Agriculture

Goat breeders launch petition to protect herd genetics

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Shannon Thurston of Staveley Farms in Saint-Anicet says she is concerned for the longevity of her Boer goat herd.

A change in regulation surrounding the importation of male breeding animals by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has left Canadian breeders unable to import new breeding genetics from the United States. The CFIA suspended Option 2C for importing bucks and rams in 2022, which eliminated two of three options available to Canadian breeders looking to introduce new genetics to their herds.

Thurston says this change could have a devastating impact on Canadian goat herds, including her own. She explains that if she cannot introduce diversified genetics into her herd within a short period, she could begin to see higher levels of inbreeding, deformation, difficult kidding, low immunity, lowered performance, and several other issues.

Shannon Thurston says she is concerned for the genetic diversity in her Boer goat herd in Saint-Anicet. (PHOTO Shannon Thurston)

The CFIA implemented the change to protect against the spread of disease, including scrapie, a fatal prion disease that affects sheep and goats. Thurston insists, however, that there was no specific reason to suspend the policy, noting there have been no outbreaks linked to imported animals, and the science behind scrapie transmission has not changed.

To call attention to this issue, Thurston has launched a petition with the House of Commons in Ottawa to urge the CFIA to review its policy and its potential impact on goat farming across the country. Salaberry-Suroît MP Claude DeBellefeuille has sponsored the petition, which needs 500 signatures to move forward.

The petition calls on the CFIA to provide scientific evidence demonstrating an increased risk of scrapie transmission from imported male breeding animals to justify the removal of Option 2c.

Thurston is also requesting the government organization implement an industry-wide program for genetic-based scrapie resistance testing, and that the CFIA recognize scrapie-resistant genetics in goats.

“They have shut us right down and have not offered us any options,” says Thurston, who suggests that so little genetics have come into Canada for the Boer breed that it will soon be very problematic.

Thurston says she hopes people will support the petition. “Even in our own industry, it’s hard to make people understand the impact this will have,” she explains.

The petition can be accessed and signed online by searching for e-5199 (Animals) on the ourcommons.ca website.

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MRC invites farmers to participate in silos project

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

The MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent is hoping that work on the first murals to be painted on silos as part of a regional network will start over the coming summer.

At least 18 producers and individuals interested in the project, including members of the local UPA syndicate and representatives from the MRC and local municipalities, were present during a December 5 meeting where the project was formally introduced to the farm community.

While large-scale mural projects are not necessarily rare, this is first and only project that involves painting silos in Quebec. In an optimal scenario, the MRC is planning on creating three loops in strategic areas throughout the territory. The goal is to complete seven murals in 2025 and a further seven in 2026 to complete the network.

Nancy Brunelle, the cultural coordinator for the MRC, said the meeting was a good start. “We are quite pleased. For a first meeting, this is a success for us,” she commented.

After a brief presentation outlining the project, Brunelle introduced Robert Lalande of the Ferme Robert et Louise Lalande in Alfred, Ontario, which became part of the Popsilos project in 2020. He provided pertinent information and context for the MRC’s initiative.

Following this, two representatives from the Montreal-based social design firm Ohisse, which has been mandated to manage the project with the MRC, ran a brief workshop where interested property owners could locate their farms on a map.

“I put my name in as soon as I saw it,” said producer Bill Anderson, who added his Très-Saint-Sacrement farm to the map. “I just find it nice for the Haut-Saint-Laurent,” he added, suggesting he really liked the uniqueness of the project.

The endeavour has the support of the Ministère des Affaires Municipales et de l’Habitation. The MRC has budgeted $614,000 for the project in 2025 using Fonds Régions et Ruralité component-three funds dedicated to signature innovations.

The MRC expects it will cost from $50,000 to over $100,000 per silo. Brunelle said the MRC is also hoping to involve local artists in the project, during both the design and production stages.

