Quebec growers prioritize food self-sufficiency, promote local

Being able to eat locally, year-round is an objective that Quebec's greenhouse producers and government have set for the province.

Local companies such as Les Productions Horticoles Demers, Les Herbes Gourmandes, Serres Royales, Serres Toundra, Excel Serres, and Hydroserre are striving to contribute to Quebec's food self-sufficiency by increasing the production of greenhouse fruits and vegetables. In collaboration with Aliments du Québec, Hydro-Québec, Desjardins Entreprises, and Les Industries Harnois Inc., these companies are launching a promotional campaign aimed at highlighting Quebec's greenhouse fruits and vegetables.

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The campaign promotes awareness among the consumers regarding the need to purchase fresh, organic, high-quality produce locally, year-round. The primary objectives of this campaign are to increase awareness regarding the distinctive advantages of Quebec's greenhouse fruits and vegetables and improve the identification of those at the retail level.

In accordance with the government's commitments, greenhouse producers intend on doubling the production of greenhouse fruits and vegetables over a five-year period. This objective will allow Quebec to reduce its dependence on foreign goods.

"We are very pleased to meet Quebec's demand for fresh, organic, and high-quality produce. With this promotional campaign and the support of our partners, we want to make greenhouse fruits and vegetables prominent for Quebec consumers throughout the year," explained Sylvain Terrault, President of Hydroserre, on behalf of the companies involved in the campaign.

The contribution of the various partners not only allows for a better profile of greenhouse products in the Quebec market but also contributes to the production benefiting the local economy and the sustainable development of Quebec.

"The unique circumstances of the last few months have emphasized the public's interest in local food. In collaboration with Quebec's greenhouse producers, we are proud to be contributing to raising awareness of local products and responding to the interest in buying local from its residents. We are also contributing directly to the collective effort of the entire organic food industry to become more food self-sufficient," Marie Beaudry added, General Manager of Aliments Québec.

By reducing electricity costs by up to 40 per cent, Hydro-Québec will help greenhouse growers increase their production. "The biggest challenge to food autonomy is accessibility to all. The food produced here must be affordable and yield a fair profit for farmers. This means reducing production costs, especially energy costs," explained François Désautels, Commercial Delegate responsible for Hydro-Québec's agriculture market.

Quebec's greenhouse production also benefits the economic development of Quebec.  With some 550 greenhouse companies throughout the province, they contribute to the overall economic vitality of the regions through job creation and economic activity. By supporting the greenhouse sector, an entire high-tech industry is being developed, which includes equipment and input suppliers, research and innovation centres, experts specialized in agronomy, energy and other.

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Source: Greenhouse Canada