29 agriculture and agri-food funding programs open to Quebec businesses. SCAP, AgriScience, Protein Industries Canada, Agricultural Clean Technology, dairy processing grants, and more — from $5,000 community grants to $10M federal programs.
Quebec offers 29 agriculture and agri-food funding programs in 2026, all available to Quebec-based businesses. The province is home to roughly 28,000 farms and generates over $9 billion annually in agri-food sector GDP — making it one of Canada's most significant agricultural economies. Quebec leads nationally in dairy, pork, poultry, and maple products, while its agri-food processing sector ranks second in Canada by output value.
Federal funding through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is the primary source for most Quebec agricultural businesses. The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) — a five-year $3.5B federal-provincial framework running 2023–2028 — delivers programs specifically co-managed with Quebec's MAPAQ (Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation). Quebec agri-food businesses can also access innovation funding through Protein Industries Canada Supercluster, the Agricultural Clean Technology Program, and the AgriScience Projects Component.
Quebec's dairy sector benefits from the Supply Management Processing Investment Fund (up to $10M per project), the largest single-project grant in this space. Export-oriented agri-food businesses should prioritize AgriMarketing programs — Core Stream (up to $2M/year) and SME Stream (up to $100K, 70% cost-share) — which cover market development costs for companies targeting new international markets. The CanExport SMEs program (up to $50K/project) can be stacked with AgriMarketing for broader export coverage.
Organization: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Level: federal
Amount: $5,000–$15,000,000 depending on sub-program
Canada's flagship 5-year agricultural framework (2023–2028) with a $3.5B investment. Delivers dozens of sub-programs through provinces covering on-farm innovation, sustainability practices, market development, and business risk management. Quebec's MAPAQ co-administers Quebec-specific delivery including La Financière agricole du Québec programs.
Organization: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Level: federal
Amount: Up to $2,000,000/year (50% cost-share; 70% for Indo-Pacific/underrepresented groups)
Supports national and regional industry associations with export market development — trade shows, promotional missions, market access studies, and market intelligence. Applications accepted on a rolling basis from eligible non-profit organizations and industry associations representing Canadian agri-food sectors.
Organization: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Level: federal
Amount: Up to $100,000 per project (70% of eligible costs)
Designed for individual agri-food SMEs seeking new export markets. Eligible costs include travel to trade shows, market research, product registrations, and promotional activities. Minimum project cost $20,000. One of the most accessible export grants for Quebec agri-food businesses — and stackable with CanExport SMEs for broader market coverage.
Organization: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Level: federal
Amount: Up to $10,000,000 per project
Supports dairy processors in modernizing equipment and facilities to improve competitiveness under the supply management system. Quebec's dominant position in Canadian dairy processing — including major co-ops and processing facilities — makes this province a primary beneficiary. Capital equipment and facility upgrades are eligible costs.
Organization: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
Level: federal
Amount: Up to $5,000,000 per project
Funds pre-competitive scientific research and technology development in agriculture, including genomics, crop science, soil health, food safety, and sustainable production. Strong fit for Quebec's research institutions partnering with agri-food businesses — Université Laval and McGill have a long history of AAFC-funded agricultural research. Projects must be industry-led or include an industry partner.
Organization: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
Level: federal
Amount: $25,000–$2,000,000 per project (40% cost-share; 50% for underrepresented groups)
Supports adoption of commercially available clean technologies on Canadian farms — precision agriculture systems, energy efficiency upgrades, electric equipment, biogas digesters, and water management technologies. Currently between intakes; check AAFC for next intake dates. One of the most active clean-tech agriculture programs nationally.
Organization: Protein Industries Canada
Level: federal
Amount: Investment Vouchers: $37.5K–$250K; Projects: $250K–$1M+; Mission Critical: up to $4M+
Canada's plant-based protein innovation supercluster co-invests in projects from farm to fork. Quebec's canola, soy, and pulse processing businesses are eligible. Three funding tiers: Investment Vouchers (rapid deployment), Projects (mid-scale innovation), and Mission Critical (large strategic projects). Requires industry co-investment of at least 55%.
Organization: Protein Industries Canada
Level: federal
Amount: $37,500–$150,000 (75% of eligible $50K–$200K project costs)
Focuses on strengthening the Canadian protein supply chain — including processing capacity, ingredient sourcing, traceability systems, and supply chain resilience. High cost-share (75%) makes this one of the most accessible Protein Industries programs for smaller agri-food processors. No stated deadline; apply on rolling basis while funds last.
