Montreal, July 20, 2021 − The Corporation de gestion des marchés publics de Montréal is proud to announce a new partnership with a pair of agricultural associations, the Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA) and the Fédération de la relève agricole du Québec (FRAQ). The arrangement will give up-and-coming agricultural producers the opportunity to sell their wares at Jean-Talon Market for the first time.

Nicolas Fabien-Ouellet, executive director of the Corporation de gestion des marchés publics de Montréal, made the announcement during a press conference organized by the UPA as part of the Mangeons local plus que jamais! tour, which visited Montreal and Laval today. The event was also attended by ambassadors from the two regions, Marie-Eve Janvier and Chef Paul Toussaint.

A golden opportunity for up-and-coming agricultural producers

The Kiosques de la relève pilot project has been operating since mid-May at Jean-Talon Market. The new format allows young companies to rent a turnkey market stall by the day at a moderate cost, thanks to funding from the Programme Proximité of the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec. The program is made possible by the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a collaboration between the federal and provincial governments.

The Jeudis de la relève UPA partnership offers half-price daily stall rentals every Thursday from August 5 to September 30, allowing producers to rent a market stall for a full day for just $35. The FRAQ and the UPA will promote the initiative to their members, attracting attention to this excellent opportunity for new food and agriculture enterprises.

“The Kiosques de la relève quickly found weekend tenants, but there was still availability on Thursdays, a day with strong potential during harvest season. Thanks to this partnership, young agricultural entrepreneurs will be able to rent a stall for a fraction of the usual price, so that they can gain first-hand experience of selling at the market,” said Serge Marticotte, chair of the Corporation de gestion des marchés publics de Montréal.

“The UPA was eager to join this promising initiative, because it is consistent with the Mangeons local plus que jamais! movement and application. The Jeudis de la relève UPA will provide an exceptional showcase for young producers and help Quebecers discover their local farmers,” said Marcel Groleau, president of the Union des producteurs agricoles.

“The Fédération de la relève agricole du Québecois very pleased to be able to support an initiative that will facilitate local market access for young producers. This kind of project helps showcase local products grown by innovative new companies,”added FRAQ president Julie Bissonnette.

Producers who wish to reserve a market stall on a Thursday in August or September as part of Jeudis de la relève UPA should contact the Jean-Talon Market team at 514-937-7754, ext. 20. Complete details can also be found at www.marchespublics-mtl.com.

The Corporation de gestion des marchés publics de Montréal is a social-oriented economy enterprise responsible for the planning, development and operation of Montreal’s Public Markets. Since 1993, it has been mandated by the City of Montréal to manage the Atwater, Jean-Talon and Maisonneuve markets, six Neighbourhood Markets and three Solidarity Markets. The CGMPM’s mission is to improve access to fresh produce, meat, fish, cheeses, a variety of products and restaurants through a network of public markets that brings Montrealers closer to local farmers and agri-food businesses. It is a non-profit organization governed by a board of directors composed of five merchants and five residents of the Montreal urban agglomeration. Its membership includes nearly 200 merchants. The Corporation’s network of public markets is frequented by more than three-quarters of Montrealers, with over 3 million visits annually.