MRC La Vallée-de-l’Or — Regions and Rurality Fund – Component 3 – Market Gardening Program

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is 2026-12-31T00:00:00Z.

Q: Who is eligible for the MRC La Vallée-de-l’Or — Regions and Rurality Fund – Component 3 – Market Gardening Program program?

To be eligible for the MRC La Vallée-de-l’Or — Regions and Rurality Fund – Component 3 – Market Gardening Program program, you must: • Eligible entities include private companies and social economy enterprises, except those in the financial sector. • Start-up companies in the field of market gardening are eligible. • Cooperatives, excluding those in the financial sector, can apply.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the MRC La Vallée-de-l’Or — Regions and Rurality Fund – Component 3 – Market Gardening Program?

You can contact MRC La Vallée-de-l'Or.

Q: Where is the MRC La Vallée-de-l’Or — Regions and Rurality Fund – Component 3 – Market Gardening Program available?

The MRC La Vallée-de-l’Or — Regions and Rurality Fund – Component 3 – Market Gardening Program program is available the province of QC.

Q: Are startups eligible for the MRC La Vallée-de-l’Or — Regions and Rurality Fund – Component 3 – Market Gardening Program program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the MRC La Vallée-de-l’Or — Regions and Rurality Fund – Component 3 – Market Gardening Program program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

QC, Canada

Innovation fund for regional economic development and agriculture

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $150,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : January 1, 2020
Closing date : December 31, 2026

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

The "Fonds régions et ruralité – Volet 3 Signature innovation" program allows for a maximum funding of $25,000 per enterprise, aiming to strengthen the territorial identity of the MRC de La Vallée-de-l’Or through innovative agricultural projects. Eligible activities include stimulating diverse vegetable production, encouraging skill development, and supporting market access and financial autonomy for producers.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant provides funding mechanisms designed to support eligible market gardening projects efficiently. The terms ensure structured financial assistance aligned with project deliverables.

Non-repayable financial assistance is available to eligible applicants.
Maximum aid for private enterprises or start-ups is capped at 50% of eligible expenses, while other eligible beneficiaries can receive up to 80%.
The total funding per enterprise is limited to $25,000 for the project duration.
Applicants' contributions must be in the form of financial resources.
Initial disbursement of 80% of the grant upon signing the financial agreement.
Remaining 20% disbursed upon approval of the final report and supporting documentation.

Activities funded

This grant supports projects that focus on enhancing market gardening in the region with an emphasis on innovation and productivity. The eligible activities are designed to stimulate diverse agricultural production and foster financial independence among producers.

Initiatives that directly contribute to the diversity of market garden production.
Projects that encourage the development of skills among market gardeners.
Efforts aimed at improving the financial autonomy of market gardeners.
Actions taken to enhance the productivity of market gardens.
Projects that facilitate the marketing of harvests through local public markets in Malartic, Senneterre, and Val-d'Or.
Development of pilot projects and experimental trials in market gardening.
Programs that promote collaboration between producers and other stakeholders in the community.
Activities that support circular economy practices, including the transformation of unsold produce.

Eligibility

Eligible entities for this grant must meet certain criteria as outlined below:

Applicants can be private enterprises, social economy enterprises, except private financial sector enterprises.
Start-up companies in market gardening production are eligible.
Cooperatives, except financial sector cooperatives, are eligible.

Who is eligible?

Eligible organizations for this grant under the Fonds régions et ruralité - Volet 3 Signature innovation include various entities focused on agricultural development within the MRC de La Vallée-de-l'Or.

Private and social economy enterprises, except those in the financial sector.
Start-up companies in vegetable production.
Cooperatives, excluding those in the financial sector.

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies due to their legal status or financial history. The restrictions aim to ensure funds are allocated responsibly and ethically.

Companies listed in the Register of Ineligible Enterprises for public contracts (RENA), including their subcontractors.
Enterprises that have failed to meet obligations in the two years prior to the application, following a formal notice from the Ministry or regional county municipality regarding previous financial assistance.
State-owned enterprises or companies directly or indirectly controlled by a government (municipal, provincial, or federal) or those majority-owned by a state-owned enterprise.
Companies under the protection of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (RSC 1985, c. C-36) or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (RSC 1985, c. B-3).

Eligible expenses

Eligible expenses for this grant include costs associated with starting new projects and enhancing productivity in the relevant domain, provided they comply with applicable laws and regulations.

Purchase of inputs for new projects (seeds, fertilizers, liming, etc.).
Drainage work.
Hiring an external resource or consultant to implement the project.
Costs for acquiring or constructing capital assets (buildings, greenhouses).
Expenses for purchasing new or used equipment (various materials, machinery, tools).
Costs for improving infrastructures related to the new project.
Acquisition of technology, software, or other tools necessary for project realization.
Salaries and social charges specifically dedicated to a new project's realization may be eligible.
Other expenses deemed necessary for project completion by the management committee.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is specifically available to companies operating within the territorial boundaries of the MRC de La Vallée-de-l'Or. This region is the primary focus for economic growth and agricultural enhancement under this program.

Companies operating within the MRC de La Vallée-de-l'Or territory.

Selection criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria that are designed to ensure the successful development of the agricultural sector within the MRC de La Vallée-de-l’Or.

The project's alignment with the specific objectives such as stimulating agricultural diversity, improving productivity, and encouraging market access.
The overall impact of the project, including its economic, social, and environmental structuring effects.
The quality and realism of the project's financial plan, including cost estimation, involvement of partners, and applicability of government programs.
The credibility of the implementation plan, demonstrating clear connections between stages, activities, resources, and targets.
The promoter's capability to technically and financially execute the project.
The project’s potential for sustainability and longevity.
The requested contribution’s significance in relation to the project's overall impact.

How to apply

Submission of the application

Submission of the application accompanied by the mandatory documents to the MRC of La Vallée-de-l'Or.

Eligibility Assessment

Assessment of the eligibility of businesses and the project by the local development coordinator.

Analysis of projects

Analysis of the projects received according to the selection criteria by the coordinator and the management committee.

Recommendation and acceptance

Submission of a recommendation to the council of mayors and acceptance by means of a resolution.

Signature of the agreement

Signing of the financial aid agreement between the MRC and the company.
Definition of the conditions for disbursing the financial aid and the obligations of the parties.

Follow-up and report

Project follow-up by the business advisor.
Submission of the final report and supporting documents.

Disbursement of financial aid

80% of the aid paid upon signing the agreement.
20% upon approval of the final report accompanied by supporting documents.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

All financial support under this grant is non-repayable.
A maximum grant of $25,000 is available per enterprise during the agreement period.
Applicants will need to secure at least a 50% financial contribution from their own resources for their projects.
The total budget allocation for this initiative is $150,000.
Funding applicants are advised to ensure their projects comply with relevant Quebec laws and regulations.
Changes affecting project timelines or funding must be communicated in writing to the local development coordinator.
Funding is disbursed in two parts, with 80% given at the start and the remaining 20% on submission and approval of the final report.
The council of mayors reserves the right to modify the management framework for extraordinary development opportunities.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the MRC La Vallée-de-l’Or — Regions and Rurality Fund – Component 3 – Market Gardening Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the MRC La Vallée-de-l’Or — Regions and Rurality Fund – Component 3 – Market Gardening Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.