#Agriculture #GreenhouseFarming #TomatoProduction #SustainableAgriculture #Innovation #QuebecAgriculture #LEDLighting #FarmingSuccess #LocalSourcing #FoodAutonomy #Community-drivenAgriculture
In the heart of Quebec, Serres Point du Jour is pioneering a new era in tomato cultivation. With a blend of passion, innovation, and perseverance, they’re illuminating the path to sustainable agricultural success.
In the realm of agriculture, where seasons dictate productivity, Serres Point du Jour stands as a beacon of innovation. Led by Robert Thérien, the company has embraced a cutting-edge lighting system that mimics the sun’s natural cycle, ensuring optimal conditions for tomato growth. This technology, pioneered by Sollum, not only boosts yields but also enhances plant health, fostering a sustainable approach to farming.
Thérien’s enthusiasm is palpable as he discusses the transformative impact of Sollum’s system. “It replicates the natural sunlight cycle in our greenhouses,” he explains. “Programmed according to L’Assomption’s sunlight hours, these LED lights provide both illumination and 10% heating, ensuring our tomato plants thrive without stress.”
Within their sprawling 105,000 square feet of greenhouse space, sensors monitor light levels, a critical factor for daily plant growth. During periods of diminished sunlight, the lights can operate for up to 18 hours a day, sustaining production levels year-round.
This dedication to innovation has enabled Serres Point du Jour to yield between 10,000 to 12,000 kilograms of assorted tomato varieties per week from their 12,000 plants, a feat once unimaginable in traditional farming.
Yet, beyond the numbers lies a deeper narrative of passion and commitment. For Thérien and his partner, Jocelyn Magnan, venturing into agriculture amidst a pandemic was a leap of faith rooted in belief—in local sourcing and food autonomy.
“The passion is what drives an agriculturist every morning,” reflects Thérien. “When I step into the greenhouse each day, I’m awestruck by our plants. I take pride in what we produce and our ability to give back.”
This ethos of giving extends beyond the farm gates, with Thérien forgoing a salary to invest in the company’s future. Supported by a network of volunteers, including his parents, who assist with packaging, Serres Point du Jour embodies the spirit of community-driven agriculture.
For Thérien, the journey to agricultural success has been a culmination of lifelong aspirations and serendipitous encounters. “The stars were aligned,” he muses. “It’s the relationships I’ve cultivated that have brought me here.”
In the fields of L’Assomption, where innovation meets tradition, Serres Point du Jour illuminates a path forward—a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and partnership.