The theme ‘People at the Heart of the Industry’ aptly captures the intentions to highlight the great relationships that make our industry so unique as set out by outgoing QPMA President Marie Gosselin of Les Serres du St-Laurent (Savoura). Accompanied by her husband, Marc Boutet, and alongside co-hosts Convention Chair Enrico Charest of Sobeys Quebec Inc. and his partner, Marie-Pierre Daigneault, Gosselin capped an eventful year with a successful closing banquet.

“My year as president of the QPMA is proof once again that quality relationships among ourselves, working and doing business together, are what really makes a difference. I mean our ability to collaborate not only to meet our own targets but so that consumers, in the end, have the luxury of a great choice of products and our sector continues to thrive,” said Gosselin as she presided over the closing banquet.

“This year as QPMA president sure has gone by fast. I’m very proud of our efforts and the track record we’ve achieved. The QPMA is more active than ever,” continued Gosselin. The year was eventful, with marked strides forward on many issues. A key factor was the redefining of the structure of the organization, implementing recommendations from the in-depth strategic review that had been undertaken. The changes will further accentuate the relationships between QPMA members through high-priority organizational committees and new sectoral committees to facilitate the management of the most complex issues that may arise.

Gosselin noted the positive results of efforts on the government relations and the public relations front, having met with multiple levels of government representatives throughout the year. Last December, a historic intention to collaborate was signed with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food of Quebec.

“This agreement will allow us to continue to carry out various projects targeted at the hotel, restaurant and institutional sector,” said Gosselin.

The networking events QPMA is so well-known for, the continued growth of the mentorship program ‘Cultivating the Next Generation,’ and the continually evolving and growing consumer consumption promotion campaign, ‘I love 5 to 10 servings a day’, were some of the highlights of Gosselin’s successful year.

“I sincerely hope our association will continue to have a place in your hearts and that we can all keep up our commitment to continue working together. If we combine our strengths and knowledge in the QPMA, we can say with total confidence that, in the words of our new slogan, “We’re at the heart of Quebec’s fruit and vegetable industry,” concluded Gosselin.