Farmers that want to increase productivity and enhance competitiveness, must invest in technology, innovation, and research. Farmers are better positioned for future development and success thanks to research currently being conducted.
The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food recently announced investments totalling more than $1.7 million in funding for nine projects throughout Quebec, which will help support and advance innovation in the industry, while speaking at Ferme Onésime Pouliot.
One of the funding recipients is Ferme Onésime Pouliot. Ferme Onésime Pouliot has been granted up to $199,551 in AAFC funding to research procedures and techniques that would result in the development of high-performing, healthy and disease and pest-free strawberry and raspberry plants. Because the plants will be free of diseases and pests, they will be more productive, allowing farmers to use fewer pesticides.
Another organization that is receiving funding is the Institut de recherche et de développement en agroenvironnement. AAFC granted up to $552,411 to the Institut de recherche et de développement en agroenvironnement to establish successful and profitable organic management of Tulameen long cane raspberries above ground and under tunnels. Producers will be able to increase market share in the organic raspberry industry while lowering pesticide use as a result of the project.