MAPAQ Food Processing Program
Assistance designed for planning, automation, food quality and projects at slaughterhouses and cheese plants. The program is not currently accepting new applications, but its parameters remain useful for preparing a future project and comparing funding options.
Maximum base rate
Maximum under streams 2, 3 and 4
Budget exhausted in August 2026
Program status as of August 18, 2026
The program budget is fully exhausted. Streams 1, 2 and 3 have been closed since August 10, 2026; stream 4 closed at 4 p.m. on August 14, 2026. MAPAQ is accepting no new applications. The original September 30, 2027 date therefore no longer applies to new submissions.
The four Food Processing Program streams
These parameters describe the latest version published by MAPAQ before the program closed.
Project planning and skills development
Diagnostics, workforce strategy, skills development, business transfers, plans and specifications.
- Minimum expenses
- $10,000
- Assistance
- 50%, from $5,000 to $75,000
- Maximum term
- 3 years
Labour productivity
Automation, robotics, digitization and integrated management software supported by a productivity diagnostic.
- Minimum expenses
- $50,000
- Assistance
- 50%, from $25,000 to $150,000
- Maximum term
- 2 years
Food quality and safety management
Good manufacturing practices, preventive controls, HACCP, GFSI standards, market access and organic certification.
- Minimum expenses
- $15,000
- Assistance
- 50%, from $7,500 to $150,000
- Maximum term
- 3 years
Slaughterhouses and cheese plants
Competitiveness, processes, traceability, environmental performance, biosecurity and strategic projects.
- Minimum expenses
- $15,000
- Assistance
- 50%, from $7,500 to $150,000
- Maximum term
- 3 years
Expenses and records to prepare
An expense did not qualify merely because it belonged to the project. Its nature, the commitment date and the supporting evidence remained decisive.
Generally recognized expenses
- External expert fees, diagnostics, plans and specifications
- Automation, robotics or digitization equipment
- Implementation or adaptation of integrated management software
- Quality, food safety and traceability systems and certain certifications
- Processes and infrastructure expressly recognized under the applicable stream
Records to assemble
- Signed application form and stream financing plan
- Full-year financial statements prepared by an external CPA
- Detailed equipment quotes or service proposals
- Productivity diagnostic for stream 2
- Project-specific records such as résumés, permits, a business plan or other evidence
No new application can be filed while the program is closed. This list helps structure a project and must be compared with the rules of any future intake or replacement program.
Common criteria under the latest version
Each stream added its own conditions. Stream 2 notably required at least $300,000 in revenue from recognized activities, $100,000 in equity and a diagnostic demonstrating the productivity gain.
- Business registered with the Quebec Enterprise Register
- An establishment operated in Quebec and covered by the application
- At least 12 full months of operations, except in certain stream 4.2 situations
- Total revenue not exceeding $200 million
- Annual financial statements audited, reviewed or compiled by an external CPA
- Food processing activities or other activities expressly recognized by MAPAQ
Examples of covered projects
- Robotic packaging or palletizing cell
- Process digitization or ERP adaptation
- Implementation of a preventive control plan or HACCP system
- Traceability modernization at a slaughterhouse or cheese plant
- Productivity diagnostic and plans and specifications prepared by an external expert
Preparing a fundable project while intake is closed
Scope the project
Define the establishment, objectives, measurable outcomes and timeline.
Review financial criteria
Assess the financial statements and eligibility score before building the application.
Document expenses
Obtain detailed quotes and separate equipment, expertise, implementation and ineligible costs.
Assemble supporting records
Gather the form, financing plan, financial statements and stream-specific documents.
Confirm intake status
Before filing or committing funds, confirm that a program is open and that current documents are being used.
How Avinova can support you now
Project assessment
Clarify the objectives, covered establishment, expenditures and expected gains.
Alternative funding search
Compare MAPAQ programs, ESSOR, tax credits and other assistance that remains available.
Future-intake readiness
Structure project records without assuming the parameters of a future application period.
FAQ
Is the MAPAQ Food Processing Program currently open?
No. MAPAQ closed streams 1, 2 and 3 on August 10, 2026, because the program budget was exhausted. Stream 4 closed at 4 p.m. on August 14, 2026. No new applications are currently being accepted. Businesses can still document their projects and monitor a future intake or alternative programs.
How much assistance could the program provide?
Base assistance could cover up to 50% of eligible expenses. The maximum was $75,000 under stream 1 and $150,000 under streams 2, 3 and 4. An increase of up to 10% of eligible expenses could apply to a ministerial or government priority, subject to the relevant stream rules.
Could an automation project qualify?
Yes. Stream 2 covered process automation, robotics and digitization, as well as the implementation or adaptation of an integrated management software package. The project had to demonstrate a labour productivity gain through a diagnostic and include at least $50,000 in eligible expenses.
What can a business do while the program is closed?
It can define the project, establish measurable gains, assemble financial statements, obtain quotes and review other assistance. Expenses should not be incurred on the assumption that a future program will recognize them. Any new intake rules must be confirmed before commitments are made.
Your agri-food project may have other funding options
Have your project assessed before signing a purchase order or incurring expenses. We will review open programs and the best way to prepare the next steps.