The 12th edition of the annual Gala Agristars de la Grande Montérégie took place on April 7 in Brossard. Around 230 guests attended the event which celebrated the outstanding contributions of 34 honourees to the agricultural sector.
Mélissa Bourdon of the Ferme Méliçois in Saint-Étienne-de-Beauharnois was named Female Farmer of the Year in the Montérégie-Ouest. Danielle Ferland of Saint-Anicet received the prestigious Coup de Chapeau award for her contribution to improving the status of women farmers.
The tribute to Ferland recognized the 12 years she spent as president of the Agricultrices de Val-Jean organization. As president, and co-owner of the Ferme Urdani, she prioritized the recognition of women in agriculture throughout her tenure. She was also the first woman to sit on the board of directors of the Saint-Jean-Valleyfield syndicate.
A touching video was screened during the tribute during which her daughter, Josiane Carrière, as well as several other colleagues spoke about her influence, including Jérémie Letellier, the current president of the Fédération de l’UPA de la Montérégie.
As per tradition, a portion of the profits from the event were donated to two organizations. A total of $7,000 was presented to the mental health organization Au Coeur des Familles Agricoles while the international development division of the Union des Producteurs Agricoles (UPA) received $3,500. (SR)