Program to Support the Development of Regional Agriculture and Agri-Food (PADAAR)
PADAAR supports projects that help agriculture and agri-food businesses adapt and develop in line with the priorities of each Quebec region. Administered by MAPAQ’s regional offices, it covers promotion, innovation, the next generation of farmers, demonstrations and shared equipment access.
Maximum assistance rate
Depending on the selected measure
Available measures
Designed for varied regional needs
Program status
Ongoing intake until February 15, 2027
Program status
For the 2026–2027 fiscal year, projects may be submitted on an ongoing basis until February 15, 2027, or until available funding is exhausted. Pre-application validation with the regional advisor is recommended.
Why PADAAR is useful for your business or organization
Unlike a single province-wide program, PADAAR is designed around regional priorities, allowing projects to address a specific local need.
Promote products locally
The regional product promotion measure supports projects and events that encourage consumers to choose Quebec food products in their region.
Test a new practice
The innovation and trial measure funds the implementation of a new agricultural practice or technology, reducing the financial risk of a first on-farm trial.
Help the next generation get established
Measures for new farmers fund training and specialized placements that support the integration of future and recently established agricultural producers.
Reduce shared equipment costs
Support for joining a farm machinery co-operative or replacement labour co-operative improves access to equipment and workers without requiring each farm to finance everything alone.
Address a regional priority
Each MAPAQ regional office sets its own priorities, allowing focused local projects that may not fit a province-wide program to receive tailored support.
Is your business, group or organization eligible?
Eligibility varies by measure, but most of the following applicants are covered.
| Eligibility criterion | Description | What MAPAQ looks for |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural or agri-food business | A business registered under MAPAQ requirements, or a processing business with revenue below $5 million. | Registration or incorporation records and a description of the regional project. |
| Group of businesses | A group of agricultural or agri-food businesses recognized by the Ministry. | The group’s structure and its connection to the regional priorities being addressed. |
| Community organization | A municipality, regional county municipality, round table, federation, association, co-operative or another organization recognized by the regional office. | The organization’s mandate and the project’s relevance to the regional agri-food sector. |
| Regional grounding | The project must be carried out in Quebec and address a priority established by the relevant MAPAQ regional office. | Pre-application validation with the regional advisor. |
| Minimum financial contribution | The Ministry may decline an application that would result in a contribution below $500. | A project scope and eligible expense level sufficient to meet the threshold. |
The main PADAAR measures
Each measure addresses a different regional objective, from product promotion to the integration of new farmers.
Measure 4021 — Regional product promotion
This measure supports the development of the agri-food sector through promotional projects and events involving regional partners.
Objectives: Increase purchases of Quebec food products in the region and encourage consumers to choose them.
Financial assistance: Up to 50% of eligible expenses and $50,000 per project. Regional round tables may receive up to 70% of operating expenses, capped at $50,000 per year.
Eligible applicants: Agricultural and agri-food businesses, groups and community organizations.
Measure 4051 — Innovation and trials
This measure supports agricultural businesses testing and implementing adapted new practices or technologies.
Objectives: Reduce the financial risk associated with adopting a new practice or technology on a farm.
Financial assistance: Up to 50% of eligible expenses, to a maximum of $10,000 per project.
Eligible applicants: Agricultural businesses.
Measure 4074 — New farmer groups and individual skills plans
This measure helps future and new agricultural producers acquire the knowledge and skills needed to become established.
Objectives: Support training and specialized placements that contribute to the success of an agricultural establishment project.
Financial assistance: Up to 70% of eligible expenses and $5,000 per new farmer group project, with a maximum of $1,000 per applicant for an individual skills plan.
Eligible applicants: Future and new agricultural producers and young farm entrepreneurs.
Measure 4075 — On-farm or classroom demonstrations
This measure transfers knowledge about new production techniques and agricultural tools to producers.
Objectives: Support the adoption of new crops, livestock production or tools that have been adapted to the region.
Financial assistance: A lump-sum contribution of up to $2,000 per demonstration project.
Eligible applicants: Agricultural businesses and organizations.
Measure 4078 — Support for joining a farm machinery co-operative
This measure supports membership in a farm machinery co-operative or replacement labour co-operative to encourage better on-farm practices.
Objectives: Improve farm performance through shared access to equipment or replacement workers.
Financial assistance: Assistance is specific to the measure, determined from the application and validated with the regional advisor.
Eligible applicants: Agricultural businesses.
How can you maximize a PADAAR application?
PADAAR includes several measures with distinct rules. Here is how Avinova helps select the right measure and prepare the application.
Identify the best-fit measure
We assess your promotion, innovation or new-farmer project to identify the most advantageous PADAAR measure.
Validate with the regional advisor
We prepare the arguments and information needed for your discussion with the MAPAQ advisor in your region, a key eligibility step.
Build the financing plan
We prepare the financing plan required by the selected measure and document in-kind contributions where applicable.
Submit and follow the application
We assemble the form and supporting documents, coordinate submission to MAPAQ and follow the file through the decision.
FAQ
Is PADAAR currently open to new applications?
Yes. For the 2026–2027 fiscal year, projects may be submitted on an ongoing basis until February 15, 2027, or until available funding is exhausted, whichever comes first. Confirm funding availability with the regional advisor before completing an application.
Which regions of Quebec does PADAAR cover?
PADAAR applies throughout the territory served by MAPAQ. Each regional office manages its own priorities, so a project’s relevance may vary from one region to another based on local issues established by the Ministry.
How much financial assistance can I receive?
The amount varies by measure, from $1,000 for an individual skills plan to $50,000 for a strategic regional project. Total financial assistance for the same project cannot exceed $50,000 across all measures.
Can a non-profit organization apply?
Yes. Depending on the selected measure and region, PADAAR recognizes municipalities, regional county municipalities, round tables, associations and other community organizations, as well as agricultural and agri-food businesses and their groups.
Why work with Avinova on a PADAAR application?
Avinova understands the PADAAR measures and identifies the one that best fits your regional project. Our team prepares the financing plan, coordinates validation with the MAPAQ regional advisor and follows the application through payment.
Conclusion
PADAAR can fund projects that larger province-wide programs do not always cover, provided the right measure is selected and the project is aligned with regional priorities. Whether your goal is promotion, innovation or the integration of new farmers, pre-application validation with the MAPAQ regional advisor remains essential.
Avinova understands PADAAR and knows how to structure an application around your regional reality. Our team supports you from eligibility review through payment of the assistance.
Contact us for a free consultation