La Maison Verte

La Maison Verte (LMV) is a non-profit organization launched in 1982 by Association Parmis-Elles, a women's group from Hearst dedicated to creating financial opportunities for women and promoting their well-being. Its initial purpose was essentially devoted to the production of seedlings, for reforestation purposes.

Over the years, La Maison Verte has grown up to nine million seedlings per year for reforestation purposes - three species of seedlings, namely black spruce, white spruce and jack pine.

The forestry industry crisis of the 1990s, however, significantly reduced La Maison Verte's seedling production. But we have been able to adapt by diversifying production.

The forestry industry was hit by a downturn in the 1990s resulting in a significant reduction in La Maison Verte’s seedling business.  Recognizing the need to diversify their operations, LMV began producing tomatoes in 1994 and cucumbers in 2009.  In order to get into the mainstream market, LMV had to research and invest in a barcode system for their packaging/products. They recognized this as a necessary investment, which enabled them to move into that market. 

La Maison Verte’s tomatoes and cucumbers are now distributed both locally and regionally to individual community members and businesses, including grocery stores and restaurants. They are also distributed to numerous grocery stores in communities across the northeastern Ontario region including Mattice, Kapuskasing, Moonbeam, Smooth Rock Falls, Cochrane and Timmins.

While the majority of LMV’s greenhouses are allocated to seedling growth, one is dedicated to tomato and cucumber production and one to growing vegetables for a local food basket program that was initiated in 2011.  The baskets are produced in partnership with multiple local producers and include a variety of vegetables which are sold in advance as “shares”.  Every week of the growing season shareholders receive their basket of fresh local produce along with recipes to help them discover new vegetables.  

All surplus of vegetables is sold at the public farmers’ markets or in bulk in the Gift Shop and Garden of La Maison Verte. The latter of which also features garden supplies, bedding plants, herbs, shrubs, trees, décor, and giftware.

Today, tomatoes and cucumbers are sold to individuals as well as to businesses, including grocery stores and restaurants. They are also distributed to many communities in northeastern Ontario, including Mattice, Kapuskasing, Moonbeam, Smooth Rock Falls, Cochrane and Timmins.

Surplus vegetables are sold at farmers' markets or in bulk at La Maison Verte's boutique and garden, the latter also offering gardening items, plants, herbs, trees and shrubs, decorative items and gift items.