On the evening of Friday November 3, three Vaudreuil-Soulanges companies took top honors at the 131st Ordre national du mérite agricole competition, organized by the Quebec government. 

As part of this provincial competition, the government awarded prizes in the gold, silver and bronze categories, in addition to two special mentions. 

The three regional winners were rewarded in the bronze category. They are 

- Ferme Anse au Sable of Notre-Dame-de-l'Île-Perrot - western sector. Jean Fournel received the award, and the company finished 1st in the region. 

- Ferme Coopérative Tourne-Sol in Les Cèdres - western sector. The following people received awards: Reid Allaway, Emily Board, Daniel Brisebois, Sophie Descôteaux, Renée Primeau, Frédéric Thériault and Julien Vedel. The company ranked 2nd in the region. 

- Vignoble de Pomone inc. of Coteau-du-Lac - western sector. Owners Sylvie Bissonnette and Sylvain Poirier were honored, and the company finished 3rd in the region. 

The two winners took to social networks after the evening to share the good news. The duo mentioned that they were very surprised by this honor, which they won with the mention Grand mérite and a bronze medal included. 

This is their first participation in the competition. Their company scored 826 points out of 1000. "The vineyard was scrutinized in all its aspects: management, finances, production, processing, wine tourism, GHGs...everything, everything, everything.... Honestly, we didn't realize how much work had been done in such a short time. Sylvain was very emotional, especially since we hadn't been nominated at the first unveiling. So we didn't expect to be nominated in the top category right away," says the couple in a Facebook post. 

In five years' time, the company will be eligible to apply for the silver medal, and in ten years' time for the gold medal. 

A competition to highlight the commitment of daring entrepreneurs 

"The Ordre national du mérite agricole competition is an opportunity to pay tribute to people who have made exceptional investments in their businesses and communities. Their boldness, vision and perseverance, combined with the support of our government, contribute to the growth and development of our agri-food sector. I would like to congratulate all the winners, especially the Commanders of 2023, the highest distinction awarded to agricultural entrepreneurs," says André Lamontagne, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. 

Established in 1889, this honorary institution is dedicated to Quebec agriculture, and its annual competition is designed to highlight the work of men and women throughout Quebec who invest themselves in their businesses and make our entire agricultural sector shine.

Companies were judged on six criteria:

- production management;

- commitment to the environment;

- strategic business development

- management of financial resources;

- human resources management;

- social outreach.