Veiller au grain: pilot projects taking root
The Veiller au grain pour un avenir durable (Guarding the Grain for a Sustainable Future) initiative is entering a new phase, thanks to the commitment of agricultural and agri-food stakeholders in three pilot projects aiming to diversify crops. Work is progressing in Montérégie and other parts of Quebec, where farmers, processors, and experts are joining forces to build more resilient and sustainable supply chains:
Brewing barley in Montérégie: building a high-quality local supply chain
In Montérégie, a regional cohort dedicated to brewing barley is in full swing. Since January, some ten producers have been working to introduce or renew inclusion of this crop in their rotations, aiming to improve the quality of grain destined for Quebec’s microbreweries. Two meetings have already taken place, including an inspiring visit to Innomalt’s new plant in Bécancour, followed by an exchange between producers and maltsters. This discussion helped identify technical challenges related to malt classification and brought the various actors in the supply chain closer together to better align the farm supply with market expectations.
To support these efforts, Terre à table is finalizing a strategy aimed at strengthening both the quality and profitability of brewing barley in Quebec, based on consultations with farmers, agronomists, and a post-harvest specialist. The goal: to build a local, stable, and sustainable supply chain for Quebec-grown brewing barley.
Did you know? Most of the barley used to brew beer in Quebec currently comes from outside the province—even though local production capacity exists.
“Huiles du Québec” supply chain: structuring and promoting local oilseeds
This second project addresses a strategic challenge: structuring a Quebec-based oilseed sector (sunflower, camelina, pumpkin) that both highlights the positive impact of sustainable farming practices and celebrates the richness of locally processed products. An initial meeting confirmed the interest of producer-processors in collaborating on an initiative to strengthen their visibility in the Quebec market and build a strong shared identity: Les Huiles du Québec. A second meeting scheduled for June will focus on creating a joint action plan. A great opportunity to showcase Quebec products from field to table.
Replacing corn with rye in hog feed: innovating in animal nutrition
Finally, Terre à table is a partner in a project led by Université Laval exploring the potential of fall hybrid rye as a partial substitute for corn in hog feed. More resilient, rye has been shown to replace corn effectively in pig diets while regenerating soil in corn-soy rotations. It can be grown with minimal herbicides and fertilizers and provides a profit margin comparable to fall wheat.
This ambitious project is based on a literature review, economic analysis, and life-cycle assessment, along with documentation of financial incentives. An information capsule for grain producers will be released in the fall to share results and encourage adoption of this lesser-known but promising crop.
These three projects reflect a collective momentum to build local, diversified, and sustainable agricultural value chains. Together, let’s continue to guard the grain (‘veiller au grain’).
