How much funding can be received?

The grant, part of the Programme d'appui au développement des appellations réservées et des termes valorisants, provides financial assistance to increase the number of businesses obtaining certification for reserved appellations and valorizing terms, with a maximum funding amount of $5,000 per applicant for the program duration. Eligible activities include the enterprise's adhesion to and product certification for an ARTV.

grant_single_labels|projects

The eligible projects for this grant are related to achieving certification for the business's products under a recognized "Appellation Réservée et Termes Valorisan" (ARTV) in Quebec. This initiative aims to support businesses in obtaining official recognition for their products, fostering the development of quality standards and protecting cultural heritage.

Adherence to a recognized "Appellation Réservée et Termes Valorisan" (ARTV) certification by the business.
Certification of a business product for the use of an "Appellation Réservée et Termes Valorisan" (ARTV).

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and restrictions on specific types of entities.

The applicant must be an individual enterprise or a business operated by a legal entity constituted under Quebec or Canadian law, including corporations, non-profit organizations (NPOs), cooperatives, or partnerships.
The applicant must not be a ministry, budgetary body, or state-owned enterprise as defined under Quebec's Financial Administration Act, nor an entity directly or indirectly controlled by a government or municipal entity.
The applicant must not be a financial cooperative or financial institution.
The applicant must not be listed among non-compliant businesses on the francization process list by the Office québécois de la langue française.
The applicant must not be registered in the Registry of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA).
The applicant must not have defaulted on obligations related to previous financial assistance from the Ministry within two years prior to applying.
The applicant must not be under protection from the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or bankruptcy and insolvency law.
The applicant must not be under any order related to animal welfare or safety laws.
The applicant must not violate the Act respecting Reserved Designations and Added-Value Claims (LARTV).

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

For the Appui à la certification grant, eligible applicants include individuals and legal entities conducting business in Quebec or Canada under specific organizational forms.

An individual enterprise or legal entity constituted under Quebec or Canadian laws (corporation, non-profit organization (NPO), cooperative, embodied association).
Partnerships, including general partnerships, limited partnerships, and joint ventures (SENC, SEC, SEP).
Unincorporated associations may apply.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

The grant has restrictions on certain companies and industries based on their status and compliance history. These limitations are meant to align the funding with entities that adhere to specific eligibility and compliance standards.

Ministries, budgetary organizations, or state-owned companies listed in Annexes 1 and 3 of the Financial Administration Act.
Companies controlled directly or indirectly by provincial or federal governments or a state-owned company.
Municipal entities.
Financial cooperatives or banking institutions.
Companies listed as non-compliant with the francization process by the Office québécois de la langue française.
Businesses, including subcontractors, listed in the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA).
Companies that have defaulted on obligations related to a previous MAPAQ financial aid within the past two years.
Entities under protection from bankruptcy laws such as the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
Businesses under an order from the minister or a judge under the Animal Welfare and Safety Act.
Companies violating the Reserved Designations and Added-Value Claims Act (LARTV).

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers expenses directly related to the project, specifically involving certification expertise.

