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MAPAQ — Ministerial Initiative for Plant Productivity
QC, Canada
Enhancing Quebec's agricultural productivity through equipment funding
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJanuary 7, 2025
- grant_single|closingDateFebruary 7, 2025
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|openingSoon
grant_single_labels|preview
The Initiative ministérielle Productivité végétale provides non-repayable grants of up to $50,000 to increase productivity in Quebec's plant production and apiculture sectors through the purchase of equipment. Eligible activities include improving workforce productivity in targeted plant production and increasing the apicultural herd.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
This grant provides non-repayable financial aid designed to enhance the productivity in specific agricultural sectors in Quebec. The funding levels are determined based on the nature of the project and the applicant’s compliance with specific criteria.
- Non-repayable contribution with a maximum financial aid rate of 45% for labor productivity projects in plant production (Volet 1) and up to 50% for projects increasing the beekeeping industry (Volet 2).
- An additional 15% aid may be granted if the project satisfies one of the following: involves products with biological precertification or certification, relates to a new generation farm, involves an agricultural equipment cooperative (CUMA), or is located in a peripheral region.
- The maximum total aid per applicant for the duration of the initiative, including any bonuses, is capped at $50,000.
- Expenditure eligibility must meet a minimum threshold of $5,000 at the time of application.
- The aid is cumulative for projects submitted during the first submission period (November to December 2023), affecting the calculation of the maximum aid amount.
grant_single_labels|projects
The MAPAQ — Ministerial Initiative for Plant Productivity focuses on enhancing the productivity of plant-based agricultural operations and beekeeping in Quebec through technology acquisition and resource improvement. Eligible projects range from purchasing agricultural equipment to improve workforce productivity to acquiring materials that support beekeeping health and expansion.
- Acquisition of agricultural equipment to reduce manual labor hours in targeted plant production.
- Purchase of equipment to increase the productivity of agricultural workers in plant production.
- Procurement of equipment or materials to enhance the survival rate of bee colonies and expand the apicultural livestock.
- Implementation of new technology or equipment to achieve significant labor savings in apiculture.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 50,000
Introducing precision agriculture tech to minimize labor costs
$ 50,000
Purchasing automated irrigation systems to increase crop yield
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 a Cooperative for the Use of Agricultural Equipment (CUMA) or an agricultural operation with at least 50% of its gross agricultural income coming from targeted plant productions.
- The agricultural operation's eligibility will use information from its agricultural operation registration file with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ). It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure before the submission of a financial assistance application that this information reflects their current situation.
- For applicants involved in apiculture, the operation must be registered in the MAPAQ bee owners' registry and adhere to the "Bee Protection" subgroup of crop insurance provided by La Financière agricole du Québec.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
To be eligible for the grant under Volet 1, applicants must either be a Cooperative for the Use of Agricultural Equipment (CUMA) or an agricultural operation with at least 50% of its gross agricultural income derived from targeted plant productions, as verified through the MAPAQ's farm registration records. For Volet 2, applicants must be a CUMA or a farm engaged in beekeeping, registered with the MAPAQ's bee owner registry, and must participate in La Financière agricole du Québec's bee protection insurance program. Additionally, projects must have eligible expenses of at least $5,000 and be completed with claims filed by February 15 of the following financial year. Projects by a CUMA must involve at least three agricultural operations and aim to purchase equipment improving labor productivity or, for beekeeping, reducing bee mortality.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant focus on the acquisition of agricultural equipment and materials linked to productivity and expansion objectives.
- Purchase of agricultural equipment for improving productivity in targeted plant production, which allows for a reduction of at least 40 labor hours annually in the identified agricultural task.
- Purchase of beekeeping equipment and materials that maintain hive health, increase bee survival rates, and expand the bee colonies.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available for companies located in specified regions in Quebec. The eligible regions are designated to encourage agricultural productivity in less urbanized areas.
- Abitibi-Témiscamingue–Nord-du-Québec
- Bas-Saint-Laurent
- Côte-Nord
- Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine
- Outaouais
- Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Verify Eligibility
- Ensure your business is either a CUMA or a qualifying agricultural operation as defined by the grant guidelines.
- Confirm that your agricultural registration details with MAPAQ are current and reflect your present situation.
- Step 2: Prepare Financial Documentation
- Gather necessary financial documents, including financial statements if your registration details are not up to date.
- Step 3: Project Preparation
- Develop a detailed project proposal outlining eligible expenses and the anticipated productivity gains.
- Identify if your project is eligible for bonus financial aid, such as involvement in organic precertification or located in a peripheral region.
- Step 4: Complete the Application Form
- Fill out the application form, providing detailed descriptions of the project and its potential impact on productivity.
- Include any required justifications, such as supporting documentation for a supplier deviation if applicable.
- Step 5: Submission of Application
- Submit the completed application form and all supporting documents before the specified deadline for your region.
- Ensure submissions are made while funds are still available, as applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis until credits are exhausted.
- Step 6: Contact Regional MAPAQ Office
- If needed, reach out to your regional MAPAQ office for further assistance or clarification during the application process.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The submission of projects will continue until February 7, 2025, or until funds are exhausted, with only complete applications being processed.
- Grants are non-refundable and provided as subsidies, with a maximum funding rate of 45% for Volet 1 and 50% for Volet 2 of eligible expenses.
- Additional financial aid (15% of eligible expenses) can be given in cases of biological precertification, new entrant farms, CUMAs, or projects in peripheral regions.
- A maximum aid amount of $50,000, including bonuses, can be awarded per applicant throughout the initiative's duration.
- Equipment shared among different agricultural operations must be included in a single application.
- For agricultural equipment valued at $2,500 or more, preference must be given to suppliers located in Quebec, with the possibility of applying for a waiver if unavailable locally.
