New farm enterprise and farm succession awards

Montreal, February 26, 2021 - Sollio Cooperative Group announced the finalists and the two winners of the new farm enterprise and farm succession awards at the virtual gala of its 99th Annual General Meeting held on February 25.

Here are the finalists of the contest:

• Ferme Louiselle et Gaétan Brassard inc. sponsored by Fermes du Nord Coopérative

• Ferme Soesbergen inc. sponsored by Uniag Cooperative

• Ferme Couturier et frères inc. sponsored by La Coop Purdel

• Ferme M & A Scoble sponsored by Uniag Cooperative

The winners of the contest:

• Ferme Couturier et frères inc. grand prize winner in the Establishment category

• Ferme Louiselle et Gaétan Brassard inc. winner of the Farm Transfer category

''On behalf of the Board of Directors and myself, I congratulate the winners of the new farm enterprise and farm succession awards and thank the participants of the 18th edition of the contest, says Ghislain Gervais, President of Sollio Cooperative Group. We are proud to encourage the next generation of farmers and it is important for us to highlight the inspiring stories that demonstrate the dedication and resilience of agricultural entrepreneurs. Once again, congratulations to all the participants! ''.

Opening of the 2021-2022 edition of the contest

The deadline for applications is May 21, 2021. More than $34,000 in prizes are being offered to the finalists and winners of this contest. Sollio Cooperative Group is encouraging the next generation of farmers through a contest, highlighting the careers of families who have successfully completed their planned farm transfer or farm and agri-food business start-up. As a Canada-wide enterprise, Sollio Cooperative Group wishes to offer agricultural entrepreneurs the opportunity to draw inspiration from the best transfer and establishment models, from here and elsewhere.

About Sollio Cooperative Group

We are Sollio Cooperative Group, Canada's largest agricultural cooperative with roots in Quebec. Since 1922, cultivating, raising, producing, transforming and building the economy of tomorrow are daily gestures that are part of the DNA of our 16,150 employees and the 7,000 workers of our affiliated cooperatives. With more than 123,000 members, agricultural producers and consumers grouped into 48 traditional agricultural and consumer cooperatives as well as two sections, one grouping Olymel's supplier pork producers and the other grouping independent BMR hardware dealers, Sollio Cooperative Group contributes to feeding people by ensuring the prosperity of farm families to ensure a sustainable future for the world. Through its three divisions - Sollio Agriculture, Olymel L.P. and Groupe BMR inc. - Sollio Cooperative Group proudly acts as a driving force for economic and social development rooted in the regions, generating $8.2 billion in sales (more than $11 billion including affiliated cooperatives). Our cooperative values are based on honesty, equity, responsibility and solidarity. Resolutely forward-looking, Sollio Cooperative Group adheres to the principles of sustainable development. By 2025, Sollio Cooperative Group wants to be recognized as a leading player in its sectors of retail sales in Canada, the North American agricultural sector, and the agri-food sector internationally. For more information, visit sollio.coop/.