How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $4000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is 2026-02-15T23:59:59Z.

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

Q: What are 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's eligibility criterias?

The applicant must be a registered agricultural operation. The project must involve joining a legally constituted CUMA or agricultural labor replacement cooperative. Eligible expenditures must be at least $1,000 ($750 for new generation farmers).

Last Update: July 22, 2025

QC, Canada

Supports Quebec farms joining equipment and labor cooperatives

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 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

Grant Providers

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ)

Program status

Open

Overview 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 program

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).

Eligible projects & activities

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 criteria 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 program

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 to 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

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

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

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

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

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

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.