The young entrepreneur makes a remarkable entrance into the agricultural sector in Quebec
It's the end of the harvest and the time of year when farmers can get together after the busy season, reflect on the work they've done, and celebrate with their loved ones. On October 14, the Federation of Women Farmers of Quebec held its gala in Trois-Rivières and honored several inspiring women. It was Safia Barrou, newly at the helm of Au Gîte des Oies in Roxton Falls, which received the 2023 Clin d'œil à la Relève award from Sollio Cooperative Group. The farmer also received an honorable mention for the Entrepreneure de Passion award.
The young woman has achieved a lot in a short time thanks to her vision, consolidating her offerings with the creation of menus for farm tables and a farm shop that promotes her goose products, as well as the establishment of suitable infrastructure such as an aviary. In addition, she has implemented controls allowing real-time monitoring of the activities and health of her livestock. Whether in terms of agritourism development, innovative food processing, or the evolution of her production, this entrepreneur has the wind in her sails and a head full of ideas.
Other women farmers have been honored, see the press release to learn more about these winners and let yourself be inspired. Special mention to the recipients of the Allied Prize, UPA Développement International, the first UPA group to have integrated a principle of parity between women and men into its statutes and regulations. With this change, UPA DI aims to be both a pioneer in the agricultural sector of Quebec, where the majority of decision-making positions are held by men, but also wishes to serve as an example to their international partners by applying these values to themselves. One of those types of decisions and projects that advance the cause of women as a whole.
With more than 600 members, the Quebec Women Farmers Organization aims to defend and promote women agricultural producers by addressing various issues affecting the status of women in agriculture and supporting female agricultural entrepreneurship. It should be noted that it is the only women's agricultural organization in Quebec.
Continuing her momentum, the young 27-year-old entrepreneur also earned the Quebec Food Succession Award in the Initia Foundation's business takeover category. Taking over a business comes with unique challenges, and Safia Barrou implemented a handover process with the former owners and founders, Linda Lazure and Louis-Paul Querel, who effectively contributed to the success of the takeover by establishing a daily transfer of knowledge throughout the production cycle. This knowledge-sharing model continues today for this farm goose farming business acquired in May 2022. The award comes with a $10,000 grant and several support services offered by partners of Initia, an organization dedicated to promoting the next generation of food producers.
The support these organizations provide to both women entrepreneurs and the next generation of farmers is significant at a time when, more than ever, becoming a farmer comes with its share of challenges. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners!
Visit augitedesoies.ca to find out more.
