Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Towards the discovery of the family farm


manual planting of broccoli at Cadet-Roussel farm

In 1995, organizers from Équiterre approached Cadet-Roussel farm in the Montérégie region offering baskets to citizens of Montréal, the idea at the time seemed odd but still, the seed sprouted. A sign that Margaret Mead's famous phrase continues to ring true: « A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.»

Young farm worker at Cadet-Roussel farm carries "grelinettes", a little known, but very useful tool.

Each year the network integrates young farmers who have chosen CSA (community supported agriculture) as a marketing mode because the formula allows a small-scale start up and offers financial security via direct commerce and prepaying by the consumer. A crucial support system. Between 1996 and 2001, the number of farmers aged 35 years or less has gone up by almost 40 % in Canada.




Farmer meticulously inspects his fields at Vallon des Sources

The farms in the CSA network apply the rules that enclose the term «organic». This implies a record keeping of all the operations on the land, anything used on the land and the management of the farm . Moreover farms receive an annual visit form an inspector from a independent certifying body This tedious process is done at the farm's expense.



Manual transplanting at Cadet-Roussel farm

A large part of the costs of CSA farms are labour costs. In fact, many tasks must be done manually given the diversity of the crops. In Québec, qualified labour is rare, which poses an obstacle to the growth of some farms.


watering of seedlings at Vallon des Sources

In March, the production of vegetables begins on the farm . With regards to the number of partners foreseen , the farmers sow a number of seeds greater than their needs, thus assuring good results knowing that between seeding and harvesting favourable and unfavourable factors will influence the yield. It is in this light that the farm and her partners share risk and benefits of the coming season.


Harvesting of carrots at Cadet-Roussel

Did you know that certain farms feed a dozen families, while others have chosen to nourish up to 400 weekly? Our neighbours to the south have some farms that produce for 100o families weekly! This explains the varied level of mechanization form one farm to another . For example to supply 400 families with food the Campanipol farm will sow almost one acre of carrots . The equivalent of half a soccer field.

Ref : 1 acre : 4046 m2

1 soccer field : 6000

3 acres = 2 soccer fields



Preparing of winter baskets as a family at Cadet-Roussel

By buying locally you contribute to the lowering of greenhouse gases. Did you know that on average, your food travels 2600km to get to your plate ?


Well deserved break at Vallon des Sources

Is the organic farmer bucolic? For many farmers taking the time to take in the surrounding beauty the sounds of the birds are added benefits that are part of daily life on the farm. Working the land provides a direct link with nature, the source of life.


Cabbage harvest at Vallon des Sources

In order to garnish your baskets (often from 6 to 12 varieties weekly) your "family farmers" plan the whole of production in the beginning of the season from the quantity of seeds needed to the expected date of harvest. Also they must take into consideration the needs of each crop, the beneficial association between vegetables and rotating , a challenge they pull off ever skilfully.


Storing of winter vegetables atVallon des Sources

Formerly, with winter vegetables conserved in cellars, people ate locally all year round. Some farms have reclaimed this idea and offer their vegetables during wintertime via the CSA. The baskets are filled with carrots, onions, parsnip, squash, leek, rutabagas, beets endives, cabbage, dried beans and often conserves made on the farm.


Harvesting tomatoes at Vallon des Sources

Facing the challenge of a diversified production , our family farmers must have a touch of inventiveness. Their creativity allows greater productivity, a crucial element in the productivity of the farm . upon visiting a farm You would be impressed by the field machineries, and the harvesting , storage and washing equipment that the farmers have modified to their needs.


Jean Roussel during his morning-time milking Cadet-Roussel farm

Traditional working methods are becoming rarer and rarer, and those who practise them are often not taken seriously. ,Yet, they bear a knowledge of priceless that links us to all the families of Quebec , who have populated our rurality. Did you know that in Québec, the number of farms have dropped from 140 000 to 30 000 in 50 years and that we continue to lose two farms daily?

Two young workers consumed in their work at Verger aux Quatre-Vents

Diversified vegetable farms are areas rich in biodiversity. Not only do we cultivate thirty or so varieties of vegetables, but we find many other plant and animal life thanks to the fact that pesticides are not used. Some will protect certain habitats, like marshlands, ponds wooded areas. Did you know that according to a British study, organic farms have 32 % more birds and 35% more bats than conventional farms?


Open house where children are welcome with open arms at Cadet-Roussel farm

Being a CSA partner opens the door to a wider implication than picking up your weekly basket. "Work" or "harvest" days and festivities are organised which allow for a helping hand, or learn a little. Less likely to have family in the countryside, it is a real privilege for city dwellers.


Harvest of beans for next years seed at Vallon des Sources

Organic farms must use organic and non-modified seeds . Some farms use open pollination seeds, which permits them to harvest the seed for sowing the next season . Baskets are sometimes filled with different varieties of the same vegetable. In fact one has the chance of tasting heritage style tomatoes, like striped, or black tomatoes etc.. A whole world of colours and tastes to be discovered!


Morning time harvest at Vallon des Sources

Harvesting begins At daybreak on days where baskets must be delivered. Farmers choose vegetables that they will fill the baskets by seeing what is ready to be picked. Freshness, great taste and surprises are on the menu! CSA allows us to eat according to the season, and to discover the life-cycle of vegetables in one's own region.


Hand weeding of lettuce at Cadet Rousel farm

Organic farmers do not use herbicides to control "weeds" . Manual, or mechanized work is hence given priority which in turn requires unremitting work. In Québec, the majority of rivers and groundwater situated in the vicinity of intensive agriculture are contaminated at varying degrees by the residues of pesticides or from manure run-off.


rainy day harvest at Cadet-Roussel farm

Being a farmer is above all a calling. In fact, farmers work long hours, rain or shine. The ardour that this craft requires could explain the decreasing popularity of this profession among today's youth. Yet it is a rewarding experience nourishing a group of people in a healthy way and to knit ties with the people one feeds.


Day of harvest at Cadet-Roussel farm , Mont St-Grégoire

In organic agriculture, the underlying principal is to feed the soil , because it is that in turn that nourishes the plants. Ploughing crops grown to enrich the soil, applying compost or natural wind-breaks are basic tenets of organic agriculture. Did you know that mainly due to erosion the planet has lost almost one third of its arable land since 1960?


Pigs on Cadet Roussel farm
The norms surrounding breeding are very strict. In general, animals must have access to the outdoors, must eat organic products , exempt from ground meat and antibiotics, their facilities must also respect their well being. All this reasons make it so
that organic meat is a little more expensive but much more tasty! Moreover, this kind of rearing respects environmental norms.

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