FREDERIC SERRE
The Advocate

FMS Fresh Produce, a growing family-owned vegetable producer in the Montérégie region, is poised to become the first Quebec grower to offer 100-per-cent locally-grown mini carrots in the province – a significant move in reducing dependence on imports from the United States and one that earlier this month received a significant boost from the Quebec government, courtesy of a $5-million investment that will allow FMS to build a new carrot packaging plant.

Quebec Premier François Legault and Huntingdon MNA Carole Mallette made the announcement during a visit of the FMS site on April 10 in St. Patrice de Sherrington, north of Hemmingford, where the company’s central facility has been located for three generations. FMS has since expanded to Ormstown and supplies all of Eastern Canada and the United States with fresh vegetables, specializing in carrots.

“With this (investment), FMS becomes the largest carrot producer and the first company to produce baby carrots right here in Quebec,” said FMS spokesperson Marc-Olivier Daigneault. “We’re delighted to be able to count on the financial support of partners like the Quebec government, who believe in our project.”

According to Daigneault, the construction of a new plant will allow FMS to focus its full attention on Quebec.

Currently, 33 per cent of carrots consumed in Quebec are baby carrots, but they are imported entirely from the United States.

“Starting this summer, the first bags of Quebec baby carrots will be available in grocery stores, and 75 per cent of production will be destined for Quebec,” Daigneault said.

In the context of the tariff war with the United States, Quebec must accelerate its investments to help its companies, such as FMS, to produce more, he said.

Legault praised FMS for “showing the way.”

“It’s more important than ever to invest here at home, to produce more here and depend less on the United States,” the premier said. “This project not only strengthens our food autonomy, but also supports a Quebec company that is innovating and creating jobs.”