Interested producers have until January 10 to complete and submit a participation questionnaire identifying the type of structure available, as well as the material and state of the surface to be painted. The form is available online at mrchsl.com/silos.

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Training with Dylan

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Dyan Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A significant portion of the first question period was dominated by residents voicing frustrations over tree cutting and fence-related issues near their properties. One resident was particularly vocal, stating, “He’s cutting trees, healthy ones, mature trees—just for no reason!” This sentiment was echoed by others who felt the cutting had been excessive and without proper consultation with those affected.

Another resident pointed out that not only were trees being removed, but the individual in question also failed to follow regulations, making their property maintenance more difficult. “The fence posts have been installed right on the boundary lines, and now they’ve been cemented in. I was told they would be moved, but here we are months later, and nothing has changed,” they complained.

The residents felt their complaints had not been taken seriously enough, with one individual emphasizing, “We’ve been talking about this for months, but it seems nothing is happening.” The council tried to reassure them, explaining that while the town was aware of the problem, legal and administrative steps had to be followed before any further actions could be taken. “We’re in the administrative phase, and while actions have been taken against the property owner, we have to follow legal protocols,” a councillor clarified. The council emphasized that they were doing what they could, but that these processes often take time.

Another resident highlighted the inconsistency in enforcement of tree-cutting permits, saying, “I applied for a permit to cut down a tree that was damaging my property, and it was denied, yet he’s cutting down healthy trees with no issues.” The councillor responded that while the town tries to enforce regulations fairly, there are situations where actions happen too quickly for intervention. “If someone decides to cut trees over the weekend, we don’t always have the power to stop them right away,” they admitted.

The discussion also delved into the impact of these developments on property values. One resident voiced concerns about their property’s declining value due to the construction, saying, “This is affecting the sale of my house. It’s not right that the town isn’t stepping in sooner to stop this.”

Training with Dylan Read More »

Farmers and politicians rally over stalled supply management bill

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Over 200 representatives from the agricultural and agrifood industry demonstrated on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on October 10, to demand that the senate immediately adopt Bill C-282 which protects supply management.

Protesters were joined by elected representatives from all five major political parties, including Salaberry-Suroît MP Claude DeBellefeuille and several senators, as they rallied in support of the private members’ bill that has now been stalled for over a year.

Martin Caron, the general president of the Union des Producteurs Agricoles (UPA), called on the members of the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade to support the bill, which was adopted by a majority of MPs in the House of Commons in June 2023.

Canada has conceded nearly 8.4 per cent of its dairy production and processing during the last three international free-trade agreements it has signed, including the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and the European Union, the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, and the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement.

Caron argues that supply management is just as important for dairy and poultry producers as the government’s risk-management programs are for other production sectors.

“Supply management in Salaberry-Suroît represents over 350 family farms that generate more than 3,100 jobs,” said DeBellefeuille. Across Quebec, around 6,500 supply-managed farms create 116,000 jobs and are responsible for $8.7 billion in GDP and $2.1 billion in tax revenues.

“Supply management brings vitality to our villages,” added DeBellefeuille, who noted the quality products and expertise of the agrifood industry as well as the high environmental standards that ensure the quality of agricultural products. “The fact that two unelected senators are preventing C-282 from being adopted is not only unacceptable, but contrary to democracy!” she exclaimed.

Caron pointed out that Canada will no doubt continue to negotiate trade agreements, suggesting it was important to send a clear signal to trading partners who are similarly protecting their own sensitive sectors, such as sugar and cotton in the United States or rice in Japan.

Farmers and politicians rally over stalled supply management bill Read More »

Mosquitos are thriving,and so are mosquito-borne viruses

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

A wet August followed by a warmer-than-usual September has become a perfect combination for an extended mosquito season.

Besides being a nuisance, mosquitos can transmit dangerous diseases such as West Nile Virus (WNV) and the California serogroup virus, as well as eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), which has surfaced locally this summer in horses despite generally being considered quite rare.

