Starting a first-generation farm in Canada today is an ambitious goal, but Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers 2021 regional winners Jim Thompson and Geneviève Grossenbacher, owners of Notre petite ferme at Lochaber-Partie-Ouest, QC, surpassed that goal in under a decade.

The pair fell in love with farming when, after graduating from university, they worked on an organic farm together in Cuba. But their dream to farm took many years to come true. Grossenbacher explains, “We did not come from a farming background, study agriculture, or have financial support from our families.”

Upon returning to Quebec, Grossenbacher ran a collective garden and worked in a farm-to-school program, while Thompson worked on organic farms. In 2011 they began growing their own organic vegetables and developed their vision: to offer outstanding culinary experiences, contribute to healthy communities, and support the farming sector in Canada.

Grossenbacher and Thompson were recently celebrated as regional winners for Quebec in Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers program, an annual competition that recognizes farmers aged between 18 and 39 who exemplify excellence and promote agriculture in ways that foster urban-rural relations.  

Initially, Grossenbacher and Thompson accessed rented land and a rent-to-own program. They were able to buy their own land in 2020. Today, Notre petite ferme produces over 35 types of organic vegetables in two greenhouses with help from a small team of employees. “We’ve developed techniques that allow us to increase production sustainably, such as growing on a 12-year rotation plan, and regenerating the soil with green manure,” says Thompson.

Their fresh produce is sold through pre-purchased CSA (community supported agriculture) baskets and a weekly farmstand. They have increased production and now feed 363 families weekly on the same surface area that previously fed 255.

Grossenbacher and Thompson support many community causes, such as donating a significant amount of produce to local food banks (5.5 percent of sales). Thompson is Vice President of their local Farmers Union, where he supports climate and mental health, and mentors young farmers.

Now raising three children, Grossenbacher and Thompson plan to continue growing sustainably. They hope to add a third greenhouse, support agri-tourism, and ensure their children have the option to farm. “We’re proud of the pathway to the establishment we’ve carved out for ourselves,” Grossenbacher says, “and hopefully for the future farmers after us.”