Key Takeaways
- New Funding Announcement: Quebec’s government is supporting regional agriculture through two targeted initiatives totaling $3 million.
- Greenhouse Development: $2 million will be allocated to horticulture infrastructure, including greenhouses and tunnels.
- Direct Market Support: $1 million is earmarked for initiatives improving local product marketing and agrotourism.
- Regional Prioritization: Projects in peripheral regions will receive higher funding rates and earlier access to the application process.
- Certification Incentives: Projects with organic or pre-certified products are eligible for a 15% funding bonus.
Funding Supports Local Agricultural and Horticultural Development
At the launch of the summer season for the “Arrêts gourmands de la Chaudière-Appalaches,” Quebec’s Minister of Agriculture, André Lamontagne, announced new financial support for projects that promote local agriculture and regional food products. The funding aligns with the province’s broader goals of strengthening food autonomy and encouraging the development of agrotourism and short food supply chains.
This initiative targets businesses engaged in proximity agriculture and horticulture, particularly those seeking to expand greenhouse and high tunnel operations or invest in on-farm sales infrastructure.
Breakdown of the Initiatives and Eligibility
The Initiative for the Development of Greenhouses and High Tunnels 2025–2026 will receive $2 million in funding. Since its initial launch in 2020, this program has supported over 410 projects, totaling more than $11.7 million in assistance. For the upcoming cycle, around 70 additional projects are expected to benefit.
The Proximité 2024–2026 initiative will provide $1 million to support approximately 60 projects aimed at improving direct-to-consumer sales, enhancing on-farm experiences, and developing agrotourism activities. Since its inception, Proximité has funded 169 projects with a combined total of over $4.6 million.
Both initiatives include enhanced funding terms for certified organic producers and farms in peripheral regions, with a 15% increase in support rates. Specific application periods have been defined, starting in mid-June 2025 and closing by October 31, 2025, or upon exhaustion of available funds.
Quebec Government Perspective on Regional and Agricultural Development
In a public statement, Minister Lamontagne highlighted the value of diversified agricultural models and direct producer–consumer relationships, stating: “Favoring a diversity of production models and supporting initiatives that bring consumers closer to producers is good for regional economies and contributes to our food autonomy.”
Local representative Audrey Bogemans added a community-oriented perspective, encouraging residents to explore regional food destinations: “I invite everyone to add stops at our local farms and food events to their summer plans. It’s an opportunity to learn more about the people who feed us and to make great discoveries.”
Next Steps for Applicants and Quebec Stakeholders
The government has outlined clear application timelines, with earlier access provided to businesses located in peripheral regions such as Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine, and Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. These areas will benefit from earlier application start dates and higher support levels.
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