Specialized agricultural consulting services for everyone—all across Quebec

Orientation and needs analysis service FREE OF CHARGE!

Réseaux Agriconseils offers complimentary orientation and referral services to all farm businesses and artisanal food processors. In the first meeting, businesses determine their consulting needs, which the Réseau uses to recommend the right consultants for the job.

Our consultants have many areas of expertise, including:

  • Agricultural economists
  • Agronomists
  • Accountants (for data organization purposes only)
  • Tax specialists and notaries (the presence of an agricultural economist is mandatory for farm transfers only)
  • Engineers
  • Marketing and sales specialists
  • Human resources management specialists
  • Artisanal food processing specialists

We have the right service for every need!

Consulting services are offered for all production types in the following fields:

  • Agri-environment
  • Business management and management support
  • Crop and livestock practices
  • Food processing and local marketing

Consulting services in agri-environment include:

  • Agri-environmental coaching plans (PAAs)
  • Follow-ups
  • Detailed and targeted evaluations

Consulting services in production techniques include:

  • Monitoring animal husbandry practices
  • Monitoring cropping practices
  • Building management

Consulting services in management include:

  • Diagnostics
  • Operational plans: (budgets, technical-economic analysis, small investment projects analysis, financing projects and production costs)
  • Business plans: business strategy, marketing and promotion plans, self-directed risk management plans, financing adjustment plans,
  • Farm transfer plans
  • Start-up plans
  • Monitoring operational plans and business plans
  • Data organization
  • Labour and human resources management

Consulting services in food processing and local marketing include:

  • Diagnostics
  • Layout (buildings, work areas, farm stands)
  • Operational analysis (preparation, ordering, storage)
  • Product scaling
  • Optimizing the order of operations in manufacturing
  • Technical identification of infrastructure, equipment, and materials
  • Customer experience
  • Agri-tourism

Collaborative interprofessional meetings

To get the best guidance as you reach decisions, carry out projects, or make improvements, we recommend booking a session attended by you and at least two consultants with different areas of expertise.

Accessible, subsidized consulting services

Financial assistance is available to cover between 50 and 85% of eligible costs. Financial assistance from the Réseaux Agriconseils is made possible by the Programme services-conseils 2018-2023 through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, under an agreement between the governments of Canada and Quebec.

For assistance, get in touch with your region’s Réseau Agriconseils by calling 1-866-680-1858 toll-free or visiting www.agriconseils.qc.ca.

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Femmessor is an organization dedicated to developing women’s entrepreneurship in Quebec’s 17 regions. More specifically, Femmessor offers financing for creating, growing, acquiring, and passing on businesses owned wholly or partly by women (25% or more of shares).

Women entrepreneurs who receive financing through Femmessor also receive formal coaching. They have access to personalized services based on their diagnosis of entrepreneurial skills, including coaching, follow-ups, and company visits, as well as a bank of complimentary consultation times with Femmessor experts.

Femmessor also offers a number of complementary services (free of chage) open to all women entrepreneurs in Quebec including training and networking activities, conferences, co-development groups and more.

For further information, visit femmessor.com

» About SCF-UPA 

UPA’s accounting and tax services (SCF-UPA) work closely with certified public accountant (CPA) firms that have extensive agriculture expertise. These firms offer a range of services to meet your needs, including accounting, tax, financial advice and specialized management. Nearly 12,000 businesses benefit from these services.

Whether you are starting, growing or transferring a farm business, it’s a good idea to talk to a tax specialist to help you navigate the often complex rules you’ll need to follow. Getting a handle on the various tax-related concerns will enable you to make informed fiscal and financial decisions, including on the following issues:

The legal structure of your farm business and your tax status as a farmer include the following elements: 

Income  

  • Income Income types and how they differ
  • Definition of farm income
  • Fiscal year

Business accounting

  • Definition of bookkeeping
  • Minimum bookkeeping requirements
  • Customized accounting methods
  • Recommended management practices for reducing the tax you pay

Applicable tax rules

  • Eligibility for different tax programs
  • Tax obligations
  • Business sale
  • Tax perks for women farmers

Legal impacts of matrimonial regimes on businesses

  • Agreements between shareholders
  • Wills

To arrange a meeting with one of our accountants or tax specialists, simply complete our online form We will get in touch with you to book an appointment.  

