More Quebec strawberries will be on sale throughout the year starting in 2024. La Ferme d’Hiver, in Vaudreuil-Dorion, will quadruple its production of this fruit in vertical agriculture, helped by funding of $46 million from of the Government of Quebec.
The company plans to grow one million kilograms of strawberries in closed buildings, which means quadrupling the size of its facilities. They will be sold 12 months a year in IGA stores across the province, rather than from September to June as is currently the case.
“The strength of a vertical farm is to ensure a constant and predictable supply, controlling the entire climate. This is an advantage for our retailers,” explained La Ferme d’Hiver’s director of sales, marketing and communications, Daphné Mailhot.
The CEO, Alain Brisebois, believes that its production will not compete with market gardeners during the summer season since it will be a “drop in the ocean” and its prices will undoubtedly be less competitive.
“Our mission is not to replace the summer producer, but to replace part of the 130 million kilos imported from California and Mexico. Our mission is to bring production closer to consumption,” said Mr. Brisebois.
The company hopes to one day be able to increase its annual production to 13 million kilos, in order to replace 10% of Canada’s strawberry imports.
For the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, André Lamontagne, support for this project is part of a desire to increase Quebec’s food autonomy. He points out that the objective of doubling between 2020 and 2025 the volume of food produced in greenhouses is 50% completed.
La Ferme d’Hiver plans to export some of its strawberries to the northeastern United States, as well as elsewhere in Canada, within five to ten years. It also plans to deploy its technological solutions around the world.
The company emphasizes that it does not use any chemical pesticides and does not release any harmful emissions into the environment. In addition, 90% of their irrigation water is recovered and reused.