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The advantages for owners, service providers and consumers linked to the Collectif de Bolton-Ouest are numerous –
5 categories are listed here:

1. Explore development and financial support options

2. Apprenticeships, training, conferences and working groups

3. Integration and participation in the programs of the Collective

4. Opportunities and product marketing

5. Local integration

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1. Explore development and financial support options:
How can I take advantage of the agricultural and forestry potential of my property?

– What are the realistic development options to consider in West Bolton?

oh Access to various modes of agricultural and forestry development

oh Access to expertise

– What type of financial support could I possibly benefit from?

oh Information and access to aid for agricultural and forestry development

oh Savings:

– Support related to the Collective’s programs (e.g. sponsorship of lime)

– Economies of scale (eg. transport (inputs, wood, etc.)

– Savings related to the pooling of assets (machinery, etc.)

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2. Apprenticeships, training, conferences and working groups:
How do I educate myself and surround myself in order to take advantage of the agricultural and forestry potential of my property?

– Access to a local learning community:

oh Exchanges and sharing of experience around the agricultural and forestry poles

– Targeted discussion groups and interaction with local, regional and provincial authorities (e.g. Yamaska watershed)

– Conferences (eg cycles on biodiversity)

– Training (eg. beekeeping, forestry, maple syrup, NTFPs (Non-Timber Forest Products)

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3. Insertion into the programs of the Collective:
How do I get involved in existing and developing initiatives of the Collective in order to advance my projects?

– Participation in existing modules:

oh Agricultural ecosystem: Crops, Beekeeping modules

oh Forest ecosystem: Silviculture module

– Starting new modules:

oh Agricultural Ecosystem: Livestock Module

oh Forest ecosystem: Maple syrup module, NTFPs (Non-Timber Forest Products), carbon credits

– Clearing of initiatives:

oh Forest ecosystem: Firewood, woodchips

– Access to cutting-edge expertise:

oh Agronomists, beekeepers, forestry engineers and technicians, maple syrup producers, various specialists (livestock, NTFPs, carbon credits, etc.)

– Logistical and administrative support:

oh Coordination of field activities by local experts (crops, forestry, etc.)

oh Coordination of administrative activities by an internal coordinator at the Collective

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4. Opportunities and product marketing:
How can I market and sell my current and future products?

– Access to a large local, regional and provincial network of local producers and consumers

– Access to the Collective’s expertise in the marketing and sale of products

– Use of the Collective’s website for the promotion and sale of products

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5. Local integration:
How do I integrate the local community around my projects and products?

– Participation in meetings of Agricultural Ecosystems (3X/year) and Forestry (3X/year)

– Participation in Collective meetings (4 X/year) including:

oh The Country Lunch (August)

oh The End of Year Potluck (December)

– Participation in other local meetings and events (e.g. Neighbors Day in Bolton-Ouest)