Other Urban Agriculture Projects in Montreal

The Agriculture du Coin project is part of a flourishing movement in Montreal, which boasts over 45 commercial urban farms, one of the highest numbers globally.

Other notable initiatives include:

• Lufa Farms: Global pioneers with the construction of the first commercial rooftop greenhouse in Montreal.

They now operate several advanced technological greenhouses, including their fifth and largest one at Marché Central, to grow vegetables year-round.

• Rooftop Market Gardens (Toits Maraîchers): Spaces like the one on the Palais des congrès (Convention Centre) and the Esplanade Tranquille are transforming otherwise unused rooftops into production sites.

• La Centrale Agricole: The largest urban agriculture cooperative in the world, bringing together about twenty companies that promote the circular and social economy.

• Social and Community Projects: Initiatives like La Ferme de Rue Montréal (which has a production site on an IGA supermarket roof) and projects in boroughs like Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve (MHM) and Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles (RDP-PAT), which often include a strong dimension of socio-professional integration, education, and local food security.

The Economic Impact of Urban Agriculture

Urban agriculture (UA) is not just about gardening; it is a driving force for the city's circular economy and sustainable development.

1. Job Creation and Innovation

UA generates specialized local jobs (agronomists, technicians, logisticians), often within the social and solidarity economy sector.

 It is also fertile ground for technological innovation (rooftop greenhouses, hydroponic/aquaponics systems) that allows for high-yield, year-round production, exemplified by the fact that rooftop farms can achieve up to 7 times higher yield per square meter than traditional farming.

2. Reduction of Logistics and Environmental Costs

By producing directly where people live, the distance from farm to fork is significantly reduced.

This minimizes transportation costs, carbon footprint, and logistics-related losses.

The freshness and quality of local, pesticide-free products are important commercial assets for restaurateurs and markets.

3. Investment and Public Support

The City of Montreal, aware of the social, economic, and environmental benefits, has implemented an Urban Agriculture Strategy 2021–2026.

 It actively invests in the sector, notably through:

• A budget for community gardens.

• Support for the creation of urban agriculture mini-hubs and the transfer of expertise, particularly through the MontréalCulteurs program of the Laboratoire sur l'agriculture urbaine (AU/LAB), which helps incubate and network young companies.

• Investments to develop a green and inclusive economy and improve the city's resilience.

4. Commercial Viability

While initial installation costs (especially for rooftop greenhouses or indoor systems) can be high, the business model of commercial farms is becoming increasingly viable thanks to:

• The year-round production of high-value crops.

• The growing demand for ultra-local and traceable food.

• Integration into the circular economy (heat recovery, rainwater harvesting, composting).

Urban agriculture is therefore an essential pillar in building a more sustainable and resilient food system for the metropolis.