On September 26, the Fédération de l’UPA de la Montérégie and the three unions of the Producteurs de grains de la Montérégie announced a new project with the goal to start a training plan concerning new practices that will help with the conservation of farm soils. The hope is to promote the health and sustainability of grain producers’ lands by supporting them to integrate soil conservation tactics. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) has invested $83,445 into the initiative with their Prime-Vert project. It is a part of the Plan d’agriculture durable 2020-2030.
MAPAQ minister André Lamontagne supports this plan and says, “It will help promote knowledge transfer and make our agricultural sector even more sustainable. By supporting projects like this one, your government is giving concrete expression to its commitment to encouraging the adoption of agri-environmental practices.”
Presidents of each of the unions share their thoughts on the project. Jocelyn Prud’homme, president of Producteurs de grains de la Montérégie-Ouest, says, “We’re delighted to kick off this project to promote and support the adoption of soil conservation practices in the Montérégie farming community. This project joins the many others already underway in the region.” Sylvain Pion, president of Producteurs de grains de la Montérégie-Sud-Est, adds, “It is essential to emphasize that each farm will benefit from a personalized diagnosis and transition plan, taking into account its specific orientations. Soil health specialists will accompany producers throughout their process, respecting their pace and considering their starting points and future objectives.” Finally, Alain Gervais, president of Producteurs de grains de la Montérégie-Nord, adds that “Our aim is to provide participating growers with the tools they need to preserve the health of their soils and embark on a coherent and thoughtful transition to conservation practices adapted to their farms.”
The Fédération de l’UPA thanks the grain producers’ union for being involved with this project and acknowledges that this further proves their commitment to soil health and sustainable agriculture. The UPA has been involved with soil protection for years and has the expertise to help these initiatives thrive. (CF)
