Fonds coopératif d’aide à la relève agricole (FCARA) is a three-year program that provides farmers aged 40 and under with funding, professional support, and training opportunities.  

If selected for the program, you’ll have access to the following: 

#1 : Funding 

FCARA provides funding of up to $7,500 per person per year, for a total of up to $22,500. The annual amount is calculated using a formula that factors in the volume of inputs you purchase and the percentage of shares you hold in the business.  

#2 : Professional support 

All throughout the program, you’ll have access to TELUS Health, a counselling service that provides immediate and confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, free of charge. FCARA covers five hours of professional support per year to help you better manage your finances, personal and work stress, parenting, or overall well-being, depending on your needs. The only exception is legal services, which are limited to one hour.  

#3 : Skills development 

Over the course of the entire program, you’ll be required to develop your professional skills through FCARA-approved training. You’ll also be required to participate in community activities organized by your agricultural cooperative or Sollio Cooperative Group. Although the majority of the training is offered in French, the program may provide an adapted pathway for English-speaking candidates. 

#4 : Cooperative development 

The activities include training-focused trips and tours of farms, agri-food businesses, and Sollio Cooperative Group facilities. They give you the opportunity to meet other young farmers in the network and see how the agricultural industry is changing in Québec and other parts of Canada. Going on these trips is optional and will earn you training credits. The participating agricultural cooperatives and Sollio Cooperative Group will send out a joint list of trip dates and locations.  

To learn more, see the FCARA Program overview and TELUS Health, your support program. 

Québec applicants 

At the time of application, you must: 

1. Be between 18 and 40 years old.
2. Be in the process of establishing or transferring for less than 10 years.
3. Hold at least 20% of shares in the business. If you hold less than 20%, you can still apply; your application will be reviewed by FCARA’s board of directors.
4. Be a member of a cooperative affiliated with Sollio Cooperative Group.
5. Be a member of Fédération de la relève agricole du Québec.
6. Be a member of a Desjardins Caisse or Desjardins Business Centre affiliated with Desjardins Group.
7. Have completed specialized training in agriculture or an equivalent training.*
8. Be ready to commit to developing your professional skills through FCARA-approved training.

Ontario and New Brunswick applicants 

At the time of application, you must: 

1. Be between 18 and 40 years old.
2. Be in the process of establishing or transferring for less than 10 years.
3. Hold at least 20% of shares in the business. If you hold less than 20%, you can still apply; your application will be reviewed by FCARA’s board of directors.
4. Be a member of a cooperative affiliated with Sollio Cooperative Group.
5. Be a member of a Desjardins Caisse or Desjardins Business Centre affiliated with Desjardins Group.
6. Have completed specialized training in agriculture or an equivalent training.*
7. Be ready to commit to developing your professional skills through FCARA-approved training.

*If you do not have specialized training in agriculture, equivalent training, or a diploma, you can also submit your application, along with a cover letter outlining your background and interest in the FCARA program. Your application will be reviewed and considered.

To apply, fill out and sign the application form and send it to your agricultural cooperative along with the necessary supporting documents.  

Applications are accepted from September 1 to December 1. Applications are managed by agricultural cooperatives that are both affiliated with Sollio Cooperative Group and members of FCARA. Each cooperative evaluates applications according to the eligibility criteria and its budget cap.  

Find the agricultural cooperative nearest you 

For questions: fcara@sollio.coop  

• Application form
• FCARA Program overview
• Frequently asked questions
• Quebec application checklist
• Ontario and New Brunswick application checklist
• TELUS Health, your support program
• FCARA advertising print