PSO – Organic food

Q: How much funding can be received?

PSO – Organic food Funds up to 27% of admissible expenses, capped at $500000 per project.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the PSO – Organic food a grant, loan, or tax credit?

PSO – Organic food is a Researchers And Facilities

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the PSO – Organic food?

PSO – Organic food is funded by Consortium de recherche et d'innovations en bioprocédés industriels au Québec (CRIBIQ)

Q: Who is eligible for the PSO – Organic food program?

To be eligible for the PSO – Organic food program, you must: • Must partner with a Quebec public research institute (IRPQ) • Companies operating in Quebec with a French website required • Companies with 25+ employees must provide a francization certificate or equivalent

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the PSO – Organic food?

You can contact Consortium de recherche et d'innovations en bioprocédés industriels au Québec (CRIBIQ) or by phone at 4189141608.

Q: Where is the PSO – Organic food available?

The PSO – Organic food program is available the province of QC.

Q: Are startups eligible for the PSO – Organic food program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the PSO – Organic food program.

Last Update: August 22, 2025

QC, Canada

Supports collaborative biofood research and innovation projects in Quebec

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $500,000
Up to 27% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : October 1, 2025

Financing Type

Researchers And Facilities

Partnering and Collaboration

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
Professional, scientific and technical services

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Closed

Overview

The PSO – Organic Food program provides up to $500,000 per year (maximum $1,500,000 over three years) to support collaborative research projects that drive innovation in Quebec's agri-food sector. Eligible activities include the development of innovative products and processes in food production, food safety, functional foods, transformation, and bio-ingredient valorization.

Financing terms and conditions

For SMEs: Minimum 20% industry contribution (cash), up to 40% CRIBIQ funding (cash), up to 40% other public funding.
For large enterprises: Minimum 40% industry contribution (up to 50% can be in-kind), up to 20% CRIBIQ funding (cash), up to 40% other public funding.
Maximum grant of $500,000 per year, up to $1,500,000 over three years (including MEIE indirect costs coverage where applicable).
Equipment purchase or rental costs eligible up to 25% of total eligible costs, and not exceeding $25,000 per equipment before taxes.
Professional fees capped at 10% of total budget, up to $25,000 per project.

Activities funded

Research and development of innovative food production methods, including animal, plant, and aquatic sectors.
Development and optimization of food processing and transformation processes.
Creation of functional foods and health-enhancing bio-ingredients.
Projects aimed at improving food safety, traceability, and reducing food waste.
Valorization and repurposing of food co-products or by-products.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 340,000

Smart sensor development for dairy fermentation traceability improvement

$ 423,000

Development of high-fiber snack prototypes using local legume flours

$ 355,000

Research on aquaponics systems using Quebec native aquatic plants

$ 480,000

Automated sprout processing to reduce waste and increase food safety

$ 285,000

Valorization of fruit processing by-products into functional food powders

$ 475,000

Pilot project for upcycling brewery spent grain into food ingredients

Eligibility

The project must be submitted in partnership with a Quebec public research institute (IRPQ) and at least one company or industrial association.
The applicant company must be actively involved in developing innovative products or processes that benefit Quebec's biofood sector.
The company must operate in the agri-food production, processing, or health food and functional bio-ingredient sectors relevant to Quebec's biofood industry.
Companies with 25 or more employees must provide proof of francization or relevant documentation, and companies conducting business in Quebec must have a French-language website.
All participating organizations must be regular members of CRIBIQ at the time of submitting the detailed application.

Who is eligible?

Public research institutes in Quebec
Enterprises involved in the biofood sector
Industrial associations related to the biofood sector

Who is not eligible

Companies whose industrial contribution is funded by other government aids (industrial contributions must not come from government funding).
Companies conducting business in Quebec without a French-language website (this restriction does not apply to international partners).
Non-member organizations that have not paid their membership fees to CRIBIQ at the time of detailed application submission.

Eligible expenses

Salaries and social benefits (excluding university researchers already funded by their institution or government agency, and teachers released for project-related activities).
Scholarships for students or postdoctoral trainees (minimum 20% of the budget must go towards student training).
Materials, laboratory consumables, and small laboratory devices (excluding non-eligible equipment expenditures).
Purchase or rental of equipment (up to 25% of total eligible expenses and a maximum of $25,000 per piece of equipment, before tax).
Animal facility and platform fees.
Travel and accommodation expenses in accordance with Quebec Treasury Board standards.
Intellectual property management and operating fees.
Professional fees (contracts, subcontracting) incurred by a research institute, justified and up to 10% of the total budget or $25,000 maximum, following relevant public procurement laws.
CRIBIQ analysis and project follow-up fees (5% of total project cost, plus taxes).

Eligible geographic areas

Quebec

Selection criteria

Innovative character or prospects for innovation compared to the current state of the art (eliminatory criterion).
Quality and appropriateness of the management team’s scientific expertise in relation to business needs.
Scientific quality, methodology, and soundness of the project structure.
Potential impact, including prospects for use or integration of the project results by industrial partners and potential economic or commercial applications (eliminatory criterion).
Realism of the timeline and justification of the financial structure, as well as the inclusion of qualified personnel training.

How to apply

Check eligibility and CRIBIQ membership

Review the eligibility requirements for your organization (PME or large enterprise)
Ensure your project aligns with program priorities and research themes
Confirm consortium membership status with CRIBIQ

Assemble project partners

Identify at least one Quebec public research institute (IRPQ) and one industrial or business partner
Ensure alignment between research and industrial partners' roles
Collect required documentation (e.g., certificate of francisation if applicable)

Prepare project proposal

Define project objectives, innovation aspects, and expected impacts
Prepare detailed project plan including methodology, budget, and timeline
Allocate at least 20% of the budget for student training

Submit detailed application

Submit the detailed application (Demande détaillée) via the CRIBIQ process
Ensure all consortium fees are paid at the time of application
Attach supporting documents and comply with CRIBIQ guidelines

Await results and follow up

Wait for the review and evaluation by CRIBIQ
Respond to any additional information requests if contacted
Monitor the status of your application

Additional information

The next call for proposals is scheduled for April 15, 2025.
Membership in the CRIBIQ consortium is mandatory for all project partners at the time of detailed application submission.
Partners must pay their membership or renewal fees to CRIBIQ prior to submitting the detailed application.
Strict compliance with CRIBIQ's membership requirements is necessary throughout the project process.

Contacts

4189141608

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the PSO – Organic food Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the PSO – Organic food. 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.