*3.1. Case 1: Le Grenier boréal in Quebec's Côte-Nord Region—A Challenge with Regard to Remoteness and Climatic Conditions*

Le Grenier boréal cooperative was established in 2013 by citizens of Longue-Pointede-Mingan, following a study on non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in Minganie and the obtaining of funding [21]. Two observations gave rise to the creation of this cooperative: the need to renew the economic base of the region, and the lack of fresh fruits and vegetables in the territory [22]. As a solidarity cooperative (A solidarity cooperative "is characterized by the diversification of its membership and its openness to partnership. It brings together, within the same enterprise, individuals or companies that have a common cause or interest, but varied needs" [23]. Entreprise Québec. La coopérative: un modèle d'affaires à découvrir. Available online: https://www2.gouv.qc.ca/portail/quebec/infosite?lang=fr&x=23711155 52 accessed on 15 July 2021). Solidarity cooperatives are very present in home and health care services, professional services, business services and local services (grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, etc.) as well as in arts and culture.), the mission of Le Grenier boréal is, on the one hand, to provide work for its members through the production, harvesting, processing and marketing of food and, on the other hand, to offer some agricultural and agroforestry products and services to the cooperative's members.

The enterprise has four components: (1) NTFP harvesting, which valorizes forest resources; (2) agrotourism and educational animation; (3) consulting services in agroforestry and the environment; and (4) market garden production [24]. The market garden component occupies approximately two hectares of leased public land. The site, which was a military wasteland, was cleaned up and reclaimed. Some development was required to address the challenges of the environment. Hedges were planted to protect the site from the strong winds that blow in Côte-Nord. Thanks in large part to local resources,

the cooperative was also able to meet the challenge of poor soil. From the beginning, the cooperative relied on the residues from the local crab processing plant to produce compost. Over time, it has diversified its sources of supply, and fertilization is now mainly conducted with algae from the river, harvested by hand along the banks. The cooperative wishes to enhance the valorization of scallop residues of local companies and has set up a project for this purpose. Finally, shredded branch residues from the territory also contribute to fertilizing the gardens [25].

Although not "certified organic", the agriculture practiced by Le Grenier boréal respects organic farming principles [21]. The cooperative hopes that the agricultural and agroforestry expertise it develops will contribute to the social, economic and environmental progress of the communities located in the Minganie regional county municipality (RCM) [24].
