Small-scale farmers are going through challenging times. While the agricultural sector has always faced numerous challenges, it is now in the grip of what many experts in the field consider to be a true agricultural crisis.
According to forecasts by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Quebec’s net agricultural income will drop from $959 million in 2022 to $66 million in 2024, a level not seen since 1938 ¹.
A survey conducted by l’Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA) in the summer of 2023 among its members also revealed that 11% of Quebec farms were considering ceasing their agricultural activities within the next twelve months due to the unfavourable economic climate ². Alarming numbers for a mission that is so crucial and worthy: that of feeding Quebecers.
“When you think about it, farmers have to be like Swiss Army knives: we have to wear many hats at the same time,” describes Katherine McDowell, Manager of the Roulant Farm.
L’aube’s Commitment in This Context
In this context, L’aube aims to support small scale farms to promote their development and ensure their success. Bringing together several farms, L’aube’s primary mission is to bolster their resilience by improving their operational capabilities to serve local markets through the implementation of shared logistical services.
L’aube is committed to simplifying the lives of farmers by taking charge of key responsibilities for them, including market development, sales management, communications and customer relations.
To alleviate them of a major logistical burden, L’aube oversees the entire order management process, handling everything from customer order intake to produce storage in cold rooms and delivery across the Island of Montreal, using its own delivery truck.
“This gives us more time and allows us to focus on growing the best vegetables possible and taking care of the land,” says Katherine McDowell, Manager of the Roulant Farm.
The food hub thus serves as a central pivot between farms and customers, making the ordering system smoother and more efficient for all parties involved.
“Having a single delivery, instead of several small carriers coming to our hospital throughout the week, is really interesting for us,” explains one of the food hub’s customers, Annie Lavoie, Head of Procurement and Catering at the CHUM.
Solidarity to Ensure the Sustainability of Small Farms
In the face of the current crisis, solidarity and collaboration in the agricultural sector are essential to ensure the sustainability of small farms.
By uniting under a food hub, farms reduce their production costs by sharing expenses collectively and lightening their workload by delegating certain logistical operations, all of which enhance their chances of long-term success.
Proximity-based, solidarity-driven agriculture also supports a sustainable and fair food system, helping to democratize access to local and organic products for everyone. We believe that this collaborative approach is a valuable model to strengthen the resilience of farms and ensure a promising future for local agriculture.
¹ Bergeron, Patrice. (2024, March 21). Minister André Lamontagne avoids discussing the agricultural crisis. Le Devoir.
² Cameron, Daphé. (2023, April 12). One in ten farms considers shutting down. La Presse.
Acknowledgements
L’aube is a project initiated and supported by the Collectif Récolte with funding from Montréal en commun. Montréal en commun is a project led by the City of Montreal as part of the Smart Cities Challenge and made possible with financial support from the Government of Canada.
L’aube’s team would like to thank its financial partners, such as the Quebec Council for Cooperation and Mutuality (CQCM), the Government of Canada, PME MTL, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ), and the Caisse d’économie Solidaire Desjardins.
A special thank you to Arrivage for their exceptional help and support.
Finally, L’aube would be nothing without its clients and producers, including Les jardins Carya, Santropol Roulant, Cultiver l’Espoir, Ferme aux pleines saveurs, Ferme aux colibris, Ferme Les Siffleux, Ferme Bio Saveurs, and La tête dans les pommes: we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your commitment is essential to making this structure a hub of sustainable and responsible local food.
By Catherine Dallaire
The food hub L’aube is a project of the Local and Integrated Food System (SALIM), a multi-partner program initiated and supported by the Collectif Récolte as part of Montréal en commun and the Smart Cities Challenge. Montréal en commun is a project led by the City of Montreal as part of the Smart Cities Challenge and made possible with financial support from the Government of Canada.
Partners
