In 2023, scientists at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) in Quebec expanded the opportunities to share their knowledge with agricultural producers and the general public to learn more about their priorities. Networking activities and open houses were held in collaboration with multiple partners in different cities and towns to maximize opportunities for collaboration and learning.
Networking event showcasing greenhouse production
Greenhouse production is growing in Quebec. On February 23, researchers, agricultural advisors, university students, greenhouse growers and other stakeholders in the greenhouse vegetable sector met for a day of engagement and discussions on greenhouse production research. The event was organized in collaboration with the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ).
The aim was to encourage participants to contribute, in their own way, to the sector’s development by advancing research and devising solutions to challenges in greenhouse vegetable production. It also provided an opportunity to learn more about the objectives of the Quebec government’s Greenhouse Growth Strategy.
Participants were able to attend more than 20 conferences on the greenhouse production research taking place at the Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Research and Development Centre and within other organizations that were present. The projects put forward focused on energy, engineering, artificial intelligence and plant health.
“To my knowledge, this is the first time an event was held bringing together research stakeholders in the Quebec greenhouse sector. There has been a huge need from the industry for such an event, and it was a great success. Over 80 people attended the networking day and connections were made between researchers, farmers and industry professionals. There was even initial talk on the need to make it a regular event!”
– Philippe-Antoine Taillon, Agronomist, Consultant on Greenhouse Vegetable and Fruit Crops, MAPAQ, Direction régionale de la Capitale-Nationale et de la Chaudière-Appalaches
A revitalizing meeting in the Frelighsburg vineyards
On July 12, the Frelighsburg Experimental Farm held the first event since it reopened. In collaboration with the Conseil des vins du Québec, our scientists welcomed more than 100 grape growers, students and partners to discuss the latest research relevant to the wine industry.
To make good wine, you need healthy vines! Our scientists shared their knowledge on biovigilance; the use of imaging in weed control; biofilters and spore traps; and optimizing the efficacy of a biofungicide in controlling Botrytis. Molecular tools that can be used in the field for diagnosing fungicide and herbicide resistance were also presented. Lastly, a workshop was held on the e-vineyard project, which aims to develop tools to help wine growers manage their operations digitally and sustainably.
“This event was a great networking opportunity and gave participants from the Quebec wine industry a better understanding of AAFC researchers’ level of expertise and of the importance of the research they conduct in support of the wine sector.”
– Samuel Dagenais, Agronomist, Senior Industry Development Officer, Market and Industry Services Branch, Quebec and Nunavut Regional Office, AAFC
Open House Day at the Sainte-Clotilde Experimental Farm
On July 20, for the second year in a row, the Sainte-Clotilde Experimental Farm held an open house for stakeholders from the horticulture and vegetable production sectors. More than 30 farm producers attended. This event was organized in collaboration with the Association des producteurs maraîchers du Québec (APMQ).
Participants could attend a number of demonstrations and presentations. The day concluded with a networking and information-sharing activity for sector stakeholders. Topics addressed included production in muck soils, biovigilance for organic soil sustainability, biological control of onion thrips, planting flower strips as a tool to control insect pests, and planting Crotalaria to reduce carrot nematode populations.
“The great turnout from vegetable farmers well into the growing season confirms the interest in this type of event. The Sainte-Clotilde Experimental Farm is unique in hosting research on vegetable production in muck soils. Meetings like this one allow us to share our work and create connections with producers so that they can benefit from the solutions developed at the Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Research and Development Centre.”
– Carl Bélec, Technology Transfer Officer, Science and Technology Branch, AAFC
Open House Day at the Normandin Research Farm
July 20 also featured an open house for the general public at the Normandin Research Farm. The farm, which has been in operation since 1936 in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, hosts research on grains, canola, forage crops and berries. New research is also underway to support northern and Indigenous agricultural production.
Did you know that:
- Canada is the world’s largest producer of wild blueberries.
- Nearly one-third of Quebec’s haskap fields are in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region.
- Soybeans are the main crop in Quebec, with more than 405,300 hectares under cultivation in 2023.
Researchers Jean Lafond, Julie Lajeunesse and Geneviève Telmosse were on hand to discuss these topics at their booths and to give guided tours of some of the research plots. People of all ages came to learn more about the scientific discoveries made at the Farm.
“The Farm is well established in the Lac Saint-Jean farming community and we have good connections with producers. This allows us to understand and address their needs, taking into account national directions and priorities in agricultural research.”
– Jean Lafond, researcher specializing in soil fertility at the Normandin Research Farm
Open House in Saint-Hyacinthe
The Saint-Hyacinthe Research and Development Centre hosted a large gathering of students, industry partners and members of the general public at its open house on October 20 and 21. This event encouraged visitors to learn more about the centre’s research activities, particularly in food processing. Roughly 15 booths were set up to allow researchers to showcase their work on food production, conservation and consumption. Visitors also went on guided tours of the pilot plants where researchers and industry clients do some of their work.
The open house provided an excellent opportunity to introduce the over 400 participants to the science that is taking shape in the laboratories and pilot plants at our research and development centre in Saint-Hyacinthe.
To learn more about Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s research projects: Scientific achievements in agriculture
Get more Agri-info
- Want more stories like this? Explore what else Agri-info has to offer.
- Interested in reporting on this story? Contact AAFC Media Relations at aafc.mediarelations-relationsmedias.aac@agr.gc.ca to arrange an interview with one of our experts.
- Have a story idea or feedback to share? Get in touch at aafc.agri-info.aac@agr.gc.ca!