Environment Sustainable development
À travers champs
2021
Sous-titres : Français Espagnol Roumain Anglais Allemand Arabe
Preservation of farmland, organic alternatives, the cooperative model, the new generation of farmers and the challenges facing them. Marie-Claude Lortie takes stock of agriculture in Quebec and focuses on the issues, the possible solutions, and the transformations that are underway.
Environment | Sustainable development
Episode 1
28 min
The problem with monoculture
Encounter with the agronomist Louis Robert, who is against the traditional production system. Rather than heavy machinery, pesticides and fertilizers, which harm the soil, he recommends organic alternatives which cost less and are increasingly popular.
Episode 2
27 min
Land to be preserved
Even if it is protected by the law, the surface area of agricultural land in Quebec is decreasing every year. Fallow ground, inflation, property development. Marie-Claude Lortie takes a closer look at the challenges linked to the preservation of this treasure.
Episode 3
26 min
The succession for our countryside
With the high price of land and the challenges of agricultural work, the lack of youngsters interested in farming is a major problem in Quebec. The model of the family farm with a single owner is no longer the only option.
Episode 4
27 min
Strength in numbers
Marie-Claude Lortie looks at the cooperative farming model which first appeared in the dairy industry in the 19th century in Quebec. It is a system that continues to prove its worth, whether in the countryside or in an urban setting.
Episode 5
25 min
A contested monopoly
Since 1972, the "Union des producteurs agricoles" is the only agricultural trade union representing producers in Quebec. Marie-Claude Lortie presents the strengths and weaknesses of this one-of-a-kind trade union model.
Episode 1
26 min
The human cost
According to specialists on the issue, 50% of farmers suffer from psychological distress. It's a profession with high levels of stress and huge responsibilities, which are often assumed alone or as a couple.
Episode 2
28 min
Supply management
Some politicians are in favour, some economists are against, and it is sometimes jeopardised by major trade agreements. How do production quotas work? Who sets retail prices? How do we control imports of foreign goods?
Episode 3
8 min
Pleasures of the land
1.3 billion of total sales of farming goods correspond to non-foodstuffs, such as for example flowers or Christmas trees. The whole sector is benefiting from the current trend to buy locally.
Episode 4
28 min
The female side of farming
The term "farmer's wife" is no longer appropriate today, it belongs to another era; even if organizations argue for women to have a greater role in the sector, there is still a long way to go to achieve parity.
Episode 5
28 min
Urban farming
While we are rethinking our relationships with towns and our buying habits, urban farming is becoming part of the conversation. A movement on the rise uniting community gardens, individuals, large producers and urban farming cooperatives.
Episode 1
28 min
Growing AI
Artificial intelligence will help us produce more and more effectively. But some major challenges with AI need to be taken into account, including accessibility to technology and sharing data collected.
Episode 2
27 min
At your own risk
Farming is a sector with many uncertainties. Special insurance policies exist and tools have been introduced to help farm producers in hard times. Are they sufficient?
Episode 3
28 min
Much to learn
Farm work requires a level of expertise in many fields. Fortunately, there is a vast and diverse academic offer in Québec to prepare the future of farming and provide ongoing training.
Episode 4
26 min
Changes in attitudes
While farming has been seen positively by the majority of the population for a long time, changes in attitudes, especially relating to animal well-being, have altered how people view farming methods.
Episode 5
26 min
Community spirit
Community spirit has always been important in farming. It is alive today, especially among the new generation which prefers a farming model that is based more on cooperation than competition.
Preservation of farmland, organic alternatives, the cooperative model, the new generation of farmers and the challenges facing them. Marie-Claude Lortie takes stock of agriculture in Quebec and focuses on the issues, the possible solutions, and the transformations that are underway.
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