The Framboises and Parapluies farm in Saint-Chrysostome was selected by the MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent as the winner of the local finals of the Défi OSEntreprendre challenge. This year marked the 24th edition of the province-wide competition, which aims to promote innovative entrepreneurship in Quebec.
Framboises and Parapluies was selected in the Operations, Processing and Production category of the Business Creation section of the competition. The farm was recognized because of its business plan and due to the creativity and drive of its owners, Samuel Bourdeau and Catherine Julien, who grow raspberries and strawberries under open plastic structures or “umbrellas” to protect the delicate fruit. The farm also produces a variety of pumpkins and squash in the fall for U-pick.
Bourdeau and Julien are interested in growing their business to become an agritourism destination for visitors to the area. Several projects are in the works for the 2022 season, including the addition of sweet corn, the opening of a roadside self-service kiosk, and the creation of a corn maze.
Framboises and Parapluies will now represent the Haut-Saint-Laurent at the regional level of the competition. The winners will be announced on April 29.
