Cracking the code on uncommon organic crops at Chapeau Melon.

Ferme Chapeau Melon is all about doing things differently, growing unusual organic crops close to home. At the heart of this farm is François Biron, a trained agronomist with a passion for sustainability. When he started Chapeau Melon in 2012, François knew he needed to stand out. He focused on two key strategies: growing varieties that consumers love but aren’t popular among Quebec farmers and getting them to market earlier than his competitors. Taking organic farming a step further, he’s fine-tuning everything from greenhouse layouts to how he plants and harvests - all to help the land thrive while introducing more diversity to Quebec’s lineup of local organic produce.

Get a close look at Ferme Chapeau Melon in our latest video, and scroll down to read more about François’ unique approach. 

Why rely on imports when a little innovation makes local harvests possible? After noticing that produce like sweet potatoes, melons, and ginger were flying off grocery shelves but rarely grown locally, François decided to change that. By harvesting these staples right here at home, he’s introducing a fresher, organic option.

Cracking the code on uncommon crops. François has found a way to adapt rare fruits and vegetables to our climate so they not only succeed but thrive. Take his baby ginger, for example - the team grows it in soil inside a greenhouse for a more controlled environment, leading to consistent yields.

With greenhouses in play, every month brings in a new harvest. By February, Chapeau Melon’s greenhouses are already buzzing, giving François a head start while he waits for summer field bounty. He’s strategic, planting edamame both indoors and outdoors, which means an early harvest and a longer growing season. Then, when fall comes around, the greenhouses keep things flowing with winter spinach.

Organic melons put Ferme Chapeau Melon on the map. Melons are a rare sight in Quebec fields, so François made a bold choice to grow not just one but four different varieties, including cantaloupes, canaries, and both seeded and seedless watermelons. These prized fruits are here now, but only for a short time - so grab them while you can!