Chantal Vallée, a senior advisor with the communications and public affairs department at the Centre intégré de santé et services sociaux de la Montérégie-Centre, confirms there have been no human cases of EEE reported in the Montérégie to date. She notes, however, that an increase in WNV infections has been detected in the region.

WNV has been endemic or regularly occurring in Quebec since 2002. It is a mandatory reportable disease in Quebec, and the number of cases identified each year are recorded by the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux. The number of WNV infections tends to increase cyclically every four to five years, and the province is anticipating cases may continue to rise this fall.

As of September 26, there have been 61 cases confirmed across the province, and of those, 26 were diagnosed in the Montérégie. Only 20 cases of WNV were reported in Quebec in 2023, including six in the Montérégie.

Vallée says the Direction de Santé Publique de la Montérégie (DSPM) issued a call for vigilance in August to alert health-care professionals throughout the region to the potential risks posed by these infections.

“In the presence of symptoms affecting the nervous system, health-care professionals are being encouraged to look for these infections by performing the appropriate tests,” says Vallée.

The DSPM also encourages the adoption of preventive measures, especially for people at greater risk of serious illness, including individuals over 50-years-old, and those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer.

Vallée confirms it is important people protect themselves against mosquito bites as long as mosquitos are active this fall.

Mosquitos are thriving,and so are mosquito-borne viruses Read More »

UPA is demanding better waterway management

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Area farmers are still recovering from the torrential rain and subsequent flooding brought on by the remnants of hurricane Debby in early August.

During the annual fall consultation held by the Haut-Saint-Laurent syndicate of the Union des Producteurs Agricoles (UPA) on September 13, regional federation president Jérémie Letellier confirmed the storm resulted in material damages and financial losses for producers impacted by flooding. He also spoke about the important role played by the different MRCs when it comes to waterway management, and the impact that poorly maintained ditches and waterways can have during extreme weather events.

One of the MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent’s many responsibilities is to ensure the free flow of water through the various waterways that course through the region. The MRC confirms that a “communications and collaboration” channel exists between citizens, the municipalities, and waterway manager David Rousseau. This allows the MRC to identify the nature, location, and delimitation of the problem reported by citizens so their requests can be processed as quickly as possible. Following this, mandates are given to engineers to determine the necessary maintenance work, which is then carried out in accordance with the laws and regulations in place.

According to the MRC, five requests were received and processed from agricultural producers following the flooding in August. The MRC notes that this work did not impact any of the work already scheduled, except for the removal of a tree that had fallen into the water, and the prioritization of a tree branch in an area that was already identified for inspection.

The UPA says that despite this, there is much more work waiting to be done.

Éric Leboeuf, the president of the local syndicate, said that waterway maintenance remains one of the most significant issues facing area farmers. So much so, that a resolution proposed by Saint-Anicet farmer Marius Trépanier calling for better management of the region’s waterways was passed unanimously during the fall consultation.

The resolution calls for better collaboration with the MRC, the municipalities, and Huntingdon MNA Carole Mallette, to ensure work to clear waterways is carried out according to a schedule that is reasonable for all concerned.

The local syndicate is also requesting a complete overview of pending requests, so the UPA can better understand the progress being made or delays to specific files.

The management at the MRC has previously confirmed they are ready to participate in a strategic approach aimed at improving procedures in line with ministerial guidelines and current legislation.

For local farmers already concerned about the next weather event, this collaboration cannot come soon enough. 

UPA is demanding better waterway management Read More »

Equine encephalitis virus is present in the Valley

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Debbie Purdy was devastated last month when one of her two elderly horses suddenly became very ill. She says her mare, Paige, who was born 28 years ago on her farm in Aubrey, died soon after from eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a rare but serious and often fatal mosquito-borne illness.

To date, there have been two disease alerts issued by the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ) for confirmed EEE cases in the Haut-Saint-Laurent that have been registered on the Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System. In speaking with different horse owners and people within the community, there are reports of upwards of 15 animals across the Valley that have now perished from EEE.

