April 23, 2024
Ferme Gadbois, established in the 1850s in Saint-Barnabé-Sud, Quebec, carries a long-standing tradition of agriculture, nurtured through six generations. The farm is an integral part of the community.
In the 1940s, third-generation family members began selling their strawberries locally. The goal was to enhance direct consumer access while working with regional merchants. Since 1989, the focus has shifted mainly to strawberries, while embracing sustainable farming practices.
Recently, the family-run farm set out to grow strawberries year-round. It was a project planned for four years. The new venture represents a deeper commitment to innovation and sustainability.
The main challenge? Profitability.
Every technical decision and investment was crucial because it impacted the project’s economic viability.
Selecting LED lighting was one of these decisions. Ferme Gadbois decided on the energy-efficient Arize L2000 LED lighting for their greenhouse. The Arize L2000 offers superior energy efficiency, which reduces electricity consumption. It also provides optimal lighting conditions crucial for plant growth.
Known for its reliability and performance, the Arize L2000 also integrates well with artificial intelligence, enhancing its functionality. The powerful lighting intensity of 250 micromoles per square meter per second (μmol/s/m²) means fewer units are needed, which, besides saving energy, cuts installation costs.
One way Ferme Gadbois addressed their profitability challenge was by securing a subsidy from Hydro Quebec under the Efficient Agricultural Products Program. This funding, covering more than 40% of the system costs, reduced their initial lighting investment.
Furthermore, to optimize strawberry production, the Gadbois family consulted Hort Americas Canada to identify the best light spectrum for their needs. They chose the PKF spectrum after reviewing studies that confirmed its effectiveness in strawberry cultivation.
This choice was crucial in creating ideal growing conditions in the greenhouse. Scientific documentation and technical discussions with Hort Americas Canada helped tailor the lighting to meet the strawberry plants’ requirements, ensuring they received adequate light for optimal growth and fruit development.
The initial results were promising. In November 2023, the first harvest yielded 10 kg of strawberries per square meter. This success demonstrated the project’s technical feasibility, as well as its potential for providing a sustainable source of fresh produce during the off-season.
The partnership with Hort Americas Canada was pivotal to this project. It extended beyond a typical vendor-client relationship to become a collaboration focused on customized solutions and continuous support. Hort Americas advised on selecting the appropriate LED spectrum and provided ongoing technical support, including working closely with the electrician during installation.
Every step was characterized by close attention to the Gadbois family’s specific needs. The farm engineer’s endorsement of the equipment quality provided the final assurance needed to cement this productive partnership.
As Ferme Gadbois continues to refine their methods and expand operations, this initiative underscores the advantages that modern technology and strategic partnerships offer to traditional farming.
