Supporting Innovation in Quebec’s Agricultural Sector

Quebec’s agricultural producers are at the heart of food security and support our local economy. I am proud to have the Association des producteurs maraîchers du Québec (APMQ), a leading organization representing Quebec’s vegetable growers, headquartered in Saint-Léonard–Saint-Michel.

It was a pleasure to meet with APMQ representatives at the Place des Producteurs, the largest wholesale fruit and vegetable market in Eastern Canada, and to recognize their important work supporting local producers and strengthening our agricultural sector. With more than 70% of Quebec’s vegetable production coming from APMQ members, this organization plays a vital role in feeding our communities and supporting our economy.

I was particularly pleased to announce an investment of up to $497,562 in federal funding through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s AgriScience Program, under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, to support an innovative project led by the APMQ.

This investment will support the development of a decision support system that uses advanced imaging technology, weather forecasts and crop data to help lettuce growers monitor plant growth and predict optimal harvest dates. By providing producers with better information to guide their decisions, this technology can help improve productivity, reduce labour costs and food waste, and strengthen the competitiveness of Quebec’s agricultural sector.

At a time when producers face labour shortages, rising costs and the growing impacts of climate change, investing in agricultural innovation is essential to building a more sustainable and resilient food network. I am proud to see an organization headquartered in Saint-Léonard–Saint-Michel helping advance innovative solutions that benefit producers across Quebec and Canada. Supporting our agricultural community means investing in local expertise, strengthening food security and building a more prosperous future for all Canadians.