The 10th edition of the Gala Agristars de la grande Montérégie region took place at the Quartier Dix30 in Brossard on April 3. The evening brought together nearly 400 guests, including several producers from the Haut-Saint-Laurent, Jardins-de-Naperville, and Beauharnois-Salaberry regions, to celebrate 50 winners who were honoured for their exceptional work and collective actions in the agricultural sector over the past year.
The first “Bon Coup” award was presented to the Jardins-de-Napierville syndicate of the Union des Producteurs Agricoles (UPA) for its innovative “Mon agriculture, je l’aime” contest. The jury also awarded the “Coup de cœur” prize to the Producteurs de grains de Montérégie Ouest for their project to install educational panels on grain production along bicycle paths.
As this year marked a decade since the merger between the Saint-Hyacinthe and Saint-Jean-Valleyfield federations which led to the creation of a single federation representing the entire Montérégie region, two new 10-year anniversary awards were introduced. The Vaudreuil-Soulanges syndicate won the “Bon Coup 10 ans” public vote award for their mobilization against expropriation plans in 2016. The Richelieu-Yamaska won the “Bon Coup 10 ans” jury vote for their symposium on water management that took place in 2014.
The evening also included a tribute to Ormstown maple syrup producer Serge Beaulieu, who was presented with the “Hommage Coup de chapeau” award for his involvement at both the regional and national level of the maple syrup producers union. His work to develop maple syrup markets over the past decade was also highlighted.
Several producers were also recognized for their dedication to the UPA, including Josiane Carrière of Saint-Anicet who was honoured for her 15 years of service, as well as Alyssa Leblanc of Godmanchester, whose ten years with the local syndicate were also recognized.
All of the proceeds from the event, which totaled $15,000, were donated to the non-profit organization, Au Cœur des familles agricoles (ACFA). (SR)
