CEA Innovation in Quebec: Touring Leciel’s State-of-the-Art Greenhouse
Following the 2024 Summit, GLASE Industry Advisory Board (IAB) members had the opportunity to tour two high-tech greenhouses in Quebec. The first stop was Leciel, a cutting-edge greenhouse operation in Mirabel, a suburb of Montreal, where Project Manager Sylvain Miron provided an in-depth tour of the facility.
As part of our exploration of the 2024 Summit theme, Dynamic Lighting, our visit to Leciel offered a unique perspective on how a sustainability-focused operation leverages dynamic lighting and other controls to produce vegetables year-round in a controlled environment.
A Family Legacy of Innovation in Agriculture
Leciel, operated by Les Serres Bertrand, is a family-run business that has been cultivating vegetables since 1990. Over the years, Leciel has evolved by adopting new technological advancements and expanding its operations. Specializing in a diverse range of crops—including radishes, pink and cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms—Leciel’s mission is to support Quebec’s food autonomy while delivering fresh, high-quality produce to consumers year-round.
Exploring Leciel’s Greenhouse Operations
As we toured Leciel’s state-of-the-art greenhouse facilities, it became clear that their success lies in their cutting-edge technology. In 2010, Leciel modernized its operations with the construction of three new glass greenhouse complexes. This allowed them to integrate advanced systems capable of managing crop microclimates in real-time, optimizing conditions for a variety of crops—regardless of the season. You can learn more about the history and evolution of Leciel’s operations on their About Us page.
The greenhouses are equipped with environmental control systems that maintain ideal growing conditions for each crop, regardless of changing outdoor conditions. During our tour on a sunny yet cloudy day, we observed the lighting systems adjust in real-time as clouds passed overhead.
Year-Round Radishes
One of the highlights of the tour was learning about Leciel’s groundbreaking work with radishes. Thanks to their new production center in the Saint-Javier sector of Mirabel, Leciel is able to grow radishes year-round—something never before seen in Quebec. Leciel’s radishes come in three different varieties, each offering a unique combination of freshness and crunch.
Sylvain Miron explained during our tour, that these radishes are not just a seasonal crop—they are a testament to the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in controlled environment agriculture.
A Vision for the Future: Sustainable and Local Produce for Quebec
What makes Leciel’s approach so inspiring is its focus on environmental responsibility. By leveraging advanced technologies and sustainable farming practices, Leciel has become a leader in Quebec’s local food movement, offering products that are not only fresh but also grown with a low environmental footprint.
During the tour, we had the chance to reflect on the broader implications of Leciel’s work for the future of farming. Our visit was a fascinating experience that showcased the potential of modern greenhouse farming and how dynamic lighting can enhance operations. If you are interested in learning more about GLASE and membership benefits, please contact our team at glase@cornell.edu.