Organization: Protein Industries Canada
Level: federal
Amount: 45% of eligible project costs (no stated maximum)
Supports fermentation technology projects for plant-based proteins and alternative ingredients. Covers precision fermentation, biomass fermentation, and novel protein ingredient development. Strong fit for Quebec's established food bioprocessing sector. Requires industry co-investment of at least 55% of total project costs.
Organization: Protein Industries Canada
Level: federal
Amount: Up to 45% of eligible project costs (part of $30M total pool)
Deploys AI and machine learning across the agri-food value chain — crop monitoring, yield prediction, processing optimization, and quality control. Agri-food companies with technology partners can access up to 45% cost coverage for AI integration projects in protein and food processing operations.
Organization: Ontario Genomics / Genome Alberta / Genome Prairie
Level: federal
Amount: $350,000–$750,000 per project (matching funds)
Accelerates genomics-based innovations in agriculture and clean technology from lab to market. Designed for companies at commercialization stage with an established genomics-based solution. Requires matching industry funds. Quebec businesses can access through Genome Québec partnerships — a natural conduit given Québec's strong genomics research ecosystem.
Organization: Genome Canada
Level: federal
Amount: $300,000–$2,000,000
Funds late-stage application and validation of genomic tools in food, agriculture, and natural resources sectors. Projects must demonstrate a clear path to market and include an industry partner contributing matching funds. Quebec's agri-biotech cluster and Genome Québec infrastructure make this a strong fit for the province.
Organization: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (delivered provincially)
Level: federal
Amount: 30–100% of eligible costs; $2,000–$400,000 per applicant
Supports conservation and environmental stewardship practices on farms — wetland restoration, soil health improvements, riparian buffers, and carbon sequestration. Delivered through provincial governments including Quebec's MAPAQ. Outstanding for farms in the St. Lawrence Lowlands looking to improve environmental outcomes while accessing cost-share funding.
Organization: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Level: federal
Amount: For-profit: up to $50,000/year (50%); Not-for-profit: up to $350,000/year (75%)
Supports halal and kosher certification, assurance systems, and capacity building for agri-food businesses. Quebec's diverse agri-food exporters targeting Middle Eastern, Southeast Asian, and Jewish markets have successfully used this program to fund certification and market access costs. Ongoing intake; apply when ready.
Organization: Global Affairs Canada
Level: federal
Amount: Up to $50,000 per project ($99,999 per company per fiscal year)
Covers 50% of eligible export market development costs for SMEs — travel, market research, legal fees, translation, and trade show participation. Agri-food businesses targeting new international markets are among the most frequent successful applicants. Quebec food exporters can layer this with AgriMarketing SME Stream for broader coverage.
Organization: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)
Level: federal
Amount: Up to $150,000/year for up to 3 years ($450,000 total)
Funds collaborative R&D projects between companies and university researchers. Strong fit for Quebec agri-food businesses partnering with Université Laval, McGill, or UQAM on food science, biotechnology, or precision agriculture projects. Company must provide at least one-third of project funding in cash or in-kind contributions.
Organization: Canadian Space Agency (CSA)
Level: federal
Amount: Up to $250,000 per project
Supports development and demonstration of space-based Earth observation applications for agriculture — crop monitoring, precision application, drought stress detection, and yield forecasting. Quebec agri-tech companies using satellite data for farming applications are an ideal fit. Currently between intakes; check CSA for next call dates.
Organization: Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)
Level: federal
Amount: Up to 80% of wages, max $25,000 per intern
Subsidizes wages for youth (30 and under) working in green economy positions, including sustainable agriculture, clean energy on farms, and environmental management. Agri-food employers receive up to 80% wage coverage. An underused program in the agriculture sector — low competition, high approval rate, immediate value for Quebec farms adding sustainability-focused staff.
Organization: Farm Credit Canada
Level: federal
Amount: $10,000–$25,000
Supports not-for-profit organizations that enhance quality of life in rural and agricultural communities. Eligible: community centres, local food banks, fair associations, agricultural societies, and youth ag programs in rural Quebec. Currently between intakes; next intake typically opens in fall. A low-barrier, community-focused grant for Quebec's rural municipalities and agri-community organizations.
Organization: Farm Credit Canada
Level: federal
Amount: Varies — based on project and business needs
Canada's largest agricultural lender offers term loans, operating credit, equipment financing, and AgriInvest matching. FCC specializes exclusively in agriculture and agri-food, offering competitive rates and sector-specific expertise. Covers primary production, processing, and agri-businesses across Quebec. Available on an ongoing basis with dedicated advisors in most Quebec regions.
