SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND FOOD SECURITY AT THE HEART OF OUR PRIORITIES

Sustainable development is a priority for Ferme Marineau. We do everything possible to minimize our ecological footprint and ensure that our products taste good and are healthy. Furthermore, we eat what we grow; we are therefore the first ones concerned by food safety. By implementing strategies that are in harmony with our environment, we work in synergy with our surroundings and protect biodiversity. Our current strategies include integrated pest management, soil protection, and water management.

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT: AN ECO-FRIENDLY METHOD

Integrated pest management (IPM) essentially involves observing the environment in which we cultivate and experimenting with new approaches through mechanical, biological, and chemical methods to control various crop enemies (insects, fungi, diseases). This method is based on 5 main steps: Knowledge, prevention, field and greenhouse monitoring, intervention, and evaluation/feedback. Through observation and recorded knowledge within our crops and industry, we can assess who the enemies are and which organisms promote plant growth, and determine if there is a sustainable ecological solution to combat pests, thus acting preventatively. For example, the use of trichogramma (a tiny wasp) helps control the European corn borer and limits pesticide use. Bumblebees and bees are fabulous pollinators; we therefore have beehives and bumblebee houses. Selecting adapted cultivars is also another good practice. Finally, spore traps enable better targeting of fungi, allow for better assessment of their emergence, and the use of fungicides only when necessary. Season after season, by reviewing our practices and considering scientific advancements, we can better adjust and refine our interventions.

SOIL PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION

By rotating crops year after year, we preserve soil structure and fertility and prevent resource depletion. The development of insect pests and diseases is also limited since the reproductive cycle is interrupted. In addition, we favor green manures, plants grown temporarily, which enrich the soil with essential minerals and help prevent leaching, drying out, and erosion. For many years, we have been recycling and composting dead leaves from Laval residents as well as wood chips to fertilize our fields; an excellent organic fertilizer!

ECO-RESPONSIBLE WATER MANAGEMENT

By evaluating the required amounts of water for various crops and using measurement tools, we can more effectively determine the appropriate time to water. A good drip irrigation system not only prevents overwatering but also allows us to efficiently meet the needs of the plants. This is a very effective method that protects the invaluable resource of water.

An essential advisory club for sustainable development

Implementing eco-responsible methods would certainly be more challenging without the support of the AgriXpert agri-environmental advisory club, of which Ferme Marineau is a member. The club's agronomists help and advise on the application of integrated pest management in crops. Members work according to six areas of intervention:

  • Fertilizer management
  • Reduced pesticide use
  • Conservation tillage (preventing erosion and preserving soil health)
  • Development and protection of watercourses
  • Reduction of greenhouse gases
  • Biodiversity improvement