How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $150000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Support program for the development of reserved designations and valuable terms — Component 1 Development support

Q: What are Support program for the development of reserved designations and valuable terms — Component 1 Development support's eligibility criterias?

For-profit businesses must apply as part of an association or group of companies from the biofood sector.

Last Update: June 23, 2025

QC, Canada

Supporting development of reserved designations and valorizing terms

Support program for the development of reserved designations and valuable terms — Component 1 Development support at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $150,000
Up to 75% of project cost

Timeline

Continuous Intakes

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Grant Providers

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ)

Status

Open

Overview of the Support program for the development of reserved designations and valuable terms — Component 1 Development support program

The "Programme d'appui au développement des appellations réservées et des termes valorisants" provides a maximum of $150,000 in funding per applicant, aiming to support the development of reserved designations and quality terms in Quebec's agro-food sector. Eligible activities include conducting feasibility studies, developing control specifications, and addressing issues related to the recognition process by the CARTV.

Financing terms and conditions

Financial assistance covers up to 75% of eligible expenses for most project types.
Maximum financial aid per applicant for Component 1: $35,000 for an opportunity study or complementary study; $90,000 for the development of a technical specification and control plan.
Total funding for Component 1 cannot exceed $150,000 per applicant for the duration of the program.
For management support under Component 2.1: up to 75% of eligible expenses, with a maximum of $25,000 per year and $75,000 over the program.
For promotion and development under Component 2.2: up to 75% of eligible expenses, maximum $50,000 per project, and $150,000 total per applicant for the program. Minimum $5,000 request required.
For certification assistance under Component 3: maximum of 75% of eligible expenses in Year 1, 60% in Year 2, 40% in Year 3; up to $5,000 per applicant over the program.

Eligible projects & activities

Conducting feasibility studies to evaluate the validity of a project for the recognition of reserved designations or value-adding terms.
Preparing technical documents and control plans to support an application for recognition by the Conseil des appellations réservées et des termes valorisants (CARTV).
Carrying out additional studies to address issues raised during the application process for a reserved designation or value-adding term.

Eligibility criteria of the Support program for the development of reserved designations and valuable terms — Component 1 Development support program

The applicant must be an association or group of enterprises from the biofood sector, a legally constituted non-profit entity under Quebec or Canadian law (NPO, cooperative, or incorporated association), or an Indigenous community or nation recognized by the National Assembly of Quebec, mandated to represent an association or group of enterprises.
The project must focus on the development of reserved designations or value-adding terms, such as preparing analytical or governance documents for review by the Conseil des appellations réservées et des termes valorisants (CARTV).
The applicant must submit mandatory documents, including a completed application form, a comprehensive project description with forecasts and timelines, financial statements for the last two years (unless an exemption is granted), and a list of participating member companies.

Who is eligible?

Associations or groups of enterprises from the biofood sector
Non-profit organizations (NPOs) legally established under Quebec or Canadian law, including cooperatives or incorporated associations
Unincorporated associations mandated to represent an association or group of enterprises
Recognized Indigenous communities or nations mandated to represent an association or group of enterprises
Individually owned businesses or corporations established under Quebec or Canadian law, including general partnerships (SENC), limited partnerships (SEC), and undeclared partnerships (SEP)

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activities. It aims to ensure that funds support projects that comply with specific restrictions and align with the program's objectives.

Companies on the list of non-compliant businesses with the language requirements of the Office québécois de la langue française.
Entities listed in the Registre des entreprises non admissibles aux contrats publics (RENA).
Organizations that have previously failed to meet obligations related to prior financial aid from MAPAQ.
Companies under the protection of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
Organizations under any order related to the Animal Welfare and Safety Act.
Projects related to non-food-related products or services.
Projects connected to recreational cannabis products or those not approved by Health Canada.
Activities related to additional cannabis products, such as processed or topical items.

Eligible expenses

Costs related to preparing analysis and governance documents required for project review.
Expenses for producing specifications (cahier des charges) and control plans for recognition purposes.
Fees for conducting opportunity or complementary studies to address specific issues linked to the recognition process.
Expenditures related to marketing or commercialization plans, promotion campaigns, or organizing conferences and training sessions.
Costs for updating specifications and control plans.
Expenses associated with the certification process of a product under a reserved designation or promotional term.

Eligible geographic areas

Quebec

Eligibility criteria of the Support program for the development of reserved designations and valuable terms — Component 1 Development support program

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with empirical assessment to ensure alignment with the grant's objectives.

The potential of the project to contribute to the development of a reserved designation or a valorizing term.
The representativeness of the applicant in relation to their sector.
The realism of the financial model including viable partners.
The adequacy of the financial health of the association or group in ensuring project viability.
The realism and completeness of the proposed schedule.
The applicant’s capacity and expertise for project execution, including technical, organizational, and administrative abilities.
The consultant's necessary expertise for project realization.
The project's compliance with the Reserved Designations Regulation as related to the project.

How to apply to the Support program for the development of reserved designations and valuable terms — Component 1 Development support program

Preparation of the request

Fill out all sections of the financial assistance application form and have it signed by an authorized person.
Gather the required documents, including the financial statements for the last two years or Form T2042 if necessary.
Obtain a power of attorney or a document authorizing the applicant's representative to complete the financial assistance application.
Provide a list of the businesses in the association or the group supporting the project.
Write a complete description of the project, including budget forecasts and a timeline.

Transmission of the request

Send the complete request by email to padartv@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca.

Reception and analysis

Receive an acknowledgment of receipt after sending the request.
Follow the steps for the analysis of admissibility and decision by the Ministry.

Additional information

The program accepts continuous applications until March 1, 2026, or until available credits are fully allocated, whichever occurs first.
The last update to the program guidelines was on October 1, 2024; applicants are encouraged to consult the most recent documents.
Organizations unable to provide financial statements for the last two years may request an exemption if they demonstrate the impossibility of producing them at the time of project submission.