Outaouais Agri-Food meetings set to cultivate innovation in 2026

Tashi Farmilo

The 2026 Outaouais Agri-Food meetings are set to begin, bringing together farmers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and advisors for a regional series focused on innovation, sustainability, and agricultural transition. Organized by the Outaouais Agri-Food Table (TAO) in partnership with the regional office of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ), the twelve events will run from January 21 to March 11 across various locations in the Outaouais, offering participants a hands-on look at the evolving realities of agriculture in the region.

The program opens with Maple Syrup Day on January 21 at Domaine de L’Ange-Gardien. The day will explore new developments in maple syrup production, including the use of geomatics to monitor and map forest health, research on the chemistry of sap and the structure of maple trees, and presentations on next-generation evaporators. Consultants will also lead sessions on business fundamentals such as launching a farm, ownership transfers, and acquisitions, which are key concerns as many producers plan for succession or expansion.

Each event is designed to respond directly to regional needs, with an emphasis on climate adaptation, farm viability, and peer-to-peer learning. A marketing-focused session on January 28 at the L’Ange-Gardien municipal hall will tackle how producers can use current global conditions to position local products more effectively. The session will include insights on collective marketing and partnerships, with case studies from outside the region.

February’s calendar is filled with practical sessions, beginning with two evenings dedicated to beef production during forage shortages. Scheduled in Shawville and La Pêche, these meetings will feature drought management strategies and risk mitigation through Quebec’s stabilization insurance program (ASRA), drawing lessons from the 2023 drought in Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Mid-month, young and aspiring farmers can attend a full day in Wakefield focused on agricultural start-up steps, legal considerations, and available support services, including a testimonial from a recent local start-up.

February 12 marks the launch of the first Outaouais Agri-Food Innovation Fair, a major event in Cantley that will bring together business leaders, government advisors, and financial partners to help producers implement innovation across animal and plant production. The same venue will host a horticulture-focused day the following week, offering tools and strategies for addressing compaction, climate change, data use, and safety.

In the final weeks of February, the spotlight turns to biodiversity and pest management. Two “Biodiversity Days” in Shawville and Chelsea will introduce producers to silvopasture and Adaptive Multi-Paddock grazing, techniques that enhance soil carbon and habitat quality, alongside support from ALUS Outaouais and the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Pest management will be addressed in Gatineau and Shawville through sessions focused on curbing herbicide resistance and managing invasive corn pests, supported by presentations from MAPAQ and CEROM researchers, as well as a drone technology partner.

The series concludes on March 11 with the Transformation Showroom in L’Ange-Gardien, which will bring together major food processing support organizations like Cintech Agroalimentaire and the CTAQ. Attendees will be able to explore services related to financing, innovation, and food production scale-up, and hear from a standout local company known for its creative approach to growth.

With affordable admission prices, many including meals, and discounts for students, the meetings aim to be as accessible as they are informative. By blending scientific expertise with real-world farming experience, the 2026 Outaouais Agri-Food Meetings promise to be a vital platform for building a stronger, more resilient agricultural sector in the region.

Full programming and registration: www.agro-outaouais.com/rvao2026