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PSO – Organic food
Last Update: April 1, 2026
Quebec, Canada
Supports collaborative biofood research and innovation projects in Quebec
Researchers And Facilities
Partnering and Collaboration
Grant and Funding
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.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Integrate new technologies
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 500,000 $
- Up to 27% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : October 1, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
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:
$ 355,000
Research on aquaponics systems using Quebec native aquatic plants
$ 285,000
Valorization of fruit processing by-products into functional food powders
$ 423,000
Development of high-fiber snack prototypes using local legume flours
$ 475,000
Pilot project for upcycling brewery spent grain into food ingredients
$ 340,000
Smart sensor development for dairy fermentation traceability improvement
$ 480,000
Automated sprout processing to reduce waste and increase food safety
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
1
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
2
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)
3
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
4
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
5
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
