Ministerial initiative for the remuneration of agri-environmental practices (RPA)

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Who is eligible for the Ministerial initiative for the remuneration of agri-environmental practices (RPA) program?

To be eligible for the Ministerial initiative for the remuneration of agri-environmental practices (RPA) program, you must: • Be a registered agricultural business with MAPAQ • Own or lease agricultural lands in Quebec • Commit to implementing at least one eligible agri-environmental practice

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Ministerial initiative for the remuneration of agri-environmental practices (RPA)?

You can contact La Financière agricole (FADQ).

Q: Where is the Ministerial initiative for the remuneration of agri-environmental practices (RPA) available?

The Ministerial initiative for the remuneration of agri-environmental practices (RPA) program is available the province of QC.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

QC, Canada

Financial support for sustainable agri-environmental farming practices

At a glance

Eligible Funding

From $1,500 to $50,000

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

The Ministerial Initiative for the Remuneration of Agri-Environmental Practices (RPA) offers up to $50,000 in funding to recognize and financially support Quebec agricultural businesses that implement agri-environmental practices exceeding regulatory requirements. Eligible activities include crop diversification, soil protection, reduction of herbicide use, adoption of non-insecticide-treated seeds, biodiversity enhancement measures, and participation in continuous agri-environmental training.

Financing terms and conditions

The maximum total financial assistance per applicant over the participation period is $50,000, with a minimum total amount of $1,500 required to remain eligible.
Financial aid is paid as a lump sum per year, calculated by multiplying the eligible acreage or area (hectares or square meters) by annual rates that vary by region and practice type.
Support for agri-environmental training is available, with $250 for 10–19 hours, $750 for 20–29 hours, and $1,500 for 30 hours or more, paid as a final installment if the total aid has not reached the maximum amount.
Financial aid is issued over a maximum of five payments: the first (25% of potential aid) after initial declarations, the next three (up to 25% each) after annual verifications, and the fifth covering training assistance if applicable.
If the total of all eligible government funding received for the same purposes exceeds the eligible amount, the recipient must reimburse the difference.

Activities funded

Implementation of diversified crop rotations beyond standard regulatory requirements.
Adoption of soil protection measures during off-season, such as cover crops and reduced soil tillage.
Reduction in the use of herbicides through alternative weed management or targeted application methods.
Use of seeds not treated with insecticides in maize production.
Development of on-farm features that enhance biodiversity, such as expanded tree or shrub buffer strips and establishment of wooded hedges or groves.

Eligibility

The applicant must be an agricultural enterprise registered with the Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ).
The applicant must own or lease agricultural land located in Quebec.
The applicant must commit to implementing at least one eligible agri-environmental practice covered by the program.
The applicant must complete, before the end of the participation period, an agri-environmental risk assessment.

Who is eligible?

Agricultural enterprises registered with the Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation (MAPAQ)

Who is not eligible

Companies listed in the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA).
Companies that have defaulted on previous financial aid commitments to the Ministry within the two years prior to application, after formal notice.
Companies not in compliance with the Charter of the French Language (RLRQ, chapitre C-11).
Companies under protection of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
Federal public office holders or officials, Members of the House of Commons or Senate, and related parties in conflict of interest, as defined by relevant Canadian legislation and codes.

Eligible expenses

Costs associated with the implementation of eligible agri-environmental practices on agricultural land, such as diversification of crops, soil protection during off-season periods, reduction of herbicide use, use of non-insecticide-treated seeds, and establishment of features supporting biodiversity (e.g., hedgerows, expanded riparian buffer strips).
Training expenses for agri-environmental courses that are part of the recognized continuing education pathway.

Eligible geographic areas

Businesses located in Quebec.

How to apply

Verify eligibility requirements

Ensure your business is a registered agricultural enterprise with MAPAQ
Confirm ownership or lease of agricultural land in Quebec
Commit to implementing at least one eligible agri-environmental practice
Plan to complete an agro-environmental risk assessment before the end of participation

Submit application form online

Access your online account on the FADQ website
Complete the application form during an open enrollment period, before the deadline
If you do not have an online account, contact your regional service center

Submit required declarations annually

Provide the required declaration of exploitable land and eligible crop areas at the time of application
Authorize FADQ to produce an agricultural parcel plan
Submit annual declarations of sown areas and biodiversity-enhancing features by November 1 each year
Submit annual declarations of areas where eligible practices are applied by December 15 each year

Provide supporting documents and comply

Provide supporting documents when required as per accounting standards and admissible practices
Ensure compliance with all agronomic and regulatory standards during the participation period
For each payment, provide any additional deliverables or proofs requested

Receive funding and finalize participation

Receive financial aid in up to five installments based on compliance and validated declarations
Ensure your cumulative financial aid meets the minimum and does not exceed the maximum limit
If applicable, submit proof of completed eligible agri-environmental training for the final payment

Additional information

The initiative's total funding envelope may be limited, and the Ministry reserves the right to restrict the number of applications to respect budgetary constraints.
Participants must publicly acknowledge the support of the Minister and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in any dissemination or promotional activities related to the funded project.
Applicants must retain relevant supporting documents and make them available for verification for up to five years after the end of their participation period.
The initiative's conditions and budget may be changed at any time by the Minister without prior notice.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Ministerial initiative for the remuneration of agri-environmental practices (RPA) Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Ministerial initiative for the remuneration of agri-environmental practices (RPA). 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.