For further information, contact us 514-431-3756 | fed.agricultrices@upa.qc.ca

1. Structuring your business

Setting up the right legal structure for your business is important. Depending on how you want to run it, you might choose a structure that will either place you alone at the head or with partners or associates. There are four main types of business structures: sole proprietorships, general partnerships, corporations and cooperatives.

2. Drawing up a business plan

It’s not enough to just have a few bright ideas. You need a written business plan that will help you assess your potential, affirm your commitment to being an entrepreneur, and earn the trust of financial institutions and investors. Business plans are a recognized management tool that lays out exactly what your business will do and how it will be successful. A well-written business plan provides a framework for any business. It’s a must-have if you want to apply for assistance, use consulting services, secure financing, and maintain credibility.

3. Choosing the right business name for you

Make sure your name is a good match for the products or services you offer.

4. Registering your business name and web domain

As a future entrepreneur or new business owner, you will no doubt be aware of the importance of building a reputation for your new business. In addition to advertising your business, you’ll need to notify the government about your plans.

You may need to register your company with various government agencies for different reasons, including the Registraire des entreprises in Quebec.

5. Securing financing

There are many financing resources available. Obtaining start-up financing is a challenge unto itself, as you’ll have to prove to financial institutions that your business is valuable and solvent. To determine your financing needs, it’s important to chart out your financial arrangement, which indicates what expenses are required to run your business and which financing sources can cover these expenses. Financing sources to help you get your business off the ground can be found in both the public and the private sectors.

6. Choosing and laying out your place of business

When the time comes, you’ll need to decide where to set up your business and how to arrange it. There are a number of factors to consider before settling on your business location and how the space will be organized.

7. Determining requirements for licencing and permits

Not only do you need to obtain the required permits, but you also need to be knowledgeable about the various regulations that apply in your industry. You may need to obtain special licences and permits from the federal, provincial, or municipal government depending on where you live, which sector you operate in, and what specific activities you plan to engage in.

8. Hiring, managing and training employees

Seek advice on recruitment, hiring, and managing relationships with your employees. Find out about your responsibilities regarding payroll, pensions, taxes, wages, and health and safety.

9. Building a network

No one can do it all or know it all. That’s why it’s important to network with people who can help, support and encourage you.

10. Getting coaching and guidance

Plenty of people who want to start a business lack the necessary skills. There are all kinds of resources available to help and coach entrepreneurs.

You’re behind Canadian food. We’re behind you. FCC is the only lender exclusively dedicated to Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector. As your business partner, we provide financing, knowledge, ideas, advice, and resources to help you manage your business more effectively. Dream. Grow. Thrive.

» About BHLF Avocats

BHLF Avocats is a large agricultural law firm. Our lawyers are dedicated exclusively to defending the interests of Quebec’s agricultural and forestry producers, the Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA), and other farmer’s organizations.

If you’re starting or taking over a business, you’ll definitely be making many decisions and taking actions that have legal consequences. 

Our lawyers are experts in their field. They can help you understand the legal aspects of the business world and support you through your decision-making process. That means you’ll be making informed choices and running your business smoothly.

For all kinds of issues, whether purchasing or selling agricultural assets, protecting farmland, dealing with regulatory issues, securing permits, or complying with corporate, municipal, or regulatory legislation, our lawyers are prepared to give you invaluable guidance and meet the needs specific to your business venture. 

Here are some of the issues we can help you:

  • Avoiding lawsuits in running your farm business?
  • Understanding your rights and obligations when it comes to managing streams and protecting wetlands?
  • Including the right clauses in your contracts?
  • Nailing down which authorizations are required to carry out your projects?
  • Finding out what production- and marketing-related rules you need to follow?
  • Making the right moves if someone takes you to court?

To arrange a one-on-one meeting with a lawyer from BHLF Avocats, simply complete our online form. We will get in touch with you to book an appointment. 

For further information, contact us 514-431-3756 | fed.agricultrices@upa.qc.ca