Organization: Farm Credit Canada (FCC)
Level: federal
Amount: Up to $2,000,000
Dedicated financing for farmers aged 40 and under to support land acquisition, equipment purchase, and farm startup or expansion. Competitive rates with mentorship support. A key tool for next-generation succession in Quebec's family farm sector — particularly relevant as the average age of Quebec farmers continues to rise and the province faces a farm transfer challenge.
Organization: Farm Credit Canada (FCC)
Level: federal
Amount: Varies — based on business needs and FCC assessment
Specialized financing and mentorship program for women entrepreneurs in agriculture and agri-food. Offers competitive rates, flexible terms, and connections to a network of women ag entrepreneurs. Supports any stage from startup to expansion in primary farming, processing, or agri-retail businesses operated by women in Quebec.
Organization: Farm Credit Canada (FCC)
Level: federal
Amount: $150,000
Entry-level financing for new agricultural operations — ideal for first-time farmers or off-farm individuals entering agriculture. Covers seed, feed, fertilizer, small equipment, and operating costs. The low threshold and sector-specific focus make it accessible to newer Quebec farm operations getting started with primary production.
Organization: Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen)
Level: federal
Amount: Up to $100,000 (50% of eligible costs; project $50K–$200K)
Funds feasibility and pre-commercialization studies for advanced manufacturing, including food processing automation, packaging innovation, and supply chain digitization. Quebec's food and beverage processing sector qualifies. A low-barrier entry point to NGen's broader ecosystem of manufacturing innovation funding before committing to larger projects.
Organization: Genome Canada
Level: federal
Amount: Up to $10,000,000
Funds large-scale genomics and bioinformatics projects with direct applications to agriculture, health, and environment. For Quebec, Genome Québec is the regional genome centre that co-invests and manages applications. Agriculture-focused streams address crop improvement, disease resistance, and animal genomics relevant to Quebec's livestock and crop sectors.
Organization: Export Development Canada
Level: federal
Amount: Varies based on transaction size
EDC provides export credit insurance, working capital financing, and bonding for businesses selling agricultural products internationally. Quebec's agri-food exporters — from maple syrup to dairy derivatives to specialty foods — use EDC to de-risk accounts receivable and secure financing to fulfill export contracts. Stackable with AgriMarketing and CanExport grants.
Organization: PrairiesCan
Level: federal
Amount: $250,000–$5,000,000
Supports AI adoption in agriculture and manufacturing across Canada. While administered by PrairiesCan, Quebec businesses can access this national program. Covers AI-powered crop advisory systems, automated grading, predictive maintenance on farm equipment, and supply chain AI applications for agri-food companies integrating intelligent automation.
Organization: Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
Level: federal
Amount: $25,000–$5,000,000 per investment
Provides patient capital to social purpose organizations including food hubs, community-supported agriculture (CSA) networks, and food sovereignty initiatives. Quebec has a strong social economy (économie sociale) sector well positioned to access this fund through wholesalers like Boann Social Investment and Realize Capital Partners.
Organization: BDC Capital
Level: federal
Amount: $100,000–$2,000,000
Venture support for early-stage companies led by women in food technology, agri-tech, biotech, and health. Provides equity investment plus advisory support. Quebec women-led agri-food startups developing novel food products, precision fermentation technologies, or food safety innovations are a priority fit for this program.
Quebec's agricultural funding landscape is broad. The right program depends on your operation type, growth stage, and primary objective — whether that's scaling production, entering export markets, adopting clean technology, or conducting R&D.
If you're a primary producer (farm, greenhouse, dairy, or mixed operation): Start with the SCAP Programs delivered through Quebec's MAPAQ — these cover the widest range of on-farm investments at varying cost-shares. For environmental and sustainability projects, the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (up to $400K) covers wetland restoration, soil health, and carbon sequestration. Young farmers under 40 should prioritize the FCC Young Farmer Loan (up to $2M) for land or equipment acquisition.
If you're an agri-food processor or manufacturer: Quebec's dairy processors should evaluate the SMPIF Dairy Stream (up to $10M) for capital projects. Food processors adopting automation or packaging innovations can access NGen SME Feasibility Studies (up to $100K) as a first step. The Agricultural Clean Technology Program (up to $2M) covers energy efficiency upgrades and green processing equipment.
If you're building agri-food technology or doing R&D: The AgriScience Projects Component (up to $5M) is the flagship for applied agricultural science. Protein Industries Canada Supercluster is ideal for plant-based protein and fermentation innovation. For university-industry partnerships, NSERC ARD Grants (up to $450K total) connect you with Laval, McGill, or other Quebec universities.
