VegPro

An $11.2M research project to slow down the degradation of cultivated organic soils

The CLD des Jardins-de-Napierville is thrilled to announce a visit from representatives of Laval University, the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec in the region to announce the creation of the $11.2 million NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Conservation and Restoration of Cultivated Organic Soils.

It is no accident that the produce growers of the Jardins-de-Napierville area decided to involve themselves in this research chair. As a matter of fact, local farmers are recognized for their exceptional mobilization when it comes to the development and the adoption of best agricultural practices. Farmer mobilization allowed the creation of regional initiatives such as La Mouche Rose from CONSORTIUM PRISME. This mobilization also led to the creation of the Centre of Excellence for Integrated Pest Management (PELI), overseen by the CLD des Jardins-de-Napierville, who’s role is to promote alternatives to the use of pesticides.

“The RCM is proud of the undertaking shown by its producers in this initiative. They demonstrate once more that our region is a leader in the field of agriculture” said Paul Viau, Warden of the Jardins-de-Napierville RCM and President of the CLD des Jardins-de-Napierville.

Michel Charbonneau, general manager of the CLD des Jardins-de-Napierville, states that “based on this longstanding agro-environmental engagement, it was natural to collaborate on other large-scale projects. This research chair led by Prof. Jean Caron represents a great opportunity to extend our network with the goal of helping farmers that rethink their practices with the future in mind.”

Improvements to current cultivation methods will emerge from this research chair. The PELI is determined to promote these new practices through its Agrobonsens information platform. Thus, the PELI will incite farmers to cultivate with their “gros bon sens”, which encompasses both pesticide reduction and soil preservation.

“Best agricultural practices that preserve the environment are at the heart of our online repository Agrobonsens.com. The PELI’s mission is to promote best practices, including those to be developed through this research chair” says Isabelle Matteau, coordinator of the Centre of Excellence for Integrated Pest Management (PELI).

About the Centre of Excellence for Integrated Pest Management (PELI): Overseen by the CLD des Jardins-de-Napierville, its mission is to promote and widely diffuse information on integrated pest management, a repertoire of best practices aiming to reduce the use of pesticides in agriculture.

The PELI is funded by the Government of Québec (MAPAQ), the Jardins-de-Napierville RCM and the Quebec Produce Growers Association.

Source:
Centre of Excellence for Integrated Pest Management – Pôle d’excellence en lutte intégrée (PELI) For more information:
Nicolas Chatel-Launay | Research Officer, Centre of Excellence for Integrated Pest Management n.chatel@cld-jardinsdenapierville.com | 450-245-7289

CTAQ – Gerry Van Winden, Food Industry Personality 2019

It is in front of more than 400 guests at its annual Conference held from March 22nd to 24th, that the Québec Food Processing Council presented the prestigious award of the Food Industry Personality for 2019 to Mr. Gerry Van Winden, President and CEO of VegPro International Inc.

The adventure of Mr. Van Winden in the salad business began at an early age while he was working in the family business with his brothers and many cousins. It was in 1998 that he took over management of the family business and founded Vegpro International Inc. where he is President and CEO. Vegpro is, today, the largest producer of fresh vegetables in Canada. Specializing in cultivating and packaging tenderleaf lettuce, the company also markets a wide range of vegetables grown on its own farms and lands.

From the outset, the entrepreneur’s vision has been to supply his retail customers year round. He did not hesitate to invest heavily in Québec and Florida lands in order to produce on a large scale and provide its plants with different types of mixed lettuces with unsurpassed freshness. He also did not hesitate to build factories equipped with automated machinery able to wash, sort and pack on a very large scale, as well as provide complete traceability of its products by strongly reducing the risk of contamination.

Innovating, listening, questioning norms and standards of doing things are the guidelines that inspire the actions and decisions of Gerry Van Winden.

The Food Industry Personality Contest is intended to honor the great merit of a person who allows the Québec food industry to reach new heights. Applications are submitted to a jury that designates which of their peers, is deserving to receive this recognition.

