Provincial funding opens doors for Outaouais farms to increase local market reach

Tashi Farmilo

Outaouais agricultural and food businesses are now eligible for a new round of provincial funding aimed at strengthening Quebec’s local food systems. The Quebec government has announced a $3 million investment to support a range of agricultural, horticultural, and agritourism initiatives, with special emphasis on small producers and those in outlying regions like Outaouais.

Unveiled on June 12 by Agriculture Minister André Lamontagne during the launch of the Chaudière-Appalaches Gourmet Stops summer season, the funding will support approximately 70 greenhouse and horticultural projects and nearly 60 proximity-marketing and agrotourism projects across the province.

In Outaouais, eligible businesses include farms and food processors with less than $1 million in annual revenue. The funding will help these enterprises implement or strengthen plans to sell directly to consumers, through initiatives like on-farm shops, agritourism experiences, or local market participation. The program also allows for a 15% boost in financial assistance for young agricultural businesses and those pursuing organic certification.

“The assistance offered will support the growth of farms while allowing them to diversify their marketing channels,” said Minister Lamontagne, noting the importance of food self-sufficiency and the unique role regional producers play in Quebec’s economy.

In 2024, four projects in the Outaouais received a combined total of $70,000 through the Proximité initiative. This year, several local businesses have already contacted the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) to assess eligibility, though the ministry noted that some apply without prior consultation, making regional forecasting difficult.

Recognizing the additional challenges rural regions face, the government is also advancing the launch of the application period and increasing aid rates for outlying areas.

“I am pleased with this financial support, which will help support numerous local agricultural projects throughout Quebec,” said Minister Lamontagne. “Promoting a diversity of production models and supporting initiatives that bring consumers closer to producers is good for the economy of our regions and is also a step in the right direction to increase our food self-sufficiency.”

Applications for the Proximité Ministerial Initiative are being accepted from now until October 31, 2025, or until the $3 million budget is exhausted. Full application guidelines are available at the Quebec government’s official portal: www.quebec.ca/agriculture-environnement-et-ressources-naturelles/agriculture/aide-financiere/initiative-ministerielle-proximite