Quebec’s ITAQ Revamps Programs to Cultivate the Next Generation of Agricultural Leaders
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A new era of agricultural education is underway in Quebec, as the Institut des technologies agroalimentaires du Québec (ITAQ) announces a comprehensive overhaul of its programs to meet the evolving needs of students, graduates, and the province’s agricultural industry.
The changes reflect a significant shift in the demographics of incoming students, with nearly 40% now coming from backgrounds unconnected to farming. This necessitates a proactive approach to training, ensuring a skilled workforce capable of navigating the complexities of modern agriculture.
Bridging the Gap: Adapting to a Changing Student Body
ITAQ’s general director, Karine Mercier, explained that the program review is a cyclical process, essential for remaining relevant. “We have to keep our programs up to date,” she stated. The adjustments are particularly focused on the popular agricultural business management and technology (GTEA) program in Montérégie, designed to prepare future farm managers. Despite perceptions of declining youth interest in agriculture, the program continues to attract a substantial number of students – two out of every five future farm managers in the region.
Mercier emphasized a growing trend: “There are more and more owners of large farms who will hire managers, farm managers.” ITAQ aims to equip students for both self-employment and roles within established agricultural operations, offering pathways for individuals from all backgrounds. “The message we send to young people… is that there are ways to get there one day, regardless of your background.”
Diversified Farms Demand Versatile Skills
Recognizing the increasing diversification of Quebec farms, ITAQ is introducing a new “multi-production” profile within the GTEA program, alongside existing specializations in dairy and crop production. This reflects a broader industry trend towards farms engaging in a wider range of agricultural activities.
The program structure itself is also evolving. The first year will focus on exploration of the agricultural world, followed by a year dedicated to developing core technical skills, and culminating in a final year focused on entrepreneurship. This approach is designed to foster adaptability, a crucial skill in today’s agricultural landscape. “We are training graduates who will enter a much more complex agricultural world than before,” Mercier noted, citing climatic, economic, human, and technological challenges.
Agroecology will be a central tenet across all programs, emphasizing sustainable soil management, climate resilience, and efficient resource utilization.
Practical Experience and Industry Collaboration
ITAQ is strengthening the practical component of its programs. At the La Pocatière campus, the agroecological plot will serve as a key teaching hub for students in agroenvironmental horticultural production (TPHA), allowing them to directly observe the impact of their decisions. A new “DEC-BAC” pathway will also enable students to seamlessly transition to university studies without sacrificing hands-on experience.
The Animal Production Technology (TPA) program, offered on the Eastern Quebec campus, will incorporate a mandatory internship. “We want students to learn by observing, by touching, by sometimes making mistakes,” Mercier explained. The TPA program will also benefit from closer collaboration with industry partners, incorporating real-life scenarios and a new course focused on human relations and agri-environment.
Addressing a Critical Need: Agricultural Advisors
The addition of a human relations course within the TPA program is a direct response to industry feedback. According to Mercier, employers have identified a gap in communication skills among recent graduates. “The industries told us that many young people did not necessarily know how to communicate with producers,” she said. The course aims to equip students with the interpersonal skills necessary to effectively advise and collaborate with farmers. “Being an advisor means entering into relationships, knowing how to talk to people.”
A Thriving Equine Sector and the Rise of AI
Despite a decline in traditional horse-drawn transportation, Quebec’s equine sector remains robust. ITAQ’s Equine Techniques program, the most popular at La Pocatière, has been updated to reflect evolving industry standards, with a greater emphasis on animal welfare, safety, and technical competence. “To manage an equestrian center, it is useful to know how to ride a horse. It’s part of the training,” Mercier affirmed.
Looking ahead, ITAQ is embracing the potential of artificial intelligence in agriculture. “Agriculture is a lot of data,” Mercier stated, “and AI is particularly useful and adept at handling a lot of data at once.” The institute plans to integrate AI into its curriculum, focusing on practical applications and data-driven decision-making. “We want to show that today’s agriculture is modern, innovative and open. And our programs are too.”
ITAQ will host open days to showcase the program updates on November 15 in Saint-Hyacinthe and November 29 in La Pocatière.
