Saint-Eustache, Novembre 4th, 2024 – The UPA Outaouais-Laurentides Federation celebrated its 60th anniversary in grand style at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Banquet, held in the majestic setting of Fairmont Le Château Montebello. Over 150 members, dignitaries, elected officials, and partners gathered for this day rich in exchanges, marked by the unity and solidarity of the agricultural community in our region.
The AGM activities included the presentation of the annual and financial reports, as well as the adoption of two major resolutions, illustrating the Federation's priorities for the future of agriculture in our region. Stéphane Alary, Federation President, and Audrey Lemaire, Vice-President, were re-elected, underscoring their unwavering commitment to defending farmers' interests.
A discussion panel on the theme "Cultivating Our Cities: Dialogues Between Municipal Elected Officials and Agriculture" facilitated constructive exchanges on the challenges and opportunities shared by farmers and municipal decision-makers. Panelists included Jane Toller, Warden of the Pontiac MRC, Ray Khalil, Vice-President of the Executive Committee of the City of Laval, Patrick Charbonneau, Mayor of Mirabel, and Benoît Lauzon, Warden of the Papineau MRC, who shared their perspectives on the value of agricultural land in their municipalities.
“This day, with the voices of our elected officials and our farmers, embodies the spirit of collaboration necessary for the future of regional agriculture. By working together, we can overcome challenges and seize the opportunities before us,” highlighted Stéphane Alary, President of the Outaouais-Laurentides UPA Federation and dairy farmer in Luskville, Outaouais.
The day continued with a festive evening and a banquet celebrating the Federation's 60th anniversary, featuring the notable presence of Martin Caron, General President of the Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA), who attended the 100th-anniversary cocktail of the UPA. The evening provided an opportunity to recognize the exceptional contributions of local farmers through the presentation of annual awards:
- Syndical Leader: Marcel Denis, Mirabel
- Agricultural Hope, presented by Banque Nationale: Samuel Bertrand, Val-des-Monts
- Outstanding Female Farmer: Diane Clément, Lochaber-Partie-Ouest
- Entrepreneurial Success, presented by Réseau Agriconseils Laurentides : Sébastien Peeters, St-André-d’Argenteuil
- Agri-Environmental Leader: Stanley Christensen, Lac-Sainte-Marie
- Farm Human Resources, presented by the Outaouais-Laurentides Agricultural Employment Center: Joelle Grover, Laval
- Agricultural Ambassador: David Gillespie, Isle-aux-Allumettes
- Service to Agriculture Tribute: Lise Nadon, retired and executive assistant for 46 years
“The 60th-anniversary banquet was an emotionally charged moment, where we honored the farmers who, through their hard work and passion, elevate our agriculture. These tributes are a source of pride for our community,” declared Audrey Lemaire, Vice-President of the Federation and dairy farmer in Saint-Jérôme, Laurentides.
Simon Durand, Regional Director, added, “This year was marked by major mobilizations and actions for our Federation, and the adoption of our new strategic plan outlines a clear path to address tomorrow’s challenges. The presentation of the annual report reflects our commitment to strengthening our support for regional farmers.”
The Federation warmly thanks its partners, whose contributions were essential in making this celebration a success. Special thanks to: Industries Harnois Inc., Bélanger Agro-Consultant, Desjardins Entreprises, City of Mirabel, André Fortin (Member of Parliament for Pontiac), Macdonald Campus of McGill University, Benoit Charette (Member of Parliament for Deux-Montagnes), Sylvie D'Amours (Member of Parliament for Mirabel), Mario Laframboise (Member of Parliament for Blainville), Jean-Denis Garon (Member of Parliament for Mirabel), Marie-Hélène Gaudreau (Member of Parliament for Laurentides-Labelle), Rhéal Fortin (Member of Parliament for Rivière-du-Nord), Luc Desilets (Member of Parliament for Rivière-des-Mille-Îles), Louise Chabot (Member of Parliament for Thérèse-De Blainville), Me Audrey Lachapelle (notary), Novago Cooperative, Mirabel Agricultural Training Center (CFAM), Stéphane Lauzon (Member of Parliament for Argenteuil-La Petite-Nation), Alejandra Zaga Mendez (Member of Parliament for Verdun), JLD-Laguë, Dubois Agrinovation Inc., and Agropur.