Emerging Cultures Innovation Centre in Saint-Camille

completed

The aim of the Emerging Cultures Innovation Center (ECIC) project is to establish a food logistics center dedicated to packaging and processing activities, as well as the recovery of by-products. Representing an investment of $2 million, the project involves the purchase and renovation of a building in the village center of St-Camille (550 inhabitants) and the installation of equipment necessary for carrying out storage activities (refrigerated rooms), packaging and transformation (pressing, dehydration, etc.). The ECIC will allow the cooperative to diversify its services and its offer of local food products with products from the orchard, and will facilitate access to specialized equipment for agri-food businesses. The activities carried out will enable the cooperative to better support agri-food businesses in improving their eco-efficiency capacities (production, harvesting, processing), marketing and by-product development. Near an agricultural trust, the ECIC will contribute to the development of an agricultural motel bringing together agronomic services, research activities, access to land resources and shared equipment, while facilitating business opportunities for businesses. In its 2022 plan for the development of a nourishing community, the municipality of St-Camille identifies several factors of local food security. More frequent extreme weather events undermine food affordability and accessibility. The ECIC will process more than 11 tonnes of around twenty fruits, plants and mushrooms from the cooperative’s orchard. Through their remarkable nutritional values, these crops contribute to a healthier diet. Thus, the project will make an exceptional contribution to local and regional food security.