Fees for services from an accredited certification body approved by the Council of reserved designations and valorizing terms (CARTV) for the targeted ARTV.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Obtain Necessary Documents
Download the required application form from the Programme's website.
Gather all necessary supporting documents and information about your enterprise, such as its legal status and relevant certifications.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Fill out all sections of the application form accurately.
Sign the application form, ensuring it's signed by an authorized person in the organization.
Include a resolution or a proxy if the signatory is not the owner.
Step 3: Submit the Application
Email the completed and signed application form, along with all supporting documents as instructed, to padartv@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca.
Step 4: Await Acknowledgment
Receive an acknowledgment of receipt from the Ministry confirming they have received your application.
Step 5: Await Decision and Further Instructions
If the application is complete and meets eligibility, receive a confirmation of admissibility.
Receive a decision letter regarding the funding, which will include instructions on the next steps if approved.
Step 6: Finalize Agreement
If approved, sign the financial aid agreement and return it to the Ministry.
Step 7: Provide Deliverables
Submit required deliverables according to the financial aid agreement.
Ensure that all documents and deliverables meet the Ministry's requirements.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Acknowledgment of receipt or confirmation of acceptability does not guarantee funding or obligate the Ministry, as the applicant and their project must meet all conditions and criteria outlined in the guidelines.
The financial aid is disbursed in one installment after the approval of deliverables by the ministry.
Applicants are required to provide verifiable and compliant justifications for all eligible expenses submitted.
Projects can be submitted continuously until March 1, 2026, or until funding is exhausted, whichever comes first.
The maximum amount of financial aid per applicant for the duration of the program is $5,000.
Applicants may need to provide a board resolution or authorization for the individual signing the application, depending on the legal status of the entity.
Admissible projects must be aimed at gaining membership to a recognized designation and certifying products for the use of said designation.

grant_single_labels|contact

padartv@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca

4183802100

Apply to this program

Support for Certification through Reserved Designations Program

The "Volet 3 — Appui à la certification" of the "Programme d’appui au développement des appellations réservées et des termes valorisants" offers financial assistance to businesses in Quebec pursuing certification under reserved designations and valorizing terms. This initiative seeks to enhance the number of businesses achieving certification, thereby contributing to the regional and cultural heritage of Quebec.

In-Depth Insights into the Certification Support Program

The "Volet 3 — Appui à la certification" under the Quebec government's reserved designations and valorizing terms program is a significant opportunity for businesses aiming to bolster their market identity and confirm product quality through certification. This initiative, managed by Quebec's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, targets enterprises wishing to attain recognition through certified labels that assure consumers of quality and authenticity, which are crucial in today's competitive markets where consumers increasingly demand transparency and credibility.

The program is part of a broader strategy to protect and promote the cultural heritage of the region by supporting appellations réservées et termes valorisants (reserved designations and valorizing terms). It is particularly aligned with efforts to foster economic development in specific sectors and regions, ensuring the sustainability and integrity of local products. By doing so, it provides a framework that encourages companies to adhere to rigorous standards, thus enhancing their products' market competitiveness.

Eligible applicants include individual enterprises and entities legally established under Quebec or Canadian laws, such as corporations, cooperatives, and associations. The certification support not only assists these businesses financially but also places them at a strategic advantage by enhancing their products' market appeal and consumer trust through recognized certifications.

Funding under this program covers up to 75% of eligible certification-related expenses in the first year, decreasing to 60% in the second year and 40% in the third year. This tiered structure encourages businesses to maintain and build upon their operational standards over multiple years, ensuring sustained product quality improvement and market distinction. The maximum financial assistance can reach up to $5,000 over the duration of the program for each applicant, with the condition that applicants contribute at least 20% of the eligible expenditure from their sources.

The process of securing this funding involves a detailed application that substantiates the business's eligibility and the project's compliance with the program requirements. The application requires thorough documentation, including a business plan detailing how the project aligns with the reserved designation or valorizing term sought. Upon acceptance, recipients must adhere strictly to specified deliverables as outlined in their financial aid agreements, with distributions contingent upon submission and approval of these deliverables by the Ministry.

This program not only provides crucial financial support but also extends indirect benefits, such as enhanced consumer perception and market reputation, that can be pivotal for businesses as they navigate competitive landscapes. Achieving and maintaining certification serves not only as a testament to product excellence but as a strategic move to differentiate brands in niche markets.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, and as consumers become more discerning, certifications supported by programs like "Volet 3 — Appui à la certification" offer a vital tool for businesses. They help in cultivating trust and ensuring that product offerings live up to the highest expectations. This ultimately contributes to the long-term sustainability and growth of the region's agricultural and food production sectors, reinforcing Quebec's cultural and economic legacy.