Ottawa and Québec Announce $99,290 in Financial Assistance for Gaspésie Gourmande

News release

May 6, 2022 – Quebec City, Quebec – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

The federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Marie-Claude Bibeau, and the Quebec Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, André Lamontagne, announced $99,290 in financial assistance for Gaspésie Gourmande. This assistance is provided by the Proximité program under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The organization will be able to showcase products from the Gaspé Peninsula throughout Quebec, in addition to resolving the problem of access to local markets for producers and processors.

In total, two Gaspésie Gourmande projects will benefit from the amounts granted to achieve their objectives:

  • Assistance of $49,290 to support phase two of Gourmand de la Gaspésie, which will contribute to its action and communication plan.
  • Assistance of $50,000 for the Espace Gaspésie Gourmande grocery project, which aims to support businesses, equip buyers and facilitate the purchase of local products for optimal marketing in the region.

Support for two additional projects

Taking advantage of his visit to the Gaspé Peninsula, Minister Lamontagne also announced:

  • A total of $90,000 in financial assistance to support the operation of the organization, or $30,000 per year for the next three years. This amount is in addition to a contribution of $65,000 under the Territoire: Priorités bioalimentaires program, which also supports the organization's operations and its mandate to coordinate and engage the agricultural and agri-food sector in the Gaspé Peninsula.
  • An amount of $28,515 under the support program for the development of agriculture and agri-food in the regions (PADAAR) for the establishment of "Le Guide-Magazine Gaspésie Gourmande," a gourmand directory that contributes to the marketing activities of businesses.

Quotes

"Today's investment will help Gaspésie Gourmande raise the profile of producers, processors and agriculture and agri-food businesses in this region. It will also allow consumers across the province to enjoy agricultural, marine and forestry products and their derivatives from the comfort of their homes or during their tourist getaways. Our government will continue to support projects that engage communities, contribute to regional economic development and strengthen our food security and economy."

- The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"Providing Gaspésie Gourmande with financial support is more than relevant. It is in line with our goal of increasing food self-sufficiency. This goal will be achieved with the help of all regions of Quebec. The products offered by Gaspé producers and processors are unique, and Gaspésie Gourmande will be able to meet the challenge of making them available to Quebecers throughout the year. At the end of the day, it is not just local businesses that will benefit from this financial assistance, but all of us who will be able to benefit from Gaspé know-how."

- André Lamontagne, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Minister responsible for the Chaudière-Appalaches Region and Minister responsible for the Centre-du-Québec Region

"This funding is important for local producers and processors and will ensure great economic benefits for the entire Gaspesian community. Gaspésie Gourmande highlights the expertise, passion and creativity of local businesses and, by adapting to new marketing realities, contributes to the vitality and influence of the region."

- The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Gaspésie-Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine

Quick facts

  • The Proximité Program under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) brings agricultural producers and artisanal processors closer together with consumers through the development and consolidation of local marketing initiatives that meet consumers' needs. The Partnership is a five-year (2018-2023), $3-billion commitment by Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada's agri-food and agri-products sectors. This includes a $2 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.

  • PADAAR supports the adaptation of agri-food companies in a context of the opening of markets and access to them. It also aims to rally local development players around concerted and collective projects that highlight the economic potential of the biofood industry.

  • Gaspésie Gourmande is an organization consisting of more than 160 companies that promotes products, producers and processors in the Gaspé Peninsula.

  • The agricultural industry in Gaspé is made up of 249 companies, with more than $27 million in revenues, mainly in the dairy and maple syrup production industries, followed by cattle and calves, ornamental horticulture and vegetables.

  • The commercial fisheries and aquaculture industry in Gaspé includes 342 companies generating more than $345 million in revenues, mainly from fishing and processing marine products.

Associated links

Contacts

Marianne Dandurand
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
marianne.dandurand@agr.gc.ca
343-541-9229

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
1-866-345-7972
aafc.mediarelations-relationsmedias.aac@agr.gc.ca
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Alexandra Houde
Press Secretary
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