In Victoriaville, a team of agronomists, biologists and technicians is striving to develop clean and modern agricultural production methods. Affiliated with the Cégep de Victoriaville and with an influence in several regions in Quebec, the Centre d’expertise et de transfert en agriculture biologique et de proximité (CETAB+) has been working with agricultural producers since 2010 to:
- develop mechanical weed control strategies on field crop farms;
- test new plant protection technologies in fruit crops;
- demonstrate the feasibility of growing vegetables in the winter using crop shelters;
- measure the impact of various technical methods on the environment;
- develop technical and economic references for emerging farms;
- implement programs in businesses for transition to organic farming; and
- develop knowledge of the best cover crop (green manure) techniques.
Our team develops expertise both on research plots at the Institut national d’agriculture biologique (INAB) and through trials on commercial farms. Our collaborative approach means that we work with a number of other research centres and organizations in the sector to provide business services and training and contribute to various technology transfer projects and research initiatives.
As a key player in the development of organic production in Quebec, we organize several field visits each year to partner farms or to our research facilities and offer a variety of skills development training courses for agricultural producers and stakeholders, in addition to organizing symposiums and conference days.
With teams of experts on the ground allowing for the transfer of innovations to businesses, CETAB+ has earned a high standing across the sector. Our CCTT has provided consulting services to more than 300 businesses, enabling them to keep pace with the latest technical innovations and make informed business decisions.
Focusing on organic farming in Quebec, our projects are designed to advance agricultural production knowledge and can benefit both organic and conventional producers.
