Ministerial initiative “Agricultural succession and entrepreneurship”

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Who is eligible for the Ministerial initiative “Agricultural succession and entrepreneurship” program?

To be eligible for the Ministerial initiative “Agricultural succession and entrepreneurship” program, you must: • The applicant must be an agricultural enterprise (existing or new). • Must have at least one principal aged 18–39 who has completed eligible training and exercises decision-making power. • Must own or hold a 5-year lease on the project site.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Ministerial initiative “Agricultural succession and entrepreneurship”?

You can contact Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ).

Q: Where is the Ministerial initiative “Agricultural succession and entrepreneurship” available?

The Ministerial initiative “Agricultural succession and entrepreneurship” program is available the province of QC.

Q: Are startups eligible for the Ministerial initiative “Agricultural succession and entrepreneurship” program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the Ministerial initiative “Agricultural succession and entrepreneurship” program.

Q: Are youth (under 40) eligible for the Ministerial initiative “Agricultural succession and entrepreneurship” program?

Yes, youth under 40 are eligible to apply for the Ministerial initiative “Agricultural succession and entrepreneurship” program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

QC, Canada

Supports young Quebecers starting or taking over agricultural businesses

At a glance

Eligible Funding

From $5,000 to $25,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

The Ministerial Initiative “Agricultural Succession and Entrepreneurship” provides up to $25,000 in non-repayable funding to support young farmers in launching, acquiring, or sustaining agricultural businesses. Eligible activities include investments in farm start-ups, facility construction or modernization, land improvement, livestock acquisition, and equipment upgrades, all aimed at enhancing business viability and reducing risk.

Financing terms and conditions

Financial assistance covers up to 50% of eligible project expenses.
An increased rate of 65% applies for projects located in the Îles-de-la-Madeleine or involving products under pre-certification or organic certification.
The maximum financial aid per applicant is $25,000, including funds previously received under related initiatives.
The total of all public financial aid (from Quebec or Canadian government, municipal bodies, and including tax credits) must not exceed 70% of eligible project costs, or 85% for organic/pre-certified products or projects in the Îles-de-la-Madeleine.
Funding is disbursed in up to two instalments: up to 70% after contract signature, and the remaining balance upon final acceptance of deliverables and documentation.

Activities funded

Construction, expansion, adaptation, or modernization of agricultural buildings.
Underground drainage or land leveling for cultivated fields.
Bringing new land into cultivation.
Starting, improving, or expanding livestock operations through the purchase of breeding animals.
Establishment of perennial plantings viewed as fixed assets.
Acquisition or adaptation of agricultural equipment, tools, or machinery.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 42,000

Developing an e-commerce platform for handmade textile artisans

$ 120,000

Retrofitting facility with accessible washrooms and entry ramps

$ 44,000

Implementing cloud software for improved client relationship management

$ 87,000

Installing rooftop solar panels at a manufacturing cooperative

$ 84,000

Upgrading kitchen equipment for sustainable food production

$ 145,000

Purchasing electric delivery vehicles for green urban logistics

Eligibility

The applicant must be a Quebec agricultural enterprise, either an existing farm or a new agricultural business.
At least one principal must be aged between 18 and 40 years at the time of application, have completed qualifying agricultural training, and hold a minimum 20% decision-making interest or sit on the board, depending on the legal structure.
The applicant must own or lease the property where the project will be carried out; if leasing, the lease must cover at least five years.
The project must relate to agricultural activities and fit within the eligible categories defined by the grant.

Who is eligible?

Existing agricultural enterprises in Quebec
New agricultural businesses in Quebec
Enterprises involved in agrotourism
Aquaculture enterprises
Businesses engaged in crop or plant cultivation, livestock breeding, and on-farm processing, marketing, or storage of agricultural products (with products at least partially originating from their farm)

Who is not eligible

Government ministries, budgetary and non-budgetary organizations, Crown corporations, and entities controlled directly or indirectly by a provincial or federal government.
Municipal entities.
Financial cooperatives and banking institutions.
Applicants listed in the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA), including their subcontractors.
Applicants under bankruptcy protection, insolvency proceedings, or who have failed to meet past financial aid obligations with the Ministry.

Eligible expenses

Purchase of materials, whether new or used, including delivery fees, from recognized suppliers.
Purchase of equipment, machinery, and related material, including delivery fees, from recognized suppliers.
Purchase of plants considered as capital assets (immobilizations), including delivery fees, from recognized suppliers.
Purchase of breeding animals (reproductive animals).
Rental costs for equipment, material, or machinery.
Fees paid to external contractors for carrying out eligible project work.
Professional fees related to project plans and technical specifications (plans and specifications).

Eligible geographic areas

Province of Quebec
Agglomeration of Îles-de-la-Madeleine (with specific funding enhancements for projects in this area)

Selection criteria

For existing agricultural operations with annual revenue of less than $50,000 and new agricultural businesses (Volet 1):
- Management capacity of the leadership team.
- Technical feasibility of the project.
- Market analysis and marketing strategy.
- Realism of the timeline and financial feasibility of the project.
For existing agricultural operations with annual revenue of $50,000 or more (Volet 2):
- Realism of the timeline and financial feasibility of the project.

How to apply

Step 1: Download and Complete Application Forms
- Obtain the official financial assistance application form in French from the Ministry’s website.
- For Volet 1 (existing farms with under $50,000 annual revenue or new agricultural enterprises): Complete the full business plan template specific to the Initiative.
- For Volet 2 (existing farms with $50,000+ annual revenue): Complete the partial business plan template specific to the Initiative.
- Fill out the "Prévisions budgétaires – 3 ans" document or provide equivalent 3-year budget forecast information.
Step 2: Gather Required Supporting Documents
- Copy of the diploma or proof of completed training for at least one eligible leader (see Annex 1 of the Programme d’appui financier à la relève agricole).
- Financial statements for the applicant’s two most recent complete fiscal years, if available.
- Proof of ownership or lease for the project site (deed of sale or valid lease of at least five years).
- If a cooperative: Secretary’s attestation confirming the leader's status as a worker-member, and an extract from the AGM resolution proving director election and the date of entry.
- If authorizing a representative: Power of attorney, minute, or resolution authorizing the representative to sign on behalf of the applicant.
Step 3: Submit the Application
- Send the fully completed application form and all required supporting documents to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Quebec (MAPAQ) according to the instructions on their official website.
- Applications must be submitted in French.
Step 4: Acknowledgement and Review
- Upon receipt, the Ministry will issue an acknowledgment of receipt to the applicant.
- The Ministry will only review complete applications for eligibility and project admissibility.
Step 5: Selection and Notification
- If the project is selected, the applicant will receive an approval letter and a draft financial assistance agreement for signature.
- If the project is not retained, a refusal letter will be sent to the applicant.
Step 6: Sign the Agreement
- Sign and return the financial assistance agreement provided by the Ministry, if selected, to formalize the grant.
Step 7: Project Implementation and Claims
- Carry out the project in accordance with the agreement.
- Provide required deliverables, supporting documents, invoices, and photographs as stipulated in the agreement for disbursement of funds.
- Declare all public funding received related to the project at each claim stage.

Additional information

The initiative requires maintaining and retaining all project-related documentation for five years following project completion, for verification purposes.
Beneficiaries must recognize the Ministry's contribution in all public communications related to the funded project.
Modifications to program rules or funding amounts can be made by the Minister without prior notice.
Compliance with the Charter of the French Language and all relevant laws and regulations is mandatory throughout the grant period.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Ministerial initiative “Agricultural succession and entrepreneurship” Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Ministerial initiative “Agricultural succession and entrepreneurship”. 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.