Practically as old as the forest industry, which it had for mission to feed with fresh food products in the 19th century, agriculture continues to play a major role in the regional economy, even though this activity remains relatively marginal in comparison with many other farming regions in Québec.

According to the most recent Department of Agriculture’s censuses and Statistics Canada’s data, there are 205 farms in the region, covering over 7,490 hectares of farmland. A large majority of the farms in the Gatineau Valley – approximately 148 – are mainly involved in cattle production. The other farms are mainly specialised in milk, maple syrup, fish production and horticulture. The total gross income for all productions is over 10.3 million dollars, and cattle production alone generates total revenues of over 5 million dollars. The gross revenue per cow is estimated at $1,120 in the region’s cattle farms.

Primarily recognised as a producer of cattle for meat, the region is increasingly engaged in diversification, notably maple syrup production but also in less traditional sectors such as cranberry production and value-added processing.

Because its farmlands have been little exploited in the past decades and because the soils have received only small amounts of chemical fertilisers, the region is particularly suitable for developing organic production businesses.

The region’s favourable climate and excellent sunshine rate are also assets for potential greenhouse growers.