Bishop’s University First Higher Education Institution to Collaborate with Local Flower Growers to Provide Sustainable Flowers

As part of the Semaine des fleurs coupées du Québec, Bishop’s University proudly announces its collaboration with the Association des productrices et producteurs de fleurs coupées du Québec (APFCQ) as locally and ecologically grown flowers were offered during the June 2024 Convocation ceremonies. This initiative marks Bishop’s University as the first higher education institution in Quebec to take this sustainable milestone.

Partnering with two Eastern Townships flower producers, Les Jardins d’etc. in Bury and Wild Thing in Stanstead, through the Doolittle’s Coop, Bishop’s University continues to advance its commitment to sustainable practices. The collaboration aims to achieve several significant objectives:

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by minimizing the transportation of flowers.
• Encourage sustainable agriculture through ecological farming practices and ethical working conditions.
• Provide unparalleled freshness, including amazing scents, longer-lasting blooms, and varieties that thrive locally but don’t tolerate long-distance transport.
• Support local businesses run by women in the Eastern Townships.

Passionate Local Flower Growers

Co-owner of Les Jardins d’etc in Bury, Emilie Turcotte-Côté has been growing cut flowers, squash, strawberries and melons certified organic by Ecocert Canada, in Bury, since 2016.  She is the fifth generation in her family to farm on the 250 acres she now owns with her mother. Emilie has a background in horticultural agronomy which helps her in her day-to-day operations on the farm.  Her mission is to grow organic, local, high-quality products that will bring joy to her customers! She is also passionate about local agriculture, nature and taking care of the environment.

Robin Lang has been growing cut flowers as Wild Thing since 2018 on four small lots right in the town of Beebe (Stanstead), QC. She loves sharing the joy and beauty of the blooms she grows. The bulk of the flowers are distributed through bouquet subscriptions in the spring and fall. Throughout the summer, community members can find Wild Things at the Stanstead Farmer’s Market on Saturdays.

Both Emilie and Robin were thrilled to be taking part in celebrating an important moment with students and families as the official flower farmers for Bishop’s Convocation.

This initiative is a part of Bishop’s University’s Sustainable Development Plan, which includes the following goals:

1. Operate Bishop’s University in an increasingly ecological and responsible manner.
2. Engage the Bishop’s University community in improving its sustainable performance.
3. Promote the well-being of its community through sustainable development initiatives.

Learn more about the mission behind the locally and ecologically grown flowers project.

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MEDIA INQUIRIES: 

Sonia Patenaude
Communications Manager – Bishop’s University
819-342-2587 | sonia.patenaude@ubishops.ca