
PADAAR — Measure 4078 – Support for membership of a cooperative for the use of agricultural equipment (CUMA) and a cooperative for the replacement of agricultural labor
Last Update: July 22, 2025
QC, Canada
Supports Quebec farms joining equipment and labor cooperatives
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- From $1,000 to $4,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : June 25, 2024
- Closing date : February 15, 2026
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open
Overview
The PADAAR – Measure 4078 grant provides up to $4,000 per applicant annually to support farm businesses joining a cooperative for agricultural equipment use (CUMA) or a cooperative for the replacement of agricultural labor. This financial aid aims to promote best on-farm practices and strengthen farm performance by subsidizing membership fees and usage costs in these cooperatives.
Financing terms and conditions
- Non-repayable contribution covering up to 50% of eligible expenses.
- Maximum financial assistance of $4,000 per applicant per year.
- Up to $2,000 per activity branch per year for CUMA membership.
- Additional 20% bonus for applicants considered part of the agricultural succession (relève agricole).
Activities funded
- Joining a cooperative for shared agricultural equipment use (CUMA).
- Joining a cooperative for replacement of agricultural labor.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 72,000
Upgrading retail IT infrastructure to enable contactless payments
$ 65,000
Adopting ISO 14001 certification for a small manufacturing enterprise
$ 95,000
Establishing an energy-efficient refrigeration system for food storage
$ 110,000
Implementing a green roof on the headquarters of a nonprofit
$ 52,000
Developing an e-commerce platform for a regional craft cooperative
$ 86,000
Launching an inclusive employment program for newcomers and refugees
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a registered agricultural enterprise with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in Quebec.
- The applicant must be seeking membership in either a legally constituted cooperative for the use of agricultural equipment (CUMA) or a legally constituted cooperative for the replacement of agricultural labor.
- For CUMA projects, the applicant must join at least one branch of activity composed of a minimum of three members (including the applicant) who are not related agricultural enterprises.
- The application must include all required supporting documents, such as a signed application form and relevant agreements or summaries depending on the cooperative type.
Who is eligible?
- Agricultural enterprises registered with the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation
Who is not eligible
- Companies that are not registered as agricultural operations with the Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation (MAPAQ).
- Businesses seeking to join CUMAs or cooperatives not legally constituted.
- Applicants whose projects do not include eligible expenses of at least $1,000 (or $750 for young farmers).
- Companies that are considered linked agricultural operations (i.e., those sharing a common leader holding more than 50% of shares or stakes in each).
Eligible expenses
- Share of usage fees required for joining one or more branches of an agricultural equipment cooperative (CUMA).
- Usage fees paid for membership in a cooperative for the replacement of agricultural labor, including annual cooperative dues and administrative costs related to use of services.
Eligible geographic areas
- Quebec
How to apply
1
Review eligibility and documents
- Read the complete text of the program to understand the requirements and eligibility criteria
- Review all reference documents related to Measure 4078
2
Prepare and complete application
- Complete and sign the financial assistance application form for Measure 4078
- Gather required documents, such as contracts, invoices, summaries, and proof of authorization
3
Submit the application
- Submit the completed application and required documents by email to padaar@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca
- Ensure the submission is made by February 15 of the current government financial year
4
Confirm receipt of application
- Monitor for an automatic acknowledgment of receipt by email
- If acknowledgment is not received, check spam/junk folder and follow up as needed
5
Respond to additional requests
- If needed, respond promptly to any request for additional information or documents from the ministry
- Keep all supporting documents and evidence for 5 years after the last payment
6
Request review of decision
- Request a review of the decision within 30 days if needed, using the appropriate revision form
Additional information
- Financial assistance is provided as a non-repayable contribution.
- Applicants must retain invoices and payment proofs related to the project for five years following the final disbursement of financial support.
- Applicants can request a review of an evaluation decision within 30 days of its notification; however, new information or documents not included in the original application will not be considered in the review.
- For some regions, a different application process may apply; applicants should consult designated contacts for details.
Contacts
padaar@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca
Frequently Asked Questions about the PADAAR — Measure 4078 – Support for membership of a cooperative for the use of agricultural equipment (CUMA) and a cooperative for the replacement of agricultural labor Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the PADAAR — Measure 4078 – Support for membership of a cooperative for the use of agricultural equipment (CUMA) and a cooperative for the replacement of agricultural labor. 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.
What is the PADAAR — Measure 4078 – Support for membership of a cooperative for the use of agricultural equipment (CUMA) and a cooperative for the replacement of agricultural labor?
How much funding can be received?
What expenses are eligible under PADAAR — Measure 4078 – Support for membership of a cooperative for the use of agricultural equipment (CUMA) and a cooperative for the replacement of agricultural labor?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the PADAAR — Measure 4078 – Support for membership of a cooperative for the use of agricultural equipment (CUMA) and a cooperative for the replacement of agricultural labor a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the PADAAR — Measure 4078 – Support for membership of a cooperative for the use of agricultural equipment (CUMA) and a cooperative for the replacement of agricultural labor?
Who is eligible for the PADAAR — Measure 4078 – Support for membership of a cooperative for the use of agricultural equipment (CUMA) and a cooperative for the replacement of agricultural labor program?
Who can I contact for more information about the PADAAR — Measure 4078 – Support for membership of a cooperative for the use of agricultural equipment (CUMA) and a cooperative for the replacement of agricultural labor?
Where is the PADAAR — Measure 4078 – Support for membership of a cooperative for the use of agricultural equipment (CUMA) and a cooperative for the replacement of agricultural labor available?
Are youth (under 40) eligible for the PADAAR — Measure 4078 – Support for membership of a cooperative for the use of agricultural equipment (CUMA) and a cooperative for the replacement of agricultural labor program?
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