ALUS is proud to announce the launch of ALUS Estrie, a new community led by UPA–Estrie in collaboration with regional partners. This marks an important step in the continued growth of the ALUS network across Quebec and Canada.
From left to right: Jennifer Loschiavo, Eastern Hub Manager, ALUS Canada; Célia Conway, Field Crops Advisor, Club agroenvironnemental de l’Estrie; Yvon St‑Jean, grain farmer and forestry farmer; Julie Duquette, Environment and Wildlife Advisor, Fédération de l’UPA‑Estrie; Valérie Audet, Environmental Technician, Fédération de l’UPA‑Estrie; Guillaume Dame, beef and maple farmer, Vice‑President, ALUS Estrie; Katia Gagné‑Dubois, dairy farmer, President, ALUS Estrie; Anne Bolduc, Watershed Master Plan Coordinator, COGESAF; Vincent Bolduc, dairy farmer; Pascal Viens, dairy farmer; and Caroline Martineau, agronomist, MAPAQ.
With this launch, farmers in Estrie now have access to funding and technical support to implement nature-based projects on their farms, including restoring riparian buffers, planting windbreaks, and creating wildlife habitat. ALUS Estrie becomes the sixth ALUS community in Quebec, reflecting growing momentum for farmer-led conservation across the province.
A new community-led conservation program for Estrie
ALUS Estrie is built on a voluntary, collaborative approach to conservation that recognizes the role farmers play in providing ecological services. Participating farmers identify and steward projects that make sense for their land, with support from ALUS and its partners. Through the program, farmers receive support to establish and maintain on-the-ground nature-based projects. These initiatives are designed to deliver real environmental outcomes including improved water quality, increased biodiversity, healthier soils and enhanced wildlife habitat. On marginal or unproductive land, ALUS helps farmers grow acres of nature.
Local decision-making is central to the program. A Partnership Advisory Committee (PAC), made up primarily of farmers alongside regional stakeholders, guides priorities and approves projects, ensuring they reflect the realities of the Estrie region. According to the Fédération de l’UPA‑Estrie, ALUS Estrie is a regional community that works to support environmentally beneficial agricultural practices while strengthening the vitality of Estrie’s agricultural landscape.
Built by local leadership
Like all ALUS communities, ALUS Estrie is built on strong local leadership.
The ALUS Estrie program is grounded in the idea that farmers know their land best, and that regional partners understand the priorities of their communities.
The Partnership Advisory Committee is chaired by Katia Gagné-Dubois, a dairy producer and Vice-President of the UPA–Estrie Federation, with Guillaume Dame, a beef and maple producer, serving as Vice-Chair.
“The establishment of ALUS in Estrie represents a major milestone and provides tangible support for farmers in their efforts to protect nature and farmland. In collaboration with regional stakeholders, we’re helping farmers enhance on-farm biodiversity and deliver long-term environmental benefits for the whole Estrie community.” said Katia Gagné‑Dubois, President of ALUS Estrie.
The PAC also includes the following farmers and regional partners: Vincent Bolduc, dairy producer; Pascal Viens, dairy producer; Yvon St‑Jean, grain and forestry producer; Célia Conway, Field Crops Advisor, Club agroenvironnemental de l’Estrie; Anne Bolduc, Watershed Master Plan Coordinator, COGESAF; and Caroline Martineau, Agronomist, MAPAQ.
By putting farmers and regional experts at the centre of decision-making, ALUS ensures that projects are grounded in local knowledge and aligned with regional priorities. This community-driven model is a key reason the program delivers meaningful, lasting impact.
Building on a strong agricultural and environmental foundation
Estrie is well positioned for this next step.The region is home to a dynamic and diverse agricultural sector, set within a landscape of farmland, forests and waterways. This diversity is reflected in the range of farm operations and contributes to a strong agricultural presence throughout the region.
Just as importantly, there is already a well-established commitment to conservation and habitat management, supported by engaged farmers and partners from the agricultural, municipal, and environmental sectors. Several regional initiatives demonstrate a shared willingness to protect ecosystems while supporting productive agriculture.
Together, this foundation creates an ideal environment for ALUS, where existing expertise, local engagement and a shared commitment to stewardship can come together to deliver tangible results on the ground.
“The launch of ALUS Estrie reflects the growing momentum behind farmer-led conservation in Quebec. Farmers know their land best and when they are supported by strong local partnerships, they can deliver meaningful environmental outcomes that benefit entire communities. We are excited to welcome ALUS Estrie to the national ALUS network and look forward to seeing the impact this community will create.”, said Jordan Sinclair, CEO of ALUS
Farmers invited to participate
Now, farmers across Estrie are invited to express their interest in participating in ALUS–Estrie through the UPA Estrie form. The first round of project approvals is expected in July 2026, with initial projects rolling out shortly after.
For more information, consult the Environment and Wildlife section of the UPA Estrie Federation website.
The launch of ALUS Estrie marks another step forward in expanding farmer-led conservation across Quebec and the country. Through locally led partnerships and farmer stewardship, ALUS continues to create more acres of nature on working lands—delivering benefits for farmers, communities and the environment alike.
About ALUS
ALUS is a national charitable organization delivering farmer-led conservation across Canada. Founded in 2006, ALUS is Canada’s only farmer-governed charitable organization, working with farmers and communities to create and restore wetlands, grasslands, riparian areas and wildlife habitat on working farmland. Through community-based Partnership Advisory Committees, each with at least 50% farmer membership, ALUS supports nature-based projects that improve water quality, strengthen biodiversity and build more resilient landscapes and communities. Today, more than 2,200 farmers participate in ALUS across 42 communities, supporting more than 57,000 acres of nature on farms.
Media Contact:
Shayne Meechan
Senior Manager, Communications, ALUS
[email protected]
About the UPA–Estrie Federation
The UPA-Estrie Federation represents 4,985 farmers who own and operate 2,876 farms across seven regional county municipalities in Estrie. The Federation works to continuously and sustainably improve the quality of life of all agricultural and forestry producers in the region by promoting, defending and advancing their professional, economic and social interests. UPA is a professional union organization whose mission and actions are grounded in the values of respect for individuals, solidarity, collective action, social justice, equity and democracy.
