The young entrepreneur makes a remarkable entry into the next generation of farmers 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 accomplished and celebrate in the company of 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’s Safia Barrou, newly at the helm of Au Gîte des Oies in Roxton Falls, which won the Clin d'œil à la Relève 2023 prize awarded by Sollio Groupe Coopératif. The farmer also earned an honorary mention for the Passion Entrepreneur prize.
The young woman has achieved a lot in a short time thanks to her vision, consolidating her offering with the creation of menus for farm tables and a farm shop that promotes her goose products, as well as setting up adapted infrastructure such as an aviary. In addition, it implemented controls allowing real-time monitoring of the activities and health of its livestock. Whether in terms of agritourism development, innovative food processing and the evolution of its production, this entrepreneur has the wind in her sails and a head full of ideas.
Other farmers have been put in the spotlight, consult the communicated to get to know these winners in more depth and get 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 in its statutes and regulations. Through this change, UPA DI wants to be both a pioneer in the agricultural sector of Quebec, where the majority of decision-making positions are occupied by men, but also wishes to serve as an example to their international partners by applying these to themselves. values. One of those types of decisions and projects that advance the cause of women as a whole.
With more than 600 members, the organization of Women Farmers of Quebec aims to defend and promote female agricultural producers by addressing the various issues affecting the status of women in agriculture and supporting female agricultural entrepreneurship. Note that it is the only women's agricultural organization in Quebec.
Continuing her momentum, the 27-year-old young entrepreneur also earned the Quebec Food Success Prize in the business takeover category of the Initia Foundation. Taking over a business involves particular challenges, and Safia Barrou set up a passing of the torch with the former owners and founders, Linda Lazure and Louis-Paul Querel, who contributed effectively to the success of the takeover by establishing a daily transfer of knowledge of the entire production cycle. This knowledge sharing model continues today for this farm geese breeding company acquired in May 2022. The prize is accompanied by a $10,000 grant as well as several support services offered by partners d'Initia, an organization dedicated to promoting the next generation of food professionals.
The support of these organizations for both women entrepreneurs and the next generation of farmers is significant in an era where, more than ever, becoming a farmer has its share of challenges. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners!
Visit augitedesoies.ca to know more.
