Swine and animal nutrition solutions company Jefo one of the recipients
The Government of Canada has announced an investment of nearly $34 million to support Quebec’s biofood sector. The funding was shared during a visit to Jefo, a company focused on animal nutrition solutions. A total of $33,996,687 will support 52 businesses and organizations across the province.
This investment focuses on improving food processing and marketing within Canada. It will help businesses adopt new technologies, improve efficiency, and create innovative food products. These steps aim to build a stronger and more independent food system.
“Quebec’s biofood sector is a driving force in our economy and a key vector for innovation in all regions across Quebec. By supporting businesses and organizations that invest in new processes, cutting-edge technologies and increased production capacity, our government is enhancing their competitiveness, stimulating the creation of quality jobs and fostering sustainable economic growth,” said Mélanie Joly, Member of Parliament for Ahuntsic–Cartierville, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for CED.
He added, “These investments will enable our entrepreneurs to innovate further and to seize new business opportunities both at home and on international markets.”
The funding supports projects under Canada’s National Food Security Strategy. This strategy focuses on increasing the country’s ability to produce and process food locally while strengthening supply chains and improving access to food for Canadians.
With this support, businesses can invest in research, automation, and innovation. These improvements will help increase productivity and competitiveness in both domestic and global markets. The projects are also expected to support over 3,400 jobs across Quebec’s regions.
The biofood sector plays an important role in Canada’s economy, especially during times of global trade pressure and supply chain disruptions. Strengthening this sector helps ensure a stable and reliable food supply for the future.
Further support will be provided under the National Food Security Strategy. Regional development agencies, including CED, will invest $150 million through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program to support processing and innovation projects in the biofood sector.
“We are proud of this support from the Government of Canada, which helps strengthen the competitiveness of Quebec’s biofood sector. At Jefo, it will enable us to accelerate innovation and the modernization of our operations in order to meet the growing global demand for our precision animal nutrition solutions and, as such, remain at the cutting edge of an industry in full transformation,” said Jean‑François Fontaine, Vice-President, Jefo Group.
A call for proposals will be launched in fall 2026 to distribute these funds. In addition, another $150 million will be invested through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative to help small and medium-sized businesses and food organizations improve their capacity to process, produce, store, distribute, and deliver food to communities across the country.
Overall, these investments will strengthen innovation, support local businesses, and help build a more resilient and self-sufficient food system in Canada.
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