“It is a pretty small radius,” says Purdy of the local cases; while pointing out she knows at least three others personally who have lost their animals to the disease. She posted a candid message on social media after Paige died, to help raise awareness locally about the virus and its deadly consequences.

Between 75 and 95 per cent of infected horses will die within two or three days after the onset of symptoms. Clinical signs of EEE, which is sometimes referred to as sleeping sickness, come on abruptly, and can include lethargy or drowsiness, behavior changes, impaired vision, muscle twitches, or paralysis.

“It is devastatingly fast,” Purdy confirms.

The Quebec government warns that officials are seeing elevated viral activity across the province, and several cases of EEE have been detected in horses in the Lanaudière, Montérégie, and Laurentides regions. Ontario, Vermont and New York State are also reporting an increased number of cases.

The Vermont Department of health reports that over 70 groups of mosquitos have tested positive for EEE across more than 15 towns. Last year, only 14 groups across three towns tested positive, which suggests a significant increase in the circulation of infected mosquitos.

Across the border in Vermont, the towns of Alburgh, Burlington, Colchester, and Swanton are considered high-risk. Health officials have recommended people there avoid being outdoors after 6 p.m. to avoid mosquitos.

The virus is especially dangerous for horses, but humans can contract the disease as well from the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people show no clinical signs of illness, but some may experience flu-like symptoms. Generally, those infected fully recover within one to two weeks.

There have been no human cases confirmed to date in Quebec; however, an Ottawa resident who passed away in August tested positive for EEE. Human cases have also been identified in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire, where one person has died.

There is no vaccine for humans against this illness, and the best way to protect against diseases that are spread by mosquito bites is to avoid being bitten.

There is a vaccine approved for horses, though Purdy points out that not all horse owners are aware of the potentially lifesaving inoculation, as the disease is considered so rare.

“It pulls at my heartstrings, because I felt blindsided,” she says.

According to the government, there is still time for horse owners to vaccinate their animals, though vaccination normally would take place before peak mosquito season in the spring.

Equine encephalitis virus is present in the Valley Read More »

Producers face crop damage, losses

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Valley farmers are still evaluating damage or losses from the torrential rains that fell on August 9. Flooding saw many crops submerged or surrounded by water for an extended period. The leaves on affected soya plants are yellowing, for example.

The Fédération de l’UPA de la Montérégie reports that many producers suffered significant losses. “In several cases, crops spent several days under water, jeopardizing harvests,” says regional president Jérémie Letellier. Other contributing factors include poorly maintained streams and ditches that could not absorb excess rainwater, resulting in fields being flooded.

The UPA points out that waterway maintenance is an MRC responsibility, and while the union acknowledges that this involves other players including the Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs, the need remains for municipalities to improve their capacity to absorb or divert water.

According to Dundee producer Benjamin Nieuwenhof, some of the flooding that saw his crops submerged for over 36 hours was unavoidable once the Salmon River spilled its banks. He suggests, however, that a lot of the damage could have been avoided if the ditches running through the Lake Saint-François National Wildlife Area were properly maintained. In this instance it is the federal government’s jurisdiction, and requests have been filed dating back to 1998 – and nothing has been done.

The UPA is calling for a global vision including MRCs, government ministries and departments, and agricultural producers to optimize waterway management. In the meantime, the union is asking producers to document any damages to their crops and submit this information to establish a general picture of the losses experienced by local farmers.

Producers face crop damage, losses Read More »

MAPAQ asks dairy producers to watch for avian flu symptoms in cattle

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

A rare spillover infection of the highly pathogenic avian influenza to a cow has resulted in an outbreak of the disease on dairy farms in nine U.S. states. In response, Quebec has developed a strategy to prevent, monitor, and protect against the spread of the disease.

The United States Department of Agriculture informed the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) that a case of pathogenic avian influenza had been confirmed in dairy cattle on March 25. As of May 12, at least 42 cases were confirmed in the United States. Currently, no cases have been detected in Canada.

According to Dr. Luc Bergeron, the head veterinarian at the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation (MAPAQ), avian flu does not cause mortality in cattle, but it can produce negative economic impacts on a farm. There is a possibility that transmission could occur between dairy and poultry farms, where the consequences are much more catastrophic. He cautions there is also a concern the virus could mutate and become more virulent, or more easily transmissible to humans.

The disease impacts older dairy cows and those that have been in milk for over 150 days. In all cases milk production will drop in an infected cow. The milk will also be thicker in consistency, becoming like colostrum. The animal will also have a decreased appetite. Morbidity is around 10 per cent, and clinical signs usually last from 10 to 14 days.

Bergeron said biosecurity measures should now be implemented on farms and the introduction of new cattle should be limited. Any symptoms should be reported to the CFIA and the MAPAQ, which will conduct an epidemiological investigation. Bergeron confirmed that in the event a positive case is identified, the farm will be required to self-quarantine.

MAPAQ asks dairy producers to watch for avian flu symptoms in cattle Read More »

Farmers stage protest, demand government support

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

A convoy of more than 105 tractors left Saint-Clet for Vaudreuil on April 10, as part of a demonstration staged by more than 250 frustrated producers over the looming crisis in agriculture and government inaction.

Several Valley producers made the trek, most by car or pickup, to add their voices to what became a resounding cry for the government to put a stop to the pressure mounting on farmers.

Protesting producers called on the government for better support, regulatory relief, a reduction in red tape and bureaucracy, a review of agricultural financing, and the introduction of fair environmental, health, and economic standards that will allow farmers to remain competitive in international markets.

PHOTO Sarah Rennie

Jérémie Letellier, the president of the Fédération de l’Union des Producteurs Agricoles (UPA) de la Montérégie, admitted to the crowd that he was taken aback by the number of tractors, while suggesting he had underestimated the level of frustration farmers were experiencing and their support for the growing protest movement.

“Our current governments take us for granted,” said Letellier. “If agriculture were important to our governments, there would be no foreign products on our shelves at a fraction of the cost of production for our producers. There would be true reciprocity of standards. If agriculture were important to our governments, there wouldn’t be a mountain of red tape and bureaucracy, there would be regulatory relief!” he exclaimed, to rousing applause and cheers from the crowd.

Letellier was joined by the presidents from local UPA syndicates, including Beauharnois-Salaberry, the Haut-Saint-Laurent, the Jardins-de-Napierville, Roussillon, and Vaudreuil-Soulanges. He was also flanked by Martin Caron, the general president of the UPA, as well as representatives from the Association de la relève agricole de la Montérégie, and several producers who spoke on behalf of their respective agricultural sectors.

The protest in Vaudreuil was the second in a trio of demonstrations that took place last week. A convoy of over 220 tractors rolled through the streets of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu on April 5, where over 400 producers gathered in front of the office Louis Lemieux, the MNA for Saint-Jean. Another 160 tractors made their way through the city of Saint-Hyacinthe on April 12, passing by the office of Chantal Soucy, the MNA for Saint-Hyacinthe, before joining a rally staged by over 300 producers and young farmers.

“It is the local unions who are building this movement,” said Éric Leboeuf, the president of the Haut-Saint-Laurent UPA syndicate. “The important thing is to have more recognition from the government. It’s not normal for people to eat three times a day but less than one percent of the budget is allocated to agriculture,” he pointed out.

“We are being asked to be more and more accountable. The administrative tasks are heavy, and they take up a lot of our time and resources when we already know how to feed people,” he said. “We do it well. We take care of the environment. We have ways of doing things that are getting better and better. We are the solution!” he exclaimed, insisting it is not the government putting action into place. 

Leboeuf’s words were echoed by Ange-Marie Delforge, the president of the Vaudreuil-Soulanges UPA syndicate, who said she was moved but concerned to see so many producers gathered in protest. “We are professionals in agriculture, but the government does not recognize us as such!” she exclaimed, lamenting, “We are far from a priority.”

Hinchinbrooke-based dairy producer Noel Erskine was among the crowd waving a rally sign demanding more support for young farmers. Having taken over his family’s farm two years ago, he said things are going well, but it’s hard work balancing increased expenses with productivity.

“We are a dairy farm, and as a collective we’ve decided that consumers want us to go in a certain direction in terms of animal welfare and how their food is produced. That doesn’t come without a cost. It requires investment, and with investment comes interest rates,” he sighed. “We are just looking for the government to make sure they have our back, because it feels like they haven’t been helping as much as they should,” Erskine added.

Also waving a sign was Josée Lajeunesse, an outspoken advocate for mental health services for farmers and co-owner of the Domaine du Paysan nursery and garden centre in Saint-Stanislas-de-Kostka. “We’ve come to the point where we spend more time in the office than in the field or greenhouses,” she said. “At some point, well, it’s exhausting!” she exclaimed. “And if the farmer is not doing well, their mental health takes a mean hit. And that’s what needs saving too. We must save our farmers,” she added.

Farmers stage protest, demand government support Read More »

Local UPA elects new president

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

The Haut-Saint-Laurent syndicate of the Union des Producteurs Agricoles has selected a new president, following the retirement of long-time president and director Michel Hébert. Hinchinbrooke producer Éric Leboeuf will step into this role after he was formally elected during a gathering for the semi-annual general assembly on February 15 at Le Mangeoir in Saint-Anicet.

All the producers on the 20-member board of directors up for election retained their roles, while Guillaume Asselin, the co-owner of Le Mangeoir, was elected to replace incoming president Éric Leboeuf as the administrator representing direct-to-market farms. The election was presided over by Jérémie Letellier, the president of the UPA federation for the Montérégie, who later spoke about the many issues facing agricultural producers across the region.

At the conclusion of the election period, Hébert received a standing ovation for his dedication to the union which has spanned over 45 years. Vice-president Josiane Carrière spoke about his impact on local agriculture through the local union as well as his work at the provincial level. She also noted the achievements of the local syndicate under his presidency, which has been recognized for its bilingual status, as well as the number of women who sit on the board of directors, and numerous innovative initiatives that have taken place since the Saint-Anicet, Ormstown, and Chateauguay Valley syndicates officially merged in 2012.

Over 40 producers participated in the general assembly, which saw several resolutions pass on subjects relating to the Commission de protection du territoire Agricole du Québec (CPTAQ), the Financière Agricole du Québec and its programs for young farmers and successors, and the amount of administration and paperwork imposed on farmers by the Ministry of Agriculture (MAPAQ). Discussions also took place about fragmentation or dismantling of agricultural land, and the availability of mental health resources for anglophone farmers.

Producers were also informed of the work being done by the local syndicate. Following a resolution passed last February regarding the increase in backfill operations in the Haut-Saint-Laurent, the local UPA’s agri-environment committee has been very active on this file. Correspondences were sent to producers to clarify permitted practices, meetings took place with the regional council of mayors to request better supervision of backfill work at the municipal level, and directors consulted on an MRC interim control bylaw to ensure compatibility between regional land use planning and the regional wetland and water management plan.

Local directors have also consulted on several other key issues. For example, the regional federation recently worked with the union before transmitting its opinion to the CPTAQ about the installation of an asphalt factory on Covey Hill in Havelock. Members also consulted with Huntingdon MNA Carole Mallette on the drafting of a white paper about farming in the Haut-Saint-Laurent and the financial situation facing agricultural producers. Finally, the union demanded the MRC hold more regular meetings of the waterways and agricultural advisory committees to better address issues specific to agricultural businesses.

Along with Letellier, the keynote speaker for the gathering was Ian Ward, who represents other plant producers and sits on the agri-environment committee. He spoke about a zero-carbon farming future and adapting agricultural practices to climate change. UPA president Martin Caron then spoke about union priorities at the provincial level before answering questions from producers in attendance.

Local UPA elects new president Read More »

Keen tappers see early start to the maple season

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Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter

Sugar shacks were spouting steam and evaporators were boiling across the Valley on February 10, as producers who were already tapped and ready to go took advantage of a significant sap run.

“It is the earliest we have ever started here,” said Céline Ouimet, who runs the Cabane à Sucre L’Hermine sugar shack in Havelock with her sister Chantal and brother-in-law François Benny. “The conditions were ideal,” she said, referring not only to the above-average temperatures for early February, but also to the sparse snow cover that made tapping and preparing for the season a little easier.

At L’Hermine, the sap ran for over three days without stopping overnight. Normally, the seasoned sugar-makers average one to two barrels of finished syrup during the first boil. As of last Monday, they had already filled over 11. When asked whether the early start to the season is cause for concern, Benny shrugged. “Not really. It can change fast. If it freezes now, it will start to run again when it warms up. But it is possible that the season will be shorter.”

Last year, the boiler at L’Hermine was brought to life on February 18, which seemed early at the time. The owners noted that despite being a full week earlier, this year’s sugar content was surprisingly high from the start. Benny said the region’s producers should now be prepared for a first run around Valentine’s Day, and Ouimet agreed, suggesting the variation in winter temperatures is forcing producers to adapt their practices.

According to the Plan d’adaptation de l’agriculture de la Montérégie aux changements climatiques, winter temperatures will continue to rise, leading to a shortened season with alternating episodes of rain and snow. This could mean less snow cover, leaving soils more vulnerable come spring. “We can’t complain about making syrup in February when the quality is there,” said Ouimet, noting the risk is greater for producers further north, who are facing shortened seasons as temperatures rise more rapidly and over longer periods.

New uses for syrup

Down the road in Rockburn, Denis Rousseau was feeding his boiler every 15 minutes to keep his evaporator rolling. He explained that while his older setup involves more work cutting wood and a has longer boil time, the syrup he produces has a creamier texture. As the owner of Ferme Black Creek, Rousseau is especially interested in the taste, texture, and colour of the syrup he uses to concoct his artisanal acers, or alcoholic beverages made from the fermentation of concentrated maple water or diluted syrup. “I want to have more of a toffee flavour,” he noted, suggesting this involves starting with a darker syrup.

Rousseau tapped early this year, after having missed the first run during the past two seasons. “It’s a nice start,” he said, adding that by the end of this first run, he will already have processed around 10 per cent of his average annual yield. “Now everything has to be emptied and cleaned, and we’ll start from scratch in ten days,” he laughed.

Rousseau is one of around 25 producers who came together late last year to form the Association des producteurs d’acers du Quebec. “When people taste my products, they are always surprised,” he said, while pointing out how customers tend to expect something sweet and are often taken aback by how dry his products can taste.

Reason to celebrate

Alcoholic beverages made from sap or syrup were featured when the Quebec Maple Syrup Producers (QMSP) officially toasted the start of the 2024 syrup season, during an event at the National Assembly in Quebec on February 7. The QMSP were also celebrating the allocation of seven million new taps designated for start-up and expansion projects across the province. These additional taps could see Quebec’s annual production of maple syrup increase by 21 million pounds.

“Maple production is the driving force of Quebec agriculture. We’re really proud to be behind the increase in the number of farms,” said QMSP president Luc Goulet following the January 24 lottery. “We are taking steps to produce more syrup. Together, we’re striving to achieve our goals of replenishing the reserve within five years, while continuing to meet the demand for maple syrup here at home and in more than 70 countries around the world,” he declared.

Over one million of those new taps were awarded in the Montérégie, which will eventually bring the total number of taps in the region to 4.8 million by 2026. These numbers include 108 successful applications from the Montérégie-Ouest region, which will see 32 new syrup businesses and 76 existing producers share a total of 280,691 new taps.

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