The Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec have announced 34 million to support farm businesses committed to improving their farming practices.

“Our government is proud to support our hard-working farmers and agri-businesses who are innovating and adopting more sustainable farming practices. By taking action today, they’re making decisions that are good for the environment, and their bottom line. I encourage producers across Quebec to take advantage of this funding program so they can continue feeding Canadians, and the world.”

- The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“By adopting increasingly sustainable practices, agricultural producers improve their yields and resilience in the face of climate change, while contributing to the achievement of our environmental targets. This program aims to give them the resources they need to accelerate the adoption of these beneficial management practices.”

- The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of National Revenue

“With this new support, your government wishes to accompany a growing number of producers who are choosing sustainable practices. This initiative has the advantage of being simple, voluntary and flexible, allowing businesses to choose the practices best suited to their reality. It's a concrete measure that contributes to the sustainability of our agriculture.

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

"Quebec agricultural producers have been at the forefront of the agri-environmental movement for decades. The announced increase in the Initiative ministérielle de rétribution des pratiques agroenvironnementales, so strongly demanded by the industry, is an unequivocal recognition of this commitment and will enable us to adapt agricultural practices to take the ecological turn desired by all."

- Martin Caron, General President, Union des producteurs agricoles

• Eligible practices under the Initiative are:

  • crop diversification
  • off-season soil protection
  • reducing the use of herbicides
  • using Insecticide-free seeds
  • biodiversity-friendly landscaping

• In addition, the training course at the Institut de technologie agroalimentaire du Québec allows operators of registered businesses to perfect their agri-environmental knowledge and receive financial assistance of up to $1,500 per business.

• Each business may receive up to $50,000 in total financial assistance.

• The Initiative is a flagship measure of the Plan d’agriculture durable 2020-2030. It aims to recognize the efforts made by agricultural businesses to improve their practices and generate significant environmental gains.

• The registration period will run from March 4 to March 31, 2024, or until funds run out.

• The Canada-Quebec Accord for the implementation of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership represents funding from the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec totalling $366.6 million over a 5-year period, from 2023 to 2028, with 60% to come from the federal government ($220 million) and 40% from the Quebec government ($146.6 million). This agreement supports strategic initiatives that will help the sectors grow, innovate and prosper.

Associated links

• Initiative ministérielle de rétribution des pratiques agroenvironnementales (in French only)
• Plan d’agriculture durable 2020-2030 (in French only)
• Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership

For media:

Francis Chechile
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
francis.chechile@agr.gc.ca

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada 
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Sophie J. Barma
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Minister Responsible for the Centre-du-Québec Region
Cell: 581-993-5016
sophie.jacques-barma@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca

Media Relations
Communications Directorate
Quebec Department of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Food
Tel.: 418-380-2100, ext. 3512
www.mapaq.gouv.qc.ca