Brome-Missisquoi has made a name for itself in the agri-food industry, and for good reason. The birthplace of Quebec viticulture, it’s also home to networking group L’ARTERRE, has pioneered bio-intensive vegetable growing and stands out for its excellence in local agriculture. In short, its agri-food sector is brimming with a wide variety of innovators.
The region’s exceptional agricultural heritage is shaped by several cultural heritage sites emblematic of the Eastern Townships. To the west, farming abounds in the fertile plains. In central Brome-Missisquoi, trees teem with fruit, while to the east forests and mountains loom large.
This local sourcing guide, created by the CLD of Brome-Missisquoi, is a handy tool for finding businesses in the region that sell in a short food supply chain. It is designed to help people learn more about locally available food and strengthen the culinary identity of Brome-Missisquoi.
The CLD of Brome-Missisquoi is mobilizing municipalities in the region around the idea of nurturing communities as part of its Agri-Food Development Strategic Plan 2021-2023, themed on “A nurturing region with an entrepreneurial flavour.”
The Chantier d’accès à la terre was created by the CLD of Brome-Missisquoi’s Agri-Food Development Strategic Plan 2021-2023. The project grew from a desire to work toward a longer legacy for farmlands in MRC Brome-Missisquoi and support prosperity and sustainability for farming businesses in the region.
MRC Brome-Missisquoi is offering up-and-coming farmers access to 31 hectares of farmland—12 hectares of cultivated land and 18 hectares of forest. This parcel of land is located in Bedford Township and was offered to the MRC to help new farmers in the area get their foot in the door.
The CLD of Brome-Missisquoi and L’ARTERRE are offering grants to support young farmers. Their objective: to recognize and support efforts made by young entrepreneurs who have recently established a farming business (or are about to do so) in Brome-Missisquoi.
L’ARTERRE grew out of the merger of two innovative projects—MRC Brome-Missisquoi’s farmland bank project and the Centre for Social Innovation in Agriculture’s (CISA’s) farm bank project.
The region is famous for its vineyards and orchards that thrive on sunny hillsides with well-drained soil. With over 20 vineyards, Brome-Missisquoi has earned its spot as Quebec’s winemaking region.
Beyond traditional agricultural products, the local climate and terroir have led to the development of new, one-of-a-kind products like ice cider. As for maple products, the region boasts high yields of both maple syrup and plant-based water, bottled and distributed around the world.
Brome-Missisquoi is also home to big businesses like Bonduelle (Arctic Gardens) and Brome Lake Ducks, which has raised ducks here for 100 years. These days, it packages more than 2 million ducks every year.
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Learn more about our support services for agri-food businesses. Whether you’re starting your business, processing your products for added value, revamping your marketing or just looking to procure products locally, our agri-food development coordinator is here to help you through the process.
Brome-Missisquoi is known for its strong farming industry. Our agricultural succession advisor can guide you through the process of finding farmland and starting your business.
