One farm, 7 generations and citrus... welcome to Ferme Vaillancourt!

A brief history
by Tourisme Laval

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This market-garden farm on Avenue des Perron has been shaping Laval's agricultural landscape for almost 200 years. Seven generations have since succeeded one another in producing fruits and vegetables, including strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, squash, corn... and even flowers. But for the past year Ferme Vaillancourt has set itself apart with a new product: citrus fruits!

Founded by Vyckie Vaillancourt, a proud representative of the seventh generation, O'Citrus is now the first company in Quebec to grow and market citrus fruits that are generally grown in Asia and Europe.

Although Vyckie grew up on her family's farm, it was only recently that she decided to give it her all. After a career in the world of communications, Vyckie swapped her suit and high heels for a more casual outfit. "When my father told me about the possibility of selling the farm if I wasn't interested in taking over, I decided to give it a try. I've been trying for two years now! It's not always easy. It's very demanding, and I've got a lot to learn, but as a girl who needs projects and challenges to get ahead, I've had my fill," says Vyckie Vaillancourt.

Among these projects, of course, is the creation of O'Citrus, his exotic citrus farm aimed primarily at restaurateurs, brewers, distilleries and players in the food industry. Her greenhouse boasts over 120 trees of unusual varieties: yuzu, Buddha hand, kaffir lime, etc. "I'm proud of the work I've accomplished. The demand is real and growing. In fact, I'm turning down orders because I can't produce enough," explains Vyckie. The young entrepreneur is involved at every level, even ensuring hand delivery. "Customer relations are very important to me. I grew up watching my family forge relationships with customers, and that's what I'm replicating today," she explains.

Vyckie, a woman of projects

Despite her busy days and weeks, Vyckie has a number of ideas for the family farm and O'Citrus. Among them, she wants to welcome more visitors and develop the educational aspect. "I want people to reconnect with the farm. I want to explain to them how the fields are cultivated, to let them experience it. I'd also like to attract a younger clientele and make our farm stand out for its dynamic and original character," stresses Vyckie. To achieve this, she would like to organize cocktail competitions in the fields with mixologists, create an educational greenhouse where people can have a coffee and taste smoothies made from fruit grown on the farm, organize country events, and much more. In fact, she's organizing the first country-style dinner, right in the heart of the fields, showcasing the quality of Quebec's local produce. "Two Michelin-starred chefs from France will close the doors of their respective restaurants to come and cook for us with local produce. A first for Ferme Vaillancourt! Guests will have the chance to sample menus concocted exclusively with local produce. It's a great opportunity to experience the farm and all its advantages," concludes the seventh-generation representative.

Did you know that?

• It was Vyckie's grandmother, Agathe, who came up with the idea of selling vegetables by the roadside 60 years ago. And so the Kiosque Chez Vaillancourt was born.
• In 2018, Agathe produced 5,000 preserves (jams and marinades).
• Vaillancourt Farm customers include loyal customers who frequented the kiosk as children and now return with their grandchildren.
• The area cultivated by the Vaillancourt family covers 60 hectares.
• It takes seven years to harvest citrus from trees.
• In 2019, 2,000 new raspberry plants and 16,000 strawberry plants were planted... by hand!
• Vyckie came up with the idea for O'Citrus during a business creation simulation for one of his^graduate courses at HEC Montréal.
• Ferme Vaillancourt's star products: strawberries, raspberries and tomatoes.
• In autumn, you can pick your own eggplants, tomatoes and peppers.
• Vyckie has won numerous awards in 2019, including:
  • At the Dunamis competition, she took top honours in the "Young executive, entrepreneur or professional" category.
  • She distinguished herself in the regional section of the Défi OSEntreprendre by winning the prize in the "Bioalimentaire, Création d'entreprise" category.
  • At the national Défi OSEntreprendre, she took first place in the Bioalimentaire category, and also won the Prix Coup de cœur Entrepreneuriat féminin.