Transform the issues into innovative solutions

In this agricultural and agri-food world in full transition, the CISA uses an innovative intervention approach to stimulate the emergence of concrete actions in the field.

Social Innovation

A social innovation is a new idea, approach or intervention, a new service, product, law or organization that responds more adequately and sustainably than existing solutions to a well-defined social need. A social innovation finds a buyer within an institution, organization or community, produces a measurable benefit for the community and has a transformative and systemic impact (Réseau québécois en innovation sociale).

In addition to being a result, a social innovation is also a process. As part of its mission, the CISA accompanies the actors in the field in the different stages of maturation of the innovation.

Transform the issues into innovative solutions

Action Research

To support innovation, CISA adopts an action-research approach that involves various field actors in the co-creation of solutions to experienced problems.Based on rigorous data and the transfer of best practices observed in Quebec and elsewhere in the world, CISA's approach facilitates the emergence and experimentation of solutions tailored to the organizations, territories, and communities it supports.

Co-creation of solutions aligned with field realities

Co-creation emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and innovation by engaging all stakeholders affected by an issue to find effective solutions. At CISA, we focus on this collective intelligence to drive innovation. Connecting all parties provides a clear understanding of the problem. Through positive interactions and an innovative mindset, we develop tailored solutions that lead to concrete actions. This approach promotes the adoption and implementation of new practices or services by all stakeholders.

Action Research focus

Themes

Food, which is central to our lives, presents many challenges. Production methods, agricultural practices, management of materials and resources, health and well-being of producers, and communities and territories have an impact on our daily lives and our future.

Through applied research, training, transfer of knowledge, technical assistance, and civic education, CISA contributes to agricultural and agri-food development through various themes:

  • Establishment of the next generation of farmers
  • Agribusiness Incubators
  • Agricultural Motels
  • Protection of agricultural land
  • Access to land
  • Agricultural Social Utility Trust
  • Living conditions and health of farmers
  • Transfer of farm businesses
  • Food production in northern and indigenous contexts
  • Farm Labor Replacement Services
  • Procurement and marketing in institutional settings
  • Territorial food systems
  • Proximity supply and marketing
  • Food logistics hubs
  • Pooling of means of production
  • Pooling of processing spaces and equipment
  • Food safety
  • Educational gardens
  • Management of agricultural residual materials
  • Territorial development
  • Governance of agrifood initiatives
  • Socio-professional integration through agribusiness
  • Collective entrepreneurship in agriculture
  • Support for the adaptation and adoption of new technologies

Our services

CISA services include:

  • 1Diagnostic studies
  • 2Surveys
  • 3Ratings
  • 4Case Studies
  • 5Development plans
  • 6Education and Awareness Activities
  • 7Training
  • 8Conferences
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Unique agricultural expertise in Quebec

Direct results

As part of the Maple Farmers' Community project: an innovative method, a success for the future of the establishment, CISA provides support for the implementation of an evolutionary evaluation process for the Laboratory, allowing better follow-up on the progress of the project, in addition to ensuring the production of mobilization and transfer tools.

Diane Bisson, Project Manager community of farmers, MRC de L’Érable

CISA's work has enabled us to collect relevant information on soil compaction, which represents a major issue identified by producers in the Lac Saint-Pierre watershed as part of the Living Laboratories of Quebec project.

Dorothé Ngondjeb Yong Nje, Economist Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

How did CISA’s involvement make a difference in the project? An essential and recognized skill, which will have allowed the project to progress with confidence by all stakeholders.

Robert Gagnon, Chairman of the Board of Directors Jardins du 53e Taïga