Since 1981, Les Cultures de chez nous has been producing fruits and vegetables in the Centre-du-Québec region of the province. The company uses eco-responsible production methods to protect consumer health and the environment. These methods respond to the ever-increasing client expectations. Thanks to a dynamic approach and product quality, Les Cultures de chez nous is now the number 1 supplier of asparagus and leeks in the Quebec food chain.
Established in Sainte-Brigitte-des-Saults, Michelle Rajotte and Louis-Marie Jutras share the same passion for cultivating the earth. In 1979, they switched their cartography and secretarial garb to become part-time farmers. It is at that time that they launched their production of garlic and asparagus.
Two years later, they purchased a 172-acre property. Over the years, they continued to acquire lands and now have 700 acres at their disposal. The greenhouses operated by Cultures de chez nous measure 3,640 square metres, and they currently produce leeks, asparagus, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, soy and corn.
In 1999, they decided to innovate and expand into the industrial market. They began to transform leeks in the goal of offering an added value and maximizing crop yields. Bagged, sliced leeks, which at the time was their new product, is now available in most Quebec grocery stores.
In 2001, they began importing European leeks from France. This importation allows the company to maintain its market share during the winter season and ensure a continuous supply.
In 2011, after various marketing campaigns in magazines, Les Cultures de chez nous took on the internet with the same energy and passion that they put into producing fruits and vegetables. New technologies are increasingly present and are an excellent way to learn more about the company. In order to reach consumers more easily and most importantly better connect with clients, Les Cultures de chez nous understands the importance of investing time and money into social media. It was at this time that the winds of change began to drift through the company with this digital revolution. Previously, Louis-Marie and Michelle organized farm visits to promote their company and their products. Today, the web is the principal first line of contact with the farm and its products.
On the one hand, there is Les Cultures de chez nous to discover the range of fruits and vegetables and to learn the story full of love for fresh, local products. On the other hand, there is Crazy Leeks, a website specially dedicated to leek, asparagus and fruit recipes as well as articles focusing on good nutritional habits and culinary discovery. The company has truly used all available means to integrate social media into its communication platform to reach those most important to them: present and future consumers.
After nearly 40 years of operations, Les Cultures de chez nous still puts great emphasis on quality control surrounding their leeks, asparagus and fruits to satisfy consumers. They use eco-responsible production methods that are safe for consumer health and the environment. Over the years, Les Cultures de chez nous has carved out an important place in the Quebec agricultural landscape. The company has joined forces with various members of the culinary community and is actively involved in the I love fruits and veggies campaign to promote the consumption of fresh and local fruits and vegetables as well as advocating healthy lifestyle habits.
In agriculture, we might think things quiet down during winter, but such is not the case for Cultures de chez nous. The company employs 70 people year round! The first thing we notice when we meet the team: the company's human and family-like approach. From the outset, we are greeted as if we were family members. The employees come from the local area and benefit from internal group benefit programs. The company's future is guaranteed as all three of Louis-Marie and Michelle's children now work on the farm. Valérie is responsible for administration and human resources, while Alexis and Antoine handle the farm management and work among the various crops on a daily basis.