How much funding can be received?

The Prime-Vert program aims to increase the adoption of agro-environmental practices by agricultural businesses, providing a maximum funding of up to $125,000 for eligible activities such as pesticide reduction, soil health improvement, waste management, and conversion to organic farming. Eligible applicants include individual agricultural operations and cooperatives, with funding covering various projects like acquisition or modification of equipment and implementation of environmental protection measures.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

The "Prime-Vert — Component 1" grant provides financial support with specific modalities designed to stimulate the adoption of innovative agroenvironmental practices. Different levels of financial assistance are offered depending on the type of project and its objectives.

Financial assistance up to 50% of eligible expenses for the purchase or modification of equipment for mechanical, manual, electric, or thermal weeding, and reducing pesticide-related risks.
Up to 70% of eligible costs covered for the use of biological control agents or pheromones.
Additional 15% financial aid bonus for eligible beneficiaries, such as younger farmers and cooperative users.
Maximum aid amount of $40,000 for individual farms and $120,000 for cooperatives, with a cap of $40,000 per cooperative branch.
Payment is based on the submission of a financial aid application form, detailed quotations, and invoices.
In cases where equipment is provided, photographs may serve as proof of delivery, except where biological agents or pheromones are used.
Specific documentation requirements must be met, including certifications, project diagnostics, and detailed project descriptions.
Livrables include a claims form and proof of payment or completion evidence, such as photos of equipment or attestations of compliance from advisors.
A total maximum financial aid of $125,000 per requestor for sub-component 1.2, based on 70% of eligible costs.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant supports projects focused on increasing the adoption of agroenvironmental practices by agricultural operations. The eligible activities are designed to apply and test innovative practices and conversion to organic farming at the farm level.

Reduction in the use of pesticides and their risks to the environment and health.
Improvement of soil health and conservation.
Enhancement of fertilizer management practices.
Optimization of water management.
Enhancement of biodiversity through habitat improvement.
Management of agricultural residual materials, such as plant residues and manure.
Implementation of agroenvironmental practices trials on farms.
Conversion to organic farming for vegetal, maple, and apiculture production units.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 11,900

Implementing biological control and pheromones to reduce pesticide use in blueberry farming

$ 10,500

Developing a riparian buffer zone to promote biodiversity on a mixed vegetable farm

$ 4,900

Reducing pesticide use by implementing anti-insect nets for strawberry crops

$ 8,400

Creating habitats for biodiversity by developing agroforestry hedges on a dairy farm

$ 11,900

Optimizing water management by implementing new irrigation technology on an apple orchard

$ 7,000

Improving soil health through the use of cover crops on a grain farm

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.

The applicant must be an agricultural operation or a cooperative for the use of agricultural equipment (CUMA) with at least three agricultural operations in the concerned branch of activity.
The project must correspond to an eligible type of project under the specified sub-volets, meeting particular requirements.
The applicant must provide necessary documentation such as a financial aid application form, detailed submissions with proof of prices, and project-specific recommendations or plans as applicable.
For certain sub-volets, proof of conformity or diagnostic documentation may be required.
Certain grants or increased aid percentages are available if projects are being conducted by young farmers, hold pre-certification in organic agriculture, or are executed in specific regions like the Madeleine Islands.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

This grant is available for various entities within the agricultural sector focused on improving environmental practices in agriculture in Quebec.

Agricultural enterprises applying individually or as part of a Cooperative for the Use of Agricultural Equipment (CUMA) with projects aligning with the Sustainable Agriculture Plan 2020-2030 objectives.
Agro-processors involved in managing agricultural residual materials.
Entities engaged in urban farming, agro-tourism, and those focusing on animal health and food quality enhancement.
New farmers or those transitioning to organic agriculture specifically involving plant, acericulture, or apiculture production.
Projects need to contribute positively to sustainable agricultural practices, such as reducing pesticide usage, improving soil health, managing fertilization and water optimally, and enhancing biodiversity.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant does not specify exclusions related to company types or industries beyond the detailed requirements for eligible projects and applicants. The emphasis is on qualifying agricultural operations and associated activities for environmental advancements.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

This grant supports projects that aim to enhance environmental practices in agriculture across various domains, including reducing pesticide usage, improving soil health, and advancing water management. The initiatives also encourage biodiversity and promote sustainable practices such as organic agriculture.

Projects reducing pesticide use and risks, including acquiring or modifying equipment for mechanical, manual, electrical, or thermal weeding, and using biocontrol agents or pheromones.
Projects that improve soil health and conservation through the purchase or modification of equipment for simultaneous seeding and incorporation of cover crop seeds.
Projects enhancing fertilizer management, focusing on improving the accuracy of fertilizer application equipment.
Projects aimed at optimizing water management by implementing hydro-agricultural works or water storage systems and acquiring irrigation management equipment.
Projects enhancing biodiversity through the installation of extended riparian buffers, habitats, or agroforestry hedges.
Projects associated with managing agricultural residual materials such as wash water from fruit, vegetable, or aceri-production, and processing wastewater originating from agro-processing activities.
Projects supporting the realization of farm-level trials for implementing agro-environmental practices.
Projects supporting the transition to organic agriculture in plant, maple, and beekeeping production units.

grant_single_labels|criteria

Projects must align with at least one objective of the 2020-2030 Sustainable Agriculture Plan (PAD) and fulfill specific requirements to be considered eligible for funding. Below are the evaluation and selection criteria:

Proposed projects must fit within an admissible category as specified by the grant.
Projects should directly support the adoption of agro-environmental practices by agricultural producers.
Equipment or methods employed must contribute to the reduction of pesticide usage and risks.
Projects need to aim for soil health improvement or conservation.
The project must enhance the precision and efficacy of fertilizer management.
Proposals should focus on optimizing water management.
Projects should promote biodiversity through habitat creation and protective measures.
Submissions must include all required documents, such as detailed quotes, plans, and certifications.
Applications must include a diagnosis or comprehensive project description by qualified individuals such as engineers or advisors.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for the "Prime-Vert" grant under the Volet 1 programme:

Step 1: Review Eligibility and Program Details
Read the full programme text and related documents to ensure you understand all requirements and objectives.
Consult the guide specific to the intervention area you are applying for.
Step 2: Prepare the Application Documents
Complete the financial aid application form.
Gather all required supporting documents, including detailed cost forecasts, project plans, and any required recommendations or diagnostics.
If applicable, prepare supplementary documents like certifications or plans signed by advisors or engineers.
Step 3: Submission of Application
Ensure all documents are complete and accurate before submission.
Submit all required documents via email to Prime-Vert.2023-2026@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca.
Only complete applications with all mandatory documents will be processed.
Step 4: Post-Application Process
Await confirmation of receipt of your application and any follow-up actions required.
If needed, you may request a revision of an evaluation decision within 30 days after communication of the decision.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

The grant has a range of miscellaneous information to support applicants in the process and requirements of submission.

Bonification of 15% for eligible client groups: young farmers, those with pre-certification or certification in organic farming, CUMAs, and projects in Îles-de-la-Madeleine.
The application must be submitted electronically and be complete with all required documents.
The financial aid awarded covers up to 50-70% of eligible expenses, depending on the project type.
Application forms must be downloaded, filled, and submitted via email.
Claims for reimbursement require invoices, proof of payment, and other specified deliverables to be provided upon request.
Applicants have a right to appeal an evaluation decision within 30 days of communication.
Various technical and diagnostic forms are provided online and must be used for application where specified.
A presentation interactive for the Prime-Vert program and several detailed presentations for sub-components are available in PDF format for reference.

Apply to this program

Supporting Agro-environmental Projects in Quebec

The Prime-Vert program offers financial assistance to agricultural operations and cooperatives in Quebec to adopt sustainable agro-environmental practices. The goal is to advance the agriculture sector towards environmental sustainability while providing support across different projects aimed at various environmental objectives.

Detailed Overview of the Prime-Vert Program's Support Mechanisms

The Prime-Vert program is an initiative by the Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec designed to enhance sustainability within the agricultural sector. The program facilitates the implementation of environmentally friendly agricultural practices through financial support, thereby promoting a sustainable approach to agriculture in Quebec. It is segmented into different sub-components that address various aspects of environmental management. These include projects that aim to reduce pesticide use and risk, improve soil health and conservation, manage waste effectively, and promote water management and biodiversity.

Under Sub-component 1.1, individual agricultural projects focus on the reduction of pesticide usage, soil health improvements, management of fertilizing materials, water optimization, and biodiversity enhancement. Approved projects can receive considerable financial aid, capped at distinct amounts depending on whether it’s a standalone farm operation or a cooperative group utilizing agricultural machinery. This support provides a substantial incentive for agricultural practitioners to undertake significant improvements in their operational practices that align with the sustainable agriculture goals set forth in Quebec's Plan d’agriculture durable 2020-2030.

The incorporation of measures such as mechanical weed control, biological pest control agents, and investment in specialized harvesting and planting equipment are some of the practical elements subsidized by the Prime-Vert initiative. The program further extends its support by offering a bonus on financial aid for eligible recipients, which includes new agricultural operators or those aligning their practices to certified organic standards.

Additional benefits of this program involve boosting the productive capacity and environmental responsibility of agricultural operations through hands-on projects like the implementation of technological solutions for precision agriculture, supporting up to 70% of the costs associated with such projects. Despite facing constraints like climate volatility, farmers equipped with advanced scientific practices and technical tools are well-positioned to maintain and even enhance production.

Sub-component 1.2 broadens its reach by including agro-processors, addressing the disposal and recycling of agricultural residual materials. Whether it is through enhancing processes for waste management, water treatment systems, or recycling schemes, the program supports comprehensive efforts to mitigate environmental impacts associated with agricultural by-products. Companies are encouraged to streamline their waste generation processes, improve their energy efficiency, and thus reduce their carbon footprint through tailored initiatives that are partially funded by the Prime-Vert scheme.

Furthermore, the program emphasizes practical implementation at field level through demonstrations and trials (Sub-component 1.3), encouraging peer learning among farmers and the dissemination of best practices. Through structured trials supervised by knowledgeable advisors, farms can explore efficient farming techniques, which, when documented, can offer valuable insights for broader application across the agricultural community.

Lastly, Prime-Vert 1.4 supports the transition to organic farming by assisting in covering the costs related to obtaining organic certification. By financially aiding producers eager to convert their operations to organic standards, the program helps overcome barriers such as initial costs and operational adjustments, ensuring a smoother transition to organic methods, which align with consumer demands and environmental needs.

The Prime-Vert program marks a significant move towards embedding sustainable practices within the agricultural landscape of Quebec. Through strategic investments and support, Quebec’s agricultural sector is transitioning towards a more sustainable, productive, and environmentally conscious future.