Planting new ideas
The Côte-du-Sud is an excellent example. Two outstanding projects emerged there following a visit to an orchard in full production and the discovery of almost forgotten fruit trees.
From private orchards to public action
In the early 2000s, Saint-Gabriel Lalemant, a small village in the Haut-Pays de Kamouraska region, became the site of an original initiative with positive spin-offs. An agronomist, who was also a municipal councillor, wanted to revitalize and beautify her municipality. Inspired by the orchards at the Institut de technologie agroalimentaire de La Pocatière, she proposed that crab apple trees be planted. Owing to the beauty of these trees in spring and the fruit’s potential, her proposal was accepted unanimously.
This idea led to the Verger, fleurs et pommettes project, which in turn gave rise to La Pommetterie, now a non-profit organization. Residents participate on a volunteer basis. By 2012, they had planted a total of over 1,500 crab apple trees on the property of those who requested them, comprising a dozen small orchards and private property.
Everyone worked hard, but we got a lot of enjoyment out of making this project a success.
Diane Lavoie, volunteer CEO from 2011 to 2023
Jellies and juice by La Pommetterie
After 6 or 7 years, the crab apple trees produced an abundance of fruit. Volunteers and families get together to pick them in a festive atmosphere.
The crab apples are made into jelly, marmalade and juice. The addition of herbs and other secret ingredients has built a reputation for La Pommetterie’s products and their exquisite flavours. Customers come back for more, and the company now creates not only beauty and flavours, but also jobs and partnerships with other local and regional small-scale producers.