Farm History

The farm has emerged as a social enterprise with a larger cause, aiming not only for profitability but also for social and environmental impact.

Quebec philanthropist, André Desmarais spearheaded the project of Ferme des Quatre-Temps out of his desire to launch a holistic, regenerative agriculture farm; an innovative farm on a human scale. The project emerged as a social enterprise with a larger cause, aiming not only for profitability but also for social and environmental impact. The purpose of the project was to demonstrate that the small-scale farm model could be profitable while prioritizing social and environmental aspects.

The farm’s objective first and foremost is to produce top quality products for its community, promote education and awareness through its training programs and demonstrate how organic and regenerative farming can happen in harmony with nature and can coexist alongside traditional production models.

A Collaborative Vision

The initiative involved the collaboration of numerous partners who shared the vision of creating a bio-diverse farm that harmonizes with nature. These collaborators include Eliot Coleman and Jean-Martin Fortier for their knowledge of running small-scale farms, Les Écomestibles’ expertise in efficient farm design and Brylee Farm for their expertise in land management.

A Timeline

2013

  • The land is purchased and the project’s vision begins to take place.

2016

  • This year marks the first year of production for Ferme Quatre-Temps.

  • The first farm crew is hired and the farm’s first productions are launched.

  • The farm obtains a kiosk at Jean-Talon Market

2023

  • The farm is awarded a Lauriers de la Gastronomie Québécoise for Best Artisan of the Year

2014

  • Mr. Desmarais is introduced to Jean-Martin Fortier.

2018

  • Jean-Simon Petit joins the farm team to kickstart the development of our charcuterie line

2015

  • The development of Ferme Quatre-Temps begings. Various partners are invited to collaborate on the design of the farm, its garden and its buildings (Les Écomestibles, Les Ensembliers, Priest, EVOQ, Maxime Bilet, etc.).

  • Chloé Trudeau, the current Managing Director, joins the farm project.

2022

  • The farm launches its Winter vegetable production to demonstrate that it is possible to eat seasonally (and well) at all times of the year in its Nordic climate.