 Feb. 16, 2009, Boucherville, Que. — Quebec is investing $2 million in its greenhouse sector. Laurent Lessard, the province’s minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, made the announcement during a Horticultural Week conference organized by the Conseil québécois de l'horticulture.
“With these major investments," said Lessard, "not only will the industry benefit from better conditions in order to exploit its full potential, but it will also contribute to the vitality and prosperity of the horticultural industry in Quebec.”
The new support initiatives have been prepared following consultations with the industry. Included are:
• A program (Programme d'appui aux audits énergétiques) supporting energy audits to allow for completion of audits designed to measure the energy efficiency of greenhouses in order to enhance their effectiveness.
• A program (Programme d'appui à l'expertise) supporting expertise and to improve knowledge in the areas of greenhouse engineering and technology transfer.
• A program (Programme d'appui à l'acquisition de technologies de pointe) supporting the acquisition of advanced technology to boost competitiveness and productivity.
More information can be found at www.mapaq.gouv.qc.ca/fr/accueil . This announcement is in line with the actions implemented by the department following the tabling of a report on the future of agriculture and agri-food in Quebec.
There are 800 greenhouse operations in Quebec. In 2007, revenues totalled some $225 million, including $149 million in ornamental products and $76 million in greenhouse vegetables.
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