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Ministerial initiative for the remuneration of agri-environmental practices (RPA)
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Quebec, Canada
Financial support for sustainable agri-environmental farming practices
Grant and Funding
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.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Reduce the ecological footprint
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 50,000 $
- Minimum amount : 1,500 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
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
1
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
2
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
3
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
4
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
5
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.
