Project
From April 1, 2024 to August 2, 2024

Northern Greenhouses: State of Knowledge and Innovation Perspectives for Decarbonizing Northern Food Systems

Context


This project addresses the Decarbonization Challenge of the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Nature and Technology sector, which aims to identify research needs and challenges related to the energy transition and self-sufficiency in Quebec’s northern territories.

In recent years, an increasing number of northern Quebec communities have adopted greenhouses, which extend the growing season and enable more efficient cultivation of fruits and vegetables under northern conditions. Beyond providing fresh produce, greenhouses also play a vital role in ensuring basic services, acting as spaces for community gatherings, learning, and fostering well-being and health.

Greenhouse cultivation in northern territories requires scientific, technical, and technological advancements to:

  • Improve the energy efficiency of existing greenhouses and design new infrastructure;
  • Develop simple methods for producing high-quality horticultural soil using local raw materials;
  • Experiment with innovative growing systems that integrate agronomic and Indigenous knowledge.

Additionally, it requires social and organizational innovations to ensure the sustainability of social economy projects in agriculture, while providing food production, education, and health services.

The project also aims to:

  • Support local knowledge holders in acquiring agronomic skills;
  • Value traditional and Indigenous knowledge;

Ensure that the development of knowledge, practices, or technologies includes communities and respects their right to self-determination.

Project Objectives

The goal of the project is to collaboratively define priority research pathways with local stakeholders to develop greenhouse cultivation practices tailored to the realities of Quebec's northern regions. Specifically, the project team commits to:

  • Producing a synthesis of scientific and technical knowledge on energy performance in greenhouses (geometry, materials, equipment), soil production processes, and crop management systems in cold climates.
  • Cataloging and synthesizing social and organizational innovations that ensure the sustainability of agricultural projects and the acquisition of horticultural knowledge adapted to northern conditions by community members.
  • Co-constructing a research framework with community members, integrating the needs of northern and Indigenous communities.