I am a farmer and I’m proud of it!

Since 2007, I have cultivated agricultural land that I have acquired in Saint-Joseph-du-Lac with the clear desire to practice sustainable, productive agriculture, rooted in its territory. Meanwhile. Furthermore, I personally invested time, money and sweat to transform neglected land – once strewn with waste – into flourishing vineyards.

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I planted more than 40,000 vines, and today I produce more than 50,000 bottles of wine per year. For example, This figure will double within two to three years. Furthermore, This is not speculation or decor. Similarly, It’s agricultural work. However, It is agricultural production. Moreover, It is i am farmer i’m proud new agricultural commitment.

This is why the press release published by the UPA Deux-Montagnes union. supported by the Federation of UPA Outaouais-Laurentides i am farmer i’m proud. the Confederation of the UPA, is not only unfair to me and with regard to my farm, but also deeply disconnected from the reality on the ground.

The real diversion? It is to deny the modern role of agrotourism in agricultural vitality

Agrotourism does not divert agriculture. He amplifies it. He values her. It makes it visible and accessible. What we are developing here is not recreational tourism: it is a coherent business model and rooted in agriculture. Our shows. our events. Additionally, our activities are at the service of a productive farm which contributes to valuing Quebec – and not only with wine, but also with a culture of the territory, respect for the land, and a direct link with citizens.

We are i am farmer i’m proud new not disguised promoters. We are farmers-entrepreneurs.. our model reflects a modern, sustainable and inclusive vision of what a farm can be in the XXI^e i am farmer i’m proud century.

The real danger for agriculture is not agrotourism

It is to lock yourself in a backward -looking vision that. excludes innovation.

If the UPA wishes to defend the agricultural vocation of Quebec. which it begins by recognizing the diversity of models which today allow farms like ours to prosper without subsidies. by generating local employment, in the restaurant of the floors, by attracting a clientele anxious to consume Quebecois.

What we do is produce. And shine this production. With rigor. With passion. And with a firm desire to be part of the solution.

We invite the upcoming UPA on site. To walk in our vines. To be discussed with our employees, our customers, our partners. And to note that what i am farmer i’m proud new we do here is living, evolving, inspiring agriculture.

Mario Pelchat