The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and Donald Martel, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Minister Responsible for the Centre-du-Québec Region, invite agricultural producers who wish to obtain support in adopting more sustainable agricultural practices to participate in the fifth registration period for the Rétribution agroenvironnementale (Agri-Environmental Compensation), an initiative of the Government of Quebec.

"With this new registration period, we are continuing our commitment to support farmers who choose to adopt environmentally responsible agricultural practices. This initiative provides farms with practical tools to improve soil health, protect biodiversity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Together, we are strengthening the sustainability of our agricultural sector, while ensuring its prosperity for generations to come."

-  The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"Adopting new farming practices certainly contributes to soil health, but also brings costs and risks. Financial assistance recognizes these efforts by offering risk sharing to mobilize them. The results of recent years confirm producers' commitment to greener agriculture."

-  Donald Martel, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Minister Responsible for the Centre-du-Québec Region

"By adopting more sustainable practices, Quebec's agricultural sector is helping to combat climate change, improve water and soil quality, and preserve biodiversity, while providing Quebecers with fresh, high-quality produce. I would like to thank the producers who are already innovating in their practices and invite others to follow suit during the next registration period for the Agri-Environmental Compensation Program."

-  Benoit Charette, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change, Wildlife, and Parks, and Minister Responsible for Infrastructure

"La Financière agricole supports producers committed to sustainable agriculture. The organization is proud to see the progress made in agro-environmental practices by agricultural businesses and encourages them to continue on this path, for the benefit of agriculture today and tomorrow.

-  Stéphane Labrie, Chief Executive Officer, La Financière agricole du Québec

• Registration will take place through the La Financière agricole du Québec online portal.

• Total compensation may reach up to $50,000 per farm for two growing seasons.

• In total, direct assistance to farms under this flagship measure of the PAD will amount to $138.8M. In 2025, assistance provided to farms helped capture or reduce approximately 85,000 t of CO2 equivalent whether through reduction at source or carbon capture, and prevented the use of nearly 100,000 kg of active herbicide ingredients.

• The 2025 Agri-Environmental Compensation report highlights progress in sustainable practices:

  • Based on preliminary results from reports submitted by more than 2,400 participating farms, 95% reported implementing practices covering a total area of more than 340,000 ha.
  • Crop diversification practices were implemented by 10% of participating farms on more than 5,000 ha.
  • Off season soil protection was the most widely adopted practice, implemented by 82% of participating farms on more than 202,000 ha.
  • Practices aimed at reducing herbicide use were implemented by 39% of participating farms on more than 94,000 ha.
  • The practice of using insecticide-free seeds was implemented by 27% of eligible farms on more than 24,000 ha.
  • Practices to reduce mineral nitrogen fertilizer use were adopted by 7% of eligible farms on more than 14,000 ha.
  • Biodiversity friendly enhancements were established by 47% of participating farms on more than 1,700 ha.

• The following practices are eligible under the Agri-Environmental Compensation program:

  • Crop diversification
  • Off season soil protection
  • Reduction in herbicide use
  • Improved fertilizer management
  • Establishment of biodiversity friendly enhancements

• The Canada–Quebec Agreement on the Implementation of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership provides for funding from the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec, totalling $366.6M over five years (2023–2028), with 60% from the federal government ($220M) and 40% from the Quebec government ($146.6M). This agreement supports strategic initiatives that will help the sectors grow, innovate and prosper.

Associated links

• Agri-Environmental Compensation (in French only)
• 2020–2030 Sustainable Agriculture Plan (in French only)
• Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership

For media:

Jennica Klassen
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
jennica.klassen@agr.gc.ca

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
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1-866-345-7972
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Contact for Quebec media relations
Josiane Bélanger-Riendeau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Minister Responsible for the Centre-du-Québec Region
Cell: 450-858-3987
josianne.belanger-riendeau@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca

Mélina Jalbert
Director of communications
Office of the Minister of the Environment, Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks, and Minister Responsible for Infrastructure
418-803-2351

Media Relations
Communications Directorate
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
418-380-2100, Ext. 3512
relationsdepresse@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca