On Wednesday, December 11, the Fédération de l'UPA de la Montérégie and ALUS celebrated the efforts of farmers who, over a five-year period, have been involved in creating, restoring and conserving natural spaces on farmland. Among them are some fifteen producers from Vaudreuil-Soulanges. 

This year, 57 agricultural businesses, including 37 new ones, shared a total of $71,675 in rewards for new initiatives. These projects cover 24.76 hectares in 40 municipalities in 12 Montérégie MRCs.

In Vaudreuil-Soulanges, the following companies took part in this initiative: 

- Éric Marleau - Ferme M.E.F. Marleau inc. in Saint-Polycarpe;

- Gilles Audette - Ferme Nouvelle-Longueuil in Saint-Polycarpe;

- Jérémie Mercier - Ferme Vaudal inc. in Vaudreuil-Dorion;

- Luc Leblanc - Excel AG inc. in Saint-Télésphore and Saint-Polycarpe;

- Mario Trottier Pharand - Les Cultures MTP in Saint-Clet and Sainte-Justine-de-Newton;

- Maxime Bissonnette - Ferme Poly-Grains inc. in Saint-Polycarpe;

- Patrice Schoune in Saint-Polycarpe;

- Patrick Bibeau - Entreprises agricoles Bibeau in Coteau-du-Lac;

- Rachel Sauvé - Les Fermes Cuerrier inc. in Saint-Zotique;

 - Martin Proulx - 9481-0504 Québec inc. in Les Cèdres;

- André Séguin - 9231-7767 Québec inc. in Les Cèdres;

- Luc Proulx - Ferme Petibonheur enr. in Les Cèdres;

- Michel Proulx - Ferme Monréal in Les Cèdres;

- André Binette - Ferme Élisabeth Binette S.E.N.C. in Les Cèdres;

- Wayne Stephenson - Ferme Duravert inc. in Sainte-Marthe.  

At the same time, conservation agreements for developments completed in 2019 have been renewed for five years by 30 agricultural producers. This represents an additional investment of $63,675 and enables us to maintain nearly 19 hectares dedicated to biodiversity. A total of nearly $135,400 has been awarded this year to support the implementation and maintenance of agri-environmental initiatives with a significant impact. You can consult the list of ALUS Montérégie participants here.

“I'm inspired by the commitment of Montérégie farmers, who are demonstrating that the agricultural sector is a key player in the fight against climate change. The program's growing success over the years reflects not only their determination, but also the importance of supporting concrete agri-environmental initiatives. It's essential to build solid partnerships to support agricultural producers in action for a sustainable future, because it's together that we'll continue to surpass ourselves! ” said Julien Pagé, 1st Vice-President of UPA Montérégie and President of the ALUS Montérégie Committee earlier this week. 

Since its inception, ALUS has dedicated over $30 million to the implementation of sustainable development in 39 communities across Canada.

”ALUS Montérégie is not only the first ALUS community in Quebec, it is a model for all our communities across the country. This community has lost none of its early dynamism and is constantly being renewed. Every year, ALUS Montérégie attracts more participants and carries out ambitious projects. We are very grateful to the team in place and all those who are cultivating nature through the program,” added Bryan Gilvesy, President and CEO of ALUS.

Since 2020, ALUS Montérégie has been supported by the Montreal Port Authority (MPA), a gold partner of the program, with a contribution of $150,000 over five years.

Impressive track record since 2016

- 196 participating farms;

-168.25 hectares developed for ecosystem goods and services;

- $708,621.70 in monetary compensation over 5 years;

- Impacts in 14 RCMs and 80 municipalities of the Montérégie.

Call for applications for 2025

Montérégie farmers interested in participating in environmental initiatives can submit their applications by completing the form on monteregie.upa.qc.ca/producer/agroenvironnement/alusmonteregie.