Quebec’s Food Processing Program (Programme transformation alimentaire, or PTA) is now closed. With the program’s entire budget fully allocated, streams 1, 2 and 3 stopped accepting applications on August 10, 2026, followed by stream 4 on August 14, 2026. This closure notably affects stream 2, which could cover up to 50% of eligible expenses, to a maximum of $150,000, for automation, robotization and process digitization projects.
Food processing companies looking to improve their productivity will therefore need to explore other funding sources. However, a recent announcement from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) confirms that modernizing the sector remains a government priority.
Nearly $34 Million Awarded to Quebec’s Food Sector
The Government of Canada announced nearly $34 million in financial assistance for 52 businesses and organizations in Quebec’s food sector.
These contributions support projects involving:
- Operational automation;
- Integration of new technologies;
- Production process improvements;
- Increased production capacity;
- Development of new products;
- Stronger supply chains;
- Improved productivity and competitiveness.
According to CED, the funded projects will also help maintain more than 3,400 jobs across Quebec. The funding was awarded through several federal programs, primarily Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI), the Regional Tariff Response Initiative and the Quebec Economic Development Program.
It is important to note that the announced $34 million has already been awarded to the organizations listed by the government. It is not a new general funding program from which businesses can currently claim a portion.
Read the official announcement from Canada Economic Development and consult the complete list of funded projects.
A New Call for Proposals Expected in Fall 2026
The most significant news for companies that did not receive funding through the PTA concerns Canada’s National Food Security Strategy.
As part of this strategy, CED and Canada’s other regional development agencies are expected to invest $150 million through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program. A call for proposals supporting food processing and innovation projects is planned for fall 2026.
An additional $150 million is expected to be invested through the existing Regional Tariff Response Initiative. This measure is intended to help small and medium-sized businesses in the food sector increase Canada’s capacity to process, produce, store, distribute and deliver food.
The detailed eligibility criteria for the new call for proposals had not yet been published at the time of writing. Interested companies should therefore monitor CED’s announcements and begin preparing their projects now.
What Types of Automation Projects Could Be Considered?
The projects announced by CED demonstrate that the federal government is placing particular importance on productivity, innovation and domestic food processing capacity.
Depending on the criteria that will be published, various robotic applications could potentially support these objectives:
- Palletizing and depalletizing;
- Handling boxes, bags, containers or ingredients;
- Feeding production lines;
- Packaging and case packing;
- Automated inspection and quality control;
- Product sorting using machine vision;
- Automation of repetitive tasks;
- Modernization or capacity expansion of an existing production line.
Eligible applications and expenses will need to be confirmed when the official call for proposals is launched.
Why Prepare Your Project Now?
The PTA demonstrated that attractive funding programs can receive a high volume of applications and exhaust their available budgets earlier than initially expected.
Companies considering an automation project should therefore begin preparing several key elements:
- Identify the operations currently limiting production capacity.
- Measure the labour hours devoted to repetitive tasks.
- Document recruitment, employee turnover and ergonomic challenges.
- Determine current production volumes and anticipated growth.
- Estimate potential improvements in productivity, quality and capacity.
- Obtain an initial technical and budgetary estimate.
- Calculate the project’s expected return on investment.
This preparation will allow companies to respond more quickly when a program opens and submit a project supported by concrete data.
Revtech Can Help You Prepare Your Automation Project
Although the PTA is now closed, food processing automation projects do not necessarily need to be placed on hold.
Revtech Systems supports food processors in the analysis, design and integration of robotic solutions tailored to their operations. Our team can help identify the best automation opportunities, establish the project’s technical requirements and estimate potential productivity gains and return on investment.
Are you considering automating a handling, palletizing, packaging or inspection operation? Contact our team to begin preparing your project for upcoming funding opportunities.
Funding programs, eligibility criteria and available budgets may change. Always consult official government sources or a qualified funding advisor before making a decision.