The Council of Quebec (CTAQ) food processing is a consolidation of the strengths of the industry which represents 11 associations. Its mission is to ensure representation, promotion and defend the interests of its stakeholders and support them in achieving their full potential to ensure the sustainability of the food industry in Québec.

Montreal’s Expo Manger Santé et Vivre Vert

For the first time this year, Fresh Attitude is a proud participant of the Montreal’s Expo Manger Santé et Vivre Vert, taking place March 11, 12 and 13. On this occasion, you will discover our new “Super Food” made with baby kale.

Held at Montréal’s Palais des Congrès, this unique exhibition allows all food lovers to discover the delights and natural products from Quebec’s producers and other regions.
With over 250 exhibitors in food, ecology and overall health, Expo Manger Santé et Vivre Vert also offers 80 lectures and cooking demonstrations for the curious mind.

On this occasion, our Chef and R & D Manager, Luc Van Winden, will do a cooking demonstration on the Kale trend in food on March, 11 at 10:45.

Come visit us at booth 738!

Fresh Attitude, partner with the National Bank for its advertising campaign

Sherrington, may 12, 2014 – Fresh Attitude has become a partner of the National Bank for its advertising campaign :
A business partner for many years, the National Bank has recently chosen Vegpro International Inc. and Gerry Van Winden to illustrate the quality of the customer relationship during its last publicity campaign.

The ad was first released on April 21 on the show ” Dans l’œil du dragon ” on the ICI-Radio Canada channel. National Bank plans to broadcast the commercial until July 6 on this channel, and until June 1st on regular networks (TVA, Vtele, Télé-Québec) and some specialty channels (Canal D, Z, Historia, Argent, LCN, RDI, RDS, RIS, Explora, RDS2).

We thank the National Bank for having chosen us as an example of the enterprise partnership in business banking.

Link to the video

Sauver du temps pour mieux manger (French Article)

TVA – Salut Bonjour TV Show – Nutrition review from Isabelle Huot – January 22, 2013

The “lack of time” phenomenon has prompted many companies to create simple products, consisting of a minimum of ingredients, for the consumers. Isabelle Huot, PhD in Nutrition helps us to make good choices among them. (Video and article available in French only)

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Un travail de longue haleine (French TV Program)

Radio Canada – La Semaine Verte TV Show – Presented by Errol Duchaine – January 19, 2013

“Committed to bring to market a local product with nothing to envy the imported onions from the United States or Europe, Vegetable Growers from Napierville, the Van Winden embarked on a careful selection process that will require them years of work and patience.” Errol Duchaine asked Jean-Bernard Van Winden. (TV Program available in French only)

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Boom dans les gyms et les aliments santé (French Article)

La Presse – Isabelle Massé – January 10, 2013

Following the famous New Year’s resolutions, Isabelle Massé focuses on healthy foods whose consumption increases in January. On this occasion, she questions Anthony Fantin, Vice President, Operations, at Vegpro International Inc. (Article available in French only)

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Les conquêtes de la laitue québécoises (French TV Program)

Radio Canada – La Semaine Verte TV Show – Presented by Errol Duchaine – September 29, 2012

The famous program on Radio Canada has dedicated its story to the lettuce industry in Quebec. Within a few decades, it has brilliantly developed in the North American market. The report visits Production Horticoles Van Winden and Vegpro International Inc. to discover what assets have facilitated this success. (TV Program available in French only)

Link to the video

Une (rare) visite du ministre Ritz au Québec (French Article)

La Terre de chez nous – Pierre-Yvon Bégin – November 9, 2012

Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz has completed, on Friday, a brief and unusual “food” tour in Quebec. He notably visited Salad Etcetera!, the packaging plant of Vegpro International Inc. in Sherrington. (Article available in French only)

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Vegpro International Inc. doubles processing facility

The Packer – Cynthia David – November 16, 2012

Baby lettuce and spinach grower Vegpro International Inc. has doubled the size of its processing facility in Sherrington, Quebec, to 80,000 square feet, introduced a convenience salad in a bowl and revamped its carrot and onion facilities.

Anthony Fantin, vice president of operations, said the single-serve Solo offers a 3- to 4-ounce baby salad blend in a grab-and-go plastic bowl sealed with an easy-peel film.