Quebec to invest $175 million over five years to increase food self-sufficiency.

On June 19, the Quebec government announced it would invest $175 million over the next five years to promote greater food self-sufficiency and boost the productivity of Quebec bio-food businesses throughout all regions.

Joined by André Lamontagne, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Minister responsible for the Centre-du-Québec region, and Sonia Bélanger, Minister responsible for Seniors, Minister for Health and MNA for Prévost, Premier François Legault expressed the importance of eating from our own backyard.

“In our last two budgets, we invested a record $1.5 billion, and we’re investing even more today to support our food self-sufficiency. I’m very proud to see that Quebecers are increasingly choosing our products.”

The large investment will be allocated in three parts with $100 million going toward the renewing of the food processing program, $45 million aimed at plant productivity initiatives, and $30 million to support the development of greenhouse businesses as part of the Quebec Greenhouse Growth Strategy 2020-2025.

The sum will also play a large part in expanding Quebec’s place in the bio-food sector.

“Since the start of our mandate, total investment in the bio-food sector has more than doubled,” Lamontagne said in a press release. “In this way, we are contributing to the sustainability and competitiveness of companies in the bio-food sector, as well as making a significant contribution to Quebec's economic prosperity.”

The investment of $175 million aims to “accelerate the transition to sustainable food self-sufficiency for Quebec,” making Quebec growers and consumers proud while supporting local agriculture and agri-tourism.

“Eating Quebec food creates wealth and jobs in Quebec,” Legault said. “We owe a great deal to Quebec’s agricultural producers, food processors and fishermen, who work hard to put fresh, quality products on our plates.”