From field to greenhouse-grown, Canada’s Quebec province is known for tradition, technology, and innovation that drives fresh produce production and inspires consumers to eat more fruit and vegetables. But this agriculture-rich region is not only focused on consumer engagement. It’s also working to attract interest from a younger generation of farmers ready to pick up the torch and blaze a trail toward the future of food.
“Quebec has strong field and fruit production, but also dynamic greenhouse operations for leafy greens, as well as tomatoes,” said Ron Lemaire, president of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association. “Quebec has excelled on production and continues to grow.”
Lemaire sees technology and innovation focused on the end consumer, as in the case of strawberries, becoming increasingly important to the cultivation of fruit and vegetables in the region.
“Technology plays a key role,” Lemaire said. “Growers are investing significantly in hydroponic lettuce, for example, and their strategy is to ensure that they’re able to meet not only domestic market demand but also export market demand. And then, you look at the tomato industry in Quebec, and you see the same thing. The Quebec produce industry also has the benefit of access to hydroelectric power, which is extremely beneficial to much of the production base throughout the province,” he added.
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