from the minister.
A maximum aggregate cap of public financial aid from Quebec and Canadian government sources is 70% of project eligible expenses.
The grant amount awarded per applicant during the initiative is capped at $50,000.
Project costs are only considered eligible from the date of submission of the financial aid application.
Grantees are required to track results and submit data necessary to evaluate the initiative's outcomes.
Grantees must allow authorized representatives to visit the project site during normal business hours for verification purposes.
There is a requirement to publicize the ministry's financial contribution in any project dissemination or promotion.

Apply to this program

Initiative to Boost Horticultural Production in Québec

This grant supports agricultural enterprises aiming to enhance floral and vegetable production in Québec through greenhouse development and modernization. The program seeks to strengthen food autonomy by increasing horticultural spaces and modernizing current infrastructures.

Detailed Overview of the Initiative for the Development of Greenhouses and Large Tunnels

The "Initiative ministérielle pour le développement des serres et des grands tunnels 2020-2025" is a significant governmental effort aimed at bolstering the autonomy of Québec's agricultural sector by intensifying horticultural production. At its core, the initiative emphasizes the expansion of greenhouse spaces and enhancement of existing ones through modernization efforts. By providing substantial financial backing, the Québec government intends to mitigate the challenges posed by the harsh climatic conditions, thereby extending the growing season and supporting local food supply chains with fresh produce.

The grant is open to agricultural operations that generate a minimal gross revenue of $25,000 from horticultural activities over the past two years. Eligible projects must focus on increasing horticultural production within greenhouses, under large tunnels, or other similar protective structures located in Québec. This aligns with the global shift towards sustainable agricultural practices and responds to increasing consumer demand for local and organic fresh produce.

The program offers financial aid covering up to 50% of eligible expenses, capped at $50,000 per applicant. However, projects related to organically certified products or those situated in specific regions like the Îles-de-la-Madeleine may receive a higher percentage of support, up to 60% of eligible costs. This not only incentivizes organic and regional-specific projects but also aids in balancing regional disparities in agricultural development.

Applicants must ensure their project proposals not only align with the initiative's goals but also demonstrate financial viability and capacity for sustainable development. The submissions are evaluated on various criteria, including technical and financial feasibility, potential contributions to development goals, and environmental sustainability. By fostering technological improvements and increased productivity in greenhouses, the initiative also hopes to reduce Québec's dependency on imported produce, thus protecting the local market from external competition.

Beyond individual success, the grant aims at creating broader impacts by improving the quality and diversity of local produce, thereby supporting the government’s food autonomy objectives. Furthermore, it contributes to the strategic deployment envisioned in the "Stratégie de croissance des serres au Québec 2020-2025" which is part of the larger "Politique bioalimentaire 2018-2025, Alimenter notre monde." This reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that agricultural practices in Québec are prosperous, sustainable, and closely tied to the province's socio-economic fabric.

The initiative provides a tremendous opportunity for horticultural businesses to modernize and scale their productivity. By integrating advanced technologies and innovative practices within greenhouse operations, supported projects can deliver significant improvements in energy efficiency and productivity. This, in turn, contributes to environmental stewardship and economic resilience across Québec’s horticultural sector.