Frequently asked questions

Strawberry cultivation is where it all began , and it remains our primary crop today.

We chose to grow strawberries largely due to the experience gained by the Pitre brothers, who spent much of their childhood working in strawberry fields. This passion for strawberry farming grew year after year, eventually evolving into a large-scale family farming project when we acquired market garden land in the Upper Laurentians, well-suited for this crop, in 2016.

During the summer season, we grow and test a wide range of varieties in tunnels and open fields, although some stand out particularly in our production. We offer several short-day strawberry varieties, commonly known as summer strawberries, as well as day-neutral varieties, often referred to as fall strawberries.

In winter, we continue this same strategy by experimenting with a few varieties in our greenhouse located at Marché Fermier Pitre. Our goal is clear: to identify the best varieties in terms of taste, quality, yield, and disease resistance, so we can offer high-quality products all year round.

Yes, we also produce several other berries and vegetables, even though strawberries remain our main crop. In fact, we focus primarily on growing strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries, and we are continuously expanding our tunnel-covered areas to increase our yield and provide Quebecers and Canadians with a high-quality local alternative to imported products.

Yes, from December to April, we grow strawberries in smaller quantities in our greenhouse located directly at Marché Fermier Pitre, using innovative and responsible methods.

Our large-scale production, however, takes place during the summer season. The installation of several dozen hectares of tunnels allows us to extend the production season by a few weeks and thus offer berries almost year-round.

Keeping your berries refrigerated is the best way to keep them fresh longer! Just take them out to room temperature a little before eating to fully appreciate their flavors and wash them just before consumption.

You can also freeze them for later use in recipes or for making smoothies. Simply rinse them under water, pat them dry, remove the stems, and place them on baking trays lined with parchment paper. Then, freeze them for a few hours before transferring them to freezer bags or appropriate containers.

We dedicate this period to carrying out new projects, growing greenhouse strawberries at Marché Fermier Pitre, recruiting, and preparing machinery, housing, and equipment for the busy season.

Although most of our fruit production takes place from June to October, we work year-round to ensure we are ready for this critical period! We also love to diversify our activities: we are involved in plant production, as well as the distribution and processing of berries.

We recruit year-round based on the group’s needs to support our growth. However, spring is the main hiring period for local workers as the production season approaches. In winter, we begin recruiting foreign workers, as this process takes several months.

During the summer season, some of our berries are grown above ground, sheltered from the elements in tunnels. Since these are three-season structures without heating systems, they are referred to as tunnels. Tunnels are used to extend the growing season and protect crops from bad weather.

In winter, we have been growing greenhouse strawberries at Marché Fermier Pitre since 2025. These permanent structures, equipped with heating and ventilation systems, provide a controlled environment that ensures optimal growing conditions even in the heart of winter.

Yes, we remove all polyethylene covers before winter and reinstall them in spring, as our installations are not designed to withstand the weight of snow. It is also a way for us to extend the lifespan of the covers, which will be reused for several years.

Yes. Since 2025, Marché Fermier Pitre has been open all year thanks to major expansion work and the installation of modern greenhouses. These facilities allow us to grow strawberries even in winter, offering plenty of fresh, local products in every season.

We accept credit cards, cash, and debit payments. We also offer gift certificates — the perfect way to treat your loved ones. It’s the ideal gift for any occasion!

Meeting organic standards for winter greenhouse strawberry production is extremely challenging from an agronomic perspective. That said, we always prioritize a biological approach to managing pests and diseases.

We introduce a wide range of beneficial organisms into the greenhouse, including predatory mites, insects, and parasitoids (Neoseiulus cucumeris, Phytoseiulus persimilis, Orius insidiosus, Stratiolaelaps scimitus, and Encarsia formosa). These beneficial species colonize the plants and provide effective pest control, minimizing the need for insecticide treatments.

To prevent plant diseases, we adjust climate conditions, add root biostimulants, and apply biological control agents to the leaves. These measures greatly reduce disease development and help us grow strong, resilient plants. If intervention becomes necessary, we always favor the use of biopesticides. Creating a living, dynamic ecosystem inside the greenhouse remains our top priority.