If you're growing exports: The AgriMarketing SME Stream (up to $100K, 70% cost-share) is the most accessible. Stack with CanExport SMEs (up to $50K per project, 50% cost-share) for additional market development coverage — both programs can be used concurrently for different markets or activities. Add EDC credit insurance for larger export contracts.
| Program | Amount | Type | Best For | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCAP Programs | $5K–$15M | Grant/Program | All farm types, multiple objectives | Canadian farmers & agri-food businesses |
| SMPIF — Dairy | Up to $10M | Grant | Dairy processors | Supply-managed dairy processors |
| AgriScience Projects | Up to $5M | Grant | Industry-led agricultural R&D | Industry-led research teams |
| Ag Clean Tech | $25K–$2M | Grant | Clean tech adoption on farms | Canadian farmers & agri-food businesses |
| AgriMarketing SME | Up to $100K | Grant | Export market development | Agri-food SMEs with export activity |
| Protein Industries Canada | $37.5K–$4M+ | Grant | Plant protein & food innovation | Agri-food companies with industry co-investment |
| FCC Young Farmer Loan | Up to $2M | Loan | Farmers 40 and under | FCC clients, age 40 or under |
Quebec's agri-food sector operates in both French and English, and many AAFC programs are delivered in partnership with MAPAQ. A structured approach — starting with the right program, then building your application file — significantly improves your odds:
Quebec agricultural businesses access all federal AAFC programs (SCAP, AgriMarketing, AgriScience, Agricultural Clean Technology) plus Quebec-specific provincial programs administered through MAPAQ. Quebec's SCAP component includes La Financière agricole du Québec programs, farm business risk management programs (AgriStability, AgriInsurance), and environmental farm plan support. The province's strong économie sociale sector also has unique access to Social Finance Fund capital through Quebec-based wholesalers.
Yes, stacking is permitted but subject to total government contribution caps (typically 75–100% of eligible costs depending on the program). A common stack for a Quebec agri-food processor: SCAP provincial delivery (30–50% of costs) + Agricultural Clean Technology Program (40% of eligible clean tech costs) + STIP Green Jobs (80% of intern wages). Always disclose all government funding sources when applying — undisclosed stacking is grounds for clawback. Confirm stacking eligibility with each program officer before submitting.
Yes. FCC's Young Farmer Loan (up to $2M, for farmers 40 and under) and FCC Starter Loan ($150K) are the primary entry points for new operators. Through MAPAQ, La Financière agricole du Québec offers loan guarantee programs and establishment support for first-generation farmers — including the Releve agricole program for farm transfer and succession. SCAP's on-farm programming also includes components supporting new entrants and farm transitions. New farmers should contact their regional MAPAQ office as a first step.
The primary export grants are AgriMarketing Market Diversification — SME Stream (up to $100K, 70% cost-share) and CanExport SMEs (up to $50K per project, 50% cost-share). These can be stacked for different markets or activities. AgriMarketing Core Stream (up to $2M/year) is available to industry associations. Export Development Canada (EDC) provides working capital financing and credit insurance for agri-food exporters. Quebec maple syrup producers, cheese exporters, and specialty food companies are among the most active users of these export programs.
Yes. The Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (up to $400K) funds conservation practices including wetland restoration, riparian buffers, and soil health projects. The Agricultural Clean Technology Program (up to $2M) covers clean energy adoption, precision irrigation, and emissions-reducing equipment. SCAP's environmental programming through MAPAQ includes support for transition to organic certification, agri-environmental farm plans, and sustainable production systems. La Financière agricole also administers agri-environmental programs funded through SCAP.
MAPAQ (Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec) is Quebec's provincial agriculture department and acts as the co-delivery partner for federal AAFC programs in the province. Under the SCAP framework, Quebec applicants apply through MAPAQ portals rather than directly to AAFC for most provincially co-delivered programs. MAPAQ also administers La Financière agricole du Québec — a provincial crown corporation that handles farm financing, insurance, and risk management programs in Quebec. For many programs, MAPAQ is your first point of contact, not Ottawa.
The Supply Management Processing Investment Fund (SMPIF) — Dairy Stream offers up to $10M per project for dairy processors. The AgriScience Projects Component reaches $5M for applied agricultural research. Genome Canada large-scale projects can reach $10M but are highly competitive and require Genome Québec partnership. For most farm operations, the practical ceiling is $2M through the Agricultural Clean Technology Program or FCC Young Farmer Loan. With a well-planned stacking strategy combining SCAP + AgriScience + AAFC programs, a Quebec research-oriented agri-business could access $5M+ in total government support.
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