Thanks to advantageous tax measures introduced by the Québec and Canadian governments, the province is recognized the world over as one of the best places to carry out R&D. It is also home to several renowned research centres specializing in fields related to food processing.

Food Research and Development Centre (FRDC)

Located in Saint-Hyacinthe, the FRDC is Canada's largest research centre dedicated to food processing. Its leading-edge scientists specialize in food preservation, processing, quality and safety. The FRDC also assists food processing companies with their R&D activities. The FRDC employs nearly 150 people.

Institute of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods (INAF)

INAF was founded in 1999 at Université Laval. The institute has three main objectives:

• to improve food intended for human consumption by furthering fundamental and applied knowledge of functional food and molecules;
• to advance the training of highly qualified personnel;
• to transfer knowledge and technologies to industry, health professionals and the general public.

The Institute groups together over 350 people, including nearly 70 professor-researchers, research professionals and graduate students.

Cintech agroalimentaire

Cintech agroalimentaire, located in Saint-Hyacinthe, specializes in food processing research. It focuses primarily on agri-food R&D processes, problem-solving and  product development.

Other Research Centres

• Université Laval's Centre de recherche en économie agroalimentaire (CRÉA)
• Marine Biotechnology Research Centre (MBRC)
• The INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier research centre's Canadian Irradiation Centre

• NSERC/Saputo/Exel-Pac Industrial Research Chair on materials and films for smart, safe and sustainable packaging.