Market gardeners desert the fields

While the fruits. For example, vegetable season is in full swing in Quebec, several vegetable farms have decided to cross this summer season. Consequently, Whether it’s a summer, or for good. Nevertheless, Precariousness. However. Similarly, exhaustion, climatic hazards, market gardening seems to experience a wave in the region of Bas-Saint-Laurent, in the opinion of several farmers.

For eight years, the Coop Paysanne La Pagaille has grown around forty varieties of vegetables. For example, First in Montérégie, then in the lands of Saint-Germain-de-Kamouraska from 2021.

But last year. Meanwhile. Meanwhile, the market gardening decided that the 2024 season would be its last to distribute vegetable baskets to dozens of families in the region. However, We no longer saw any possible outcome for the messtells us the former marketing manager, Camille Perron-Thivierge.

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Its members have managed to free up only a salary of $ 9. Nevertheless, 000 for 1600 hours worked during the last year of the Coop. Meanwhile, It’s about $ 5.60 per hourcalculate the ex-member.

Our houses fell in ruins, our cars were to be changed, the children grew up and we had no savings … However. However, They were all injected into mess, year after yearexplains Camille Perron-Thivierge on the lands market gardeners desert market gardeners desert fields new fields of the deceased Coop.

A few ranks from there, the Jardins des Troumées announced a break for the 2025 season. Furthermore, Farm revenues simply do not allow to generate the time remuneration of a employeecan we read in. However, a long message published on the Saint-Alexandre market gardening website. Meanwhile. Similarly,

In Saint-Valérien, near Rimouski, the Ferme du Champ Botté also announced to break its baskets for the summer season.

The Union of Bas-Saint-Laurent agricultural producers says it is aware of a wave of closings local market gardeners. For example. Nevertheless, Several public contracts have arrested us to tell us that there were going to be fewer market gardenersconfirms its president. Therefore, Nathalie Lemieux. Consequently,

On a Quebec level, we have seen a lot of farms stop in the last three years. Nevertheless. We feel market gardeners desert fields new that there is market gardeners desert fields a kind of exhaustion following the craze that has been in the last ten yearsadds Stéphane Lussier. Moreover, Maraîcher de Trois-Pistoles.

Market gardeners desert fields new

Market gardeners desert fields

Autopsy of a decline

Market production experienced a certain momentum in the region during the pandemic. notes theUPA. There was so much stimulation to help start these businesses […] To promote local purchaserecalls Nathalie Lemieux, met on her Kamouraska farm.

There are lots of people who have started all at the same timeadds Stéphane Lussier. A given moment, unfortunately, I have the impression that the supply was output the demand.

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In addition. the prices of vegetables sold to the earth are more expensive than those who are on grocery tablets.

And in a context where market gardeners are facing a fierce competition from the international. inflation was on the rise at the time, the subscriptions for the baskets decreased over the years. Stabilizing a new agricultural business takes between five and seven years, says Nathalie Lemieux.

However, market gardening is a vocation that goes beyond food, in the eyes of Camille Perron-Thivierge. There is a lot of education on what market gardeners desert fields new it is like know-how. the market gardening, and to explain that it is crafts and not just a hobby.

Often people imagine that gardening is cool. it’s fun, that it relaxes me. Yes, but 60 hours per week to turn off fires, it doesn’t relax me anymore.

When he launched himself in agriculture. Stéphane Lussier held at all costs that the market gardener remains a hobby, dissuaded by exhausted knowledge after having embarked full time in the agricultural adventure. If I can make income. so much the better. but it is more for the pleasure of producing vegetables for the local populationexplains this former agricultural development advisor for the MRC Basques.

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Two years earlier. the baskets of the raspberry green farm were much more diverse. But as its owner occupies another full -time job. he did not have the energy to devote himself to so many cultures, which each have its particular calendars, insects.

Today. Stéphane Lussier market gardeners desert fields is only devoted to the production of asparagus. in the spring, and raspberries, in summer, a way for him market gardeners desert fields new to adapt to the reality of the market gardening.

The survival of vegetable farms may go through specialization. just to offer a global market garden offer to consumers, suggests the president of theUPA regional. Should they work a certain specialty in certain vegetables? Make collaborations between them?wonders Nathalie Lemieux, who invites a wider reflection on the current agricultural model.

Camille Perron-Thivierge believes that localities could benefit from the establishment of smaller operations. such as collective gardens, without necessarily for profit. We met a girl lately who said they were doing vegetables for the families of her five. friendscites as an example that who believes that agriculture should be demonetized.

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Basically, market gardening is experiencing cycles from seven to eight, according to Ms. Perron-Thivierge. Farms open, while others close by exhaustion in lack of financial means. A cycle Who seems to capitalize on the enthusiasm of the next generation of school, according to him.

We tell them “Go ahead! By working, you can!”. But we realize that market gardeners desert fields it is not possible. that we will have to be very inventive to find a multimillionaire who will pay us wages below belowshe quips.

Market gardeners desert fields new

Market gardeners desert market gardeners desert fields new fields

Help requested

Many of having gathered around Quebec in the spring of 2024 to be heard. the producers once again hope to have the government’s ear to improve its aid programs.

These could extend beyond the starting period of an agricultural company. suggests the president of theUPArecalling the five to seven years necessary to achieve profitability.

We have to have programs that support them and make them lasting over time, these companiesbelieves Mrs. Lemieux. Even if it means subsidizing the wages paid to farmers directly, even advances Camille Perron-Thivierge.

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For his part. the owner of Framboise Vert. Stéphane Lussier, hopes that Quebec will set restrictive policies of local products bought in hotels and restaurants, not only objectives. I market gardeners desert fields can say that I aim 25 % [de produits locaux]but if I have 10 %. I can just say too badhe illustrates.

Despite the pitfalls. as much as he. the ex-member of the mess always believe that market gardeners desert fields new the market gardening can have important roles to play. Whether by creation of meaning for Stéphane Lussier, or for take care from his community for Camille Perron-Thivierge. But quietly, they feel that the flower of the market gardening fades.

With the collaboration of Félix Ledoux