The Government of Canada has announced CAD 33.9 million (approximately US$25 million) in funding to support 52 businesses and organisations across Quebec’s biofood sector. The investment, led by Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), aims to accelerate innovation, automation, research, and secondary food processing while strengthening Canada’s long-term food security and supply chain resilience.
- Canada Strengthens Domestic Food Processing Capacity
- Supporting Innovation, Automation and Sustainable Growth
- Government Highlights Economic and Food Security Benefits
- National Food Security Strategy Driving Investment
- Jefo Showcases Innovation in Animal Nutrition
- Portfolio of 52 Projects to Drive Regional Development
- Building a More Sustainable Biofood Industry
- Outlook for Canada’s Biofood Sector
The funding aligns with Canada’s National Food Security Strategy, launched on 11 June 2026, which seeks to improve domestic food production, processing capacity, and affordability while enhancing the country’s food sovereignty.
The initiative is expected to help businesses adopt advanced technologies, improve productivity, develop innovative food solutions, and safeguard more than 3,400 jobs across Quebec.
Canada Strengthens Domestic Food Processing Capacity
The latest investment comes at a time when governments worldwide are focusing on strengthening domestic food systems amid global supply chain disruptions, geopolitical uncertainty, and increasing pressure on agricultural markets.
Rather than relying heavily on imported processed food products, Canada is investing in expanding its own processing capabilities, particularly in secondary food processing, where raw agricultural products are converted into higher-value food products.
This approach is expected to generate greater economic value within Canada while improving food availability and strengthening local manufacturing.
Supporting Innovation, Automation and Sustainable Growth
The funding programme will enable participating businesses to:
- Integrate advanced manufacturing technologies
- Improve food processing efficiency
- Adopt automation solutions
- Increase productivity
- Expand research and development
- Develop innovative food products
- Enhance competitiveness in domestic and international markets
According to the government, these investments will help position Quebec’s biofood sector for long-term sustainable growth while strengthening Canada’s overall food supply chain.
Government Highlights Economic and Food Security Benefits
Commenting on the announcement, Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, said:
“These investments enhance competitiveness, stimulate quality job creation and foster sustainable economic growth, enabling entrepreneurs to innovate and seize new business opportunities both domestically and on international markets.”
The funding also supports Canada’s broader strategy of strengthening regional economies while encouraging businesses to embrace innovation and sustainability.
National Food Security Strategy Driving Investment
The programme forms part of Canada’s newly launched National Food Security Strategy, which places greater emphasis on:
- Food sovereignty
- Domestic processing capacity
- Supply chain resilience
- Innovation-driven agriculture
- Sustainable food production
- Regional economic development
Joël Lightbound, Quebec Lieutenant, said the strategy provides a clear roadmap for strengthening Canada’s food system while encouraging innovation and modernisation across the sector.
“The National Food Security Strategy presents a clear vision to strengthen Canada’s capacity to produce, process and make more food accessible domestically.”
Jefo Showcases Innovation in Animal Nutrition
The announcement was made during a visit to Jefo (Jefagro Technologies Inc.), a Quebec-based company recognised for its work in precision animal nutrition.
The company plans to use the federal support to accelerate innovation, modernise operations, and meet growing international demand for sustainable livestock nutrition solutions.
The investment also reflects Canada’s broader view of the biofood sector, which extends beyond food manufacturing to include agricultural technologies that improve efficiency, productivity, and environmental sustainability.
Portfolio of 52 Projects to Drive Regional Development
Rather than concentrating funding on a small number of businesses, the government has adopted a diversified investment strategy by supporting 52 separate projects spanning:
- Food manufacturing
- Agricultural technology
- Research and development
- Automation
- Sustainable production
- Innovation
Officials believe this broad-based approach will strengthen the competitiveness of Quebec’s food processing industry while supporting employment across multiple regions.
The programme is expected to protect and consolidate more than 3,400 jobs, reinforcing the sector’s contribution to Canada’s economy.
Building a More Sustainable Biofood Industry
The investment also supports Canada’s transition towards a more sustainable food system by encouraging businesses to improve operational efficiency, reduce waste, and adopt advanced production technologies.
Automation and innovation are expected to help companies improve product quality, reduce operating costs, and remain competitive as international demand for sustainable food products continues to grow.
Outlook for Canada’s Biofood Sector
The Quebec investment signals the beginning of a broader national effort to modernise Canada’s food industry under the National Food Security Strategy.
As governments increasingly prioritise food security alongside economic resilience, investments in advanced food processing, sustainable agriculture, and supply chain innovation are expected to accelerate across the country.
For Quebec’s biofood businesses, the new funding provides an opportunity to adopt cutting-edge technologies, strengthen competitiveness, expand into international markets, and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable food system.
