Cultures Gen V is a family-owned greenhouse growing company in Quebec, Canada. The second generation – consisting of a brother, sister, and cousin – who are all in their 30s are planning on taking over the company in the next few years. "We love what we do, but all three of us are sensitive to environmental and social issues and want to ensure the longevity of the company by adopting a responsible business approach," says Valérie Terrault, second generation at Cultures Gen V. "We feel it's important that decisions we make today positively impact future generations. To live up to what we say, we started the process of becoming B Corp. certified."
From left to right: second generation family members Simon Terrault, Valérie Terrault and Francis Terrault.
Initiatives that were implemented
During the certification process, the company purchased another greenhouse and had to start all over again. All in all, the process spanned three years. In order to receive the certification, Cultures Gen V was presented with many challenges due to complex sector-specific environmental issues the greenhouse industry deals with, including energy management and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. More than 600 questions had to be answered, and many calculations were made. It resulted in Cultures Gen V adopting sustainable practices by prioritizing green energy and making decisions focused on the well-being of its employees and the community.
Several initiatives have been implemented to improve environmental, social, and organizational performance. Some examples include:
- Diverting 100 percent of agricultural plastics from landfills. Recycling these plastics resulted in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 86.11 tonnes in 2022.
- Adopting an Entrepreneurial Operating System that promotes open and structured communication within the organization.
- Redistributing unsold products to organizations that provide food to economically vulnerable people through social pricing.
- Supporting the integration of foreign workers by offering French and Spanish courses as well as hiring a dedicated HR staff member to address their concerns.
Well-being of employees and planet
Now, the company is proud to be the first Canadian greenhouse grower to receive this certification but is encouraging other produce companies to apply as well. "It is not a marketing tool, but a commitment to sustainable and ethical practices we believe in," commented Terrault. "We want to be profitable, but not at the expense of the well-being of our employees or the planet. We hope to inspire and encourage other companies across all sectors to follow suit. Hopefully, one day the ESG standards are all common practice, and a certification won't be necessary anymore."
"B Corp is essential for demonstrating our ongoing commitment and tangible contributions to a sustainable future for generations to come," added Simon Terrault, second generation and General Manager at Cultures Gen V. "As thirty-something-year-olds leading the company, our continued efforts at environmental stewardship are particularly salient as we are part of this next generation. As a young and dynamic family-owned business, building a company committed to constantly improving its environmental, social, and governance practices speaks to us immensely. I hope it will resonate with our consumers, grocery stores, and beyond."
First hydroponic lettuce grower in North America
Cultures Gen V is selling greenhouse grown produce under the Gen V brand. Until 1.5 years ago, the company was named Mirabel, but the young generation of owners was looking to give the company a more modern image. Cultures Gen V calls itself the most diversified greenhouse grower in Quebec and their selection of products include organically grown cucumbers, mini cucumbers, bell peppers, and tomatoes. In addition, the company brings conventionally grown tomatoes and hydroponic lettuce to market. Cultures Gen V was established in 1987 as the first grower of hydroponic lettuce in North America. About 55 to 60 percent of their production stays in the province of Quebec with 35 percent of production volume going to the U.S. and five percent to neighboring provinces in Canada, including Ontario.
The Terrault family.
For more information:
Valérie Terrault
Cultures Gen V
Tel: (+1) 450-826-3117
[email protected]
www.gen-v.com