Financial assistance to develop the production, processing and marketing of Nordic biofood products
Last Update: April 27, 2025
QC, Canada
Supports northern Quebec biofood production, processing, and marketing initiatives
Financial assistance to develop the production, processing and marketing of Nordic biofood products at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Min. $10,000
- Up to 80% of project cost
Timeline
- Continuous Intakes
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
- Accommodation and food services
Grant Providers
- Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ)
- Gouvernement du Québec
Status
Open
Overview of the Financial assistance to develop the production, processing and marketing of Nordic biofood products program
The Financial Assistance to Develop the Production, Processing and Marketing of Nordic Biofood Products program supports projects in Quebec’s northern regions with funding of up to 80% of eligible expenses, based on project type and justification. The program aims to encourage sustainable development, processing, and commercialization of Nordic biofood products, covering activities such as agri-food production, processing, marketing, knowledge transfer, and agrotourism initiatives.
Financing terms and conditions
- Minimum financial assistance per project is $10,000.
- For non-collective projects, funding generally covers up to 50% of eligible expenditures, but can reach up to 80% with justified exceptions.
- For collective projects, financial aid can cover up to 80% of eligible costs, with higher percentages possible if duly justified.
- Total funding requests over $300,000 require supplementary justification.
- If the approved aid is $50,000 or more, it must be validated by the Secrétariat du Conseil du trésor; if $1 million or more (or for Indigenous organizations), a governmental decree is required.
Eligible projects & activities
- Developing or diversifying the production of Nordic biofood products.
- Transforming Nordic biofood products through improved processes.
- Marketing and commercializing Nordic biofood products.
- Conducting knowledge-sharing initiatives related to Nordic biofood economic activities.
- Launching individual or collective agrotourism or local marketing projects to promote Nordic culinary identities.
Eligibility criteria of the Financial assistance to develop the production, processing and marketing of Nordic biofood products program
- The applicant must reside in Quebec or operate their activities in Quebec.
- The project must be carried out north of the 49th parallel or north of the Saint Lawrence River and Gulf of Saint Lawrence.
- The project must address at least one of the program's objectives, such as development, diversification, or marketing of Nordic biofood products; enhancement of biofood practices; development of agritourism or local marketing; or reduction of environmental impact.
Who is eligible?
- Businesses operating in the Nordic agri-food sector
- Entrepreneurs or promoters (existing or start-ups) involved in the production, processing, or marketing of Nordic biofood products
- Organizations involved in the development or diversification of biofood activities in the Nordic region
- Entities carrying out collective or individual projects in agrotourism or local marketing related to Nordic biofood resources
- Applicants residing in Quebec or carrying out activities in Quebec, on the eligible northern territory
Who is not eligible
- Projects that already receive financial assistance from the Société du Plan Nord (SPN) are not eligible.
Eligible expenses
- Expenses related to the development of sustainable production, processing, and marketing of Nordic biofood products.
- Costs associated with the acquisition, development, and transfer of knowledge to improve Nordic biofood practices.
- Expenses for the development or diversification of agricultural, fishing, aquaculture, or food processing activities (excluding the purchase of boats and fishing quotas).
- Costs related to the implementation of collective projects that enhance the production and market of Nordic biofood and bioproducts.
Eligible geographic areas
- Projects must be carried out north of the 49th parallel (49th degree of north latitude) and north of the Saint Lawrence River and the Gulf of Saint Lawrence.
- Applicants must reside in Quebec or operate their activities in Quebec.
Eligibility criteria of the Financial assistance to develop the production, processing and marketing of Nordic biofood products program
- Projects are analyzed regionally by the concerned MAPAQ directorates for alignment with the grant’s objectives.
- Recommendation by a selection committee composed of representatives from MAPAQ and the Société du Plan Nord (SPN).
- Approval by the appropriate government authorities based on the amount of financial assistance requested.
How to apply to the Financial assistance to develop the production, processing and marketing of Nordic biofood products program
1
Consult the applicant's guide
- Review the applicant's guide to understand the financial assistance program and eligibility requirements
- Access and download the applicant's guide from the official program page
2
Complete the application form
- Download and complete the financial assistance application form (Word format)
- Ensure all required information is filled in
- Save the form on your computer before entering data
3
Gather required documents
- Gather all supporting documents listed in section 10 of the application form
- Ensure all documents meet the program's requirements
4
Submit application by email
- Sign the completed application form
- Submit the signed form and all required documents to entente.mapaq.spn@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca
- Use the specified email address regardless of your region
Additional information
- Funding requests are accepted on a continuous basis until October 31, 2027, with all projects to be completed by March 1, 2028.
- For general inquiries, applicants can contact entente.mapaq.spn@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca, or reach out to the designated regional offices for support and guidance.
- Financial assistance of $50,000 or more requires approval from the Secrétariat du Conseil du trésor; amounts of $1 million or more, or grants to organizations representing First Nations or Inuit, require a government decree.
- Funds may be disbursed in up to three installments, with the final payment being at least 15% of the total support amount and possible advance payments if justified.
Contact Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ)
entente.mapaq.spn@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca
4189648521