November 6, 2024 | By Sylvain Rochon
The North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC) presents the Canadian Agricultural Producer Award to Paul Caplette, co-owner of Céréales Bellevue in Saint Robert and participant in the ALUS Montérégie program since 2018.
This prize was awarded to him because of his intimate knowledge of the landscape surrounding his land and his significant and successful efforts in the area of agro-environment.
The Canadian Agricultural Producer Award recognizes agricultural producers who contribute greatly to the protection and conservation of pollinators and provide awareness efforts to increase awareness of the importance of pollinators within the agricultural community.
Céréales Bellevue is a field crop farm which extends over 360 hectares. This is a multi-generational farm, as Paul and his brother Pierre grew up on the farm and are now co-owners.
“We are really proud and excited to win this prestigious recognition of our work,” reacted Paul Caplette. “I share it with my brother Pierre, my mother Pierrette, and all the people who worked with us on the family farm to gradually develop over the years more than eight acres dedicated to dynamic biodiversity. »
Since 2006, the farm has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 33% and the use of pesticides by more than 30%, while increasing field yields. These efforts do not stop there, as Céréales Bellevue Inc. seeks to achieve carbon neutrality within 10 years.
Since 2017, Paul and Pierre Caplette have added 25 acres of project sites producing ecosystem services with nest boxes for tree swallows and eastern bluebirds as well as roosts for bats. Ultimately, their goal is to install 200 nest boxes. The two brothers planted 1,200 trees and 5,000 fruit bushes to provide habitat and food for native wildlife and pollinators. In addition, 90% of their soil is protected by cover crops all winter in order to nourish and protect soil microorganisms. The farm has also added numerous expanded multifunctional riparian strips on its land.
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