A mid-summer field update from Glenorra and Ô Saine Terre.

Come rain or shine, we’ve been working with local farms that share our values of sustainability for over a decade. It’s thanks to our resilient partners that we’re able to send you fresh, local produce all summer long.

The summer of 2023 has been one of the most demanding field seasons in recent memory. The crazy weather patterns have made it nearly impossible to predict harvest quantities, most of which were delayed or even lost. During these more challenging times, our mission and values drive us to weather the storm with our partners and continue supporting local farmers even when our fave crops are unavailable.

Keep reading to learn more about the challenging season over at Ô Saine Terre and Jardins Glenorra, and scroll to hear what they have to say first-hand.

Ô Saine Terre, L'Assomption, QC

When he’s not tending his own fields, Benoît Duval is an organic ag educator. Some 30 kilometres north of Montreal, he tends to his land in the heart of the Lanaudière region by carefully balancing the principles of productivity and permaculture - aka developing ag systems based on crop diversification, resilience, and natural productivity.

His farm aims to preserve and promote Quebec’s agricultural heritage. Benoît grows different types of ancestral crops, handpicking varieties based on their unique flavour and hardiness to bring the freshness of local biodiversity to our baskets.

This year, spring frosts, summer rains, and strong winds damaged Benoît’s fields. These weather conditions severely affected his vines, root veg, and fruit trees. Despite all of it, some crops thrived and he’s looking forward to the first harvests of his four eggplant varieties.

Jardins Glenorra, Godmanchester, QC

Meet Julie Tardif and Ian Aldridge, the co-owners of Jardins Glenorra and one of our first partners. Lufavores have been ordering the fruits and veg they grow on their 55-acre property for ten years.

Every season has its challenges, but the summer of 2023 is a particularly trying one. With a combo of spring frosts and heavy downpours in July, not to mention a tornado, hail, and several power outages, they’re facing lower veg yields.

Always looking on the bright side, Julie points out the resilient crops. Her tomatillos and kale are thriving, while melons, winter squash (hello butternut!), blue potatoes, and watermelon radishes are just some of the exciting varieties still set to hit the Marketplace before fall sets in!

Check out the video below to hear all about how these two long-term partners are managing this harsh season.