Environnement

The environment is of vital importance

Cranberries are red but their cultivation is green.

Taking care to protect the environment, to preserve our natural resources and to provide safety for animal species, means using innovative cultivation methods that are on the cutting edge of development. As large quantities of water are necessary for the cultivation of fruit, we have put together an elaborate system of closed-circuit water distribution capable of recycling run-off from melting snow as well as rain water. This allows water storage available for irrigation, the flooding of fields during harvest and icing through the winter. (See  Production Methods)

Cranberries need less water than what is needed to grow your lawns.

Contrary to common belief, cranberries do not grow in water. The plant is actually a creeping vine that grows in much the same way as other vegetation and prefers sandy, acidic soil. In addition, their need for water is less than the amount of water resulting from average rainfall in Quebec. The cultivation of cranberries requires 62mm of water per month while the average rainfall recorded in Quebec in July 2002 (a hot, dry summer) was 95 mm of rain. However, a large quantity of water is necessary for harvesting; and these needs are met by water stored-up in reservoirs, and reservoirs also supply extra water during critical periods. Cranberries are equipped with air cavities, a unique characteristic of this fruit, which allow them to float and thereby facilitate the harvesting task by the flooding of the fields. (See Harvesting)

Integrated Pest Management allows limiting the use of phytosanitary products as well as minimizing the risks to human safety and the environment.

We use this approach which encourages the development of natural procedures in the fight against parasites. Furthermore, thanks to climatic conditions in Quebec, many insects die naturally during the frost periods. Cold temperatures also prevent the development of harmful diseases and organisms that are found in other cranberry-producing regions of North America. Integrated Pest Management favors healthful and ecological cultivation and production.

With the improvement of ``lakes`` or reservoirs, our cranberry farms have become a refuge for certain species of migratory birds and a favorable environment for some species of animals that were thought to be nearly extinct (ex : wood turtle).  Throughout the seasons, these water reservoirs accommodate a variety of birds, amphibians and other animal species.