Cannabis and agricultural diversificationQuébec

When training supports agricultural diversification

As many Quebec producers seek to diversify their activities, a new niche is attracting increasing attention: cannabis production and processing. Behind this marginal crop lies real agricultural and economic potential—provided there is a well-trained workforce and rigorous practices.

This is precisely what Cégep Gérald-Godin is working on, with a program that is unique in Quebec: cannabis production and processing. This college program prepares the next generation to work in an innovative agricultural sector by providing them with the scientific and technical foundations they need to succeed in this rapidly growing industry.

“This training program is designed for curious individuals who are passionate about the field but also have a keen interest in the science behind the plant,” explains Mélanie Gascon, individual teaching assistant in Continuing Education.

A growing but highly technical market

Since legalization in 2018, the Canadian industry has exceeded $5.5 billion in legal sales, with approximately 30% related to derivative products—a rapidly growing segment. In Quebec alone, the SQDC sold 149 tons of cannabis in 2024-2025, an increase of nearly 22%.

The demand is there, but cultivation remains complex: strict standards, traceability, health and quality control, specialized infrastructure.

Producers who already have skills in greenhouse cultivation, soilless cultivation, or plant production have a natural predisposition to be interested in it. Despite this, controlled environment cannabis cultivation is highly technical. It requires advanced skills in greenhouse technology, hydroponics, plant nutrition, ventilation, lighting, and risk management.

For many producers already familiar with intensive cultivation or specialized production, these requirements represent both a challenge and an opportunity.

What processors are looking for

To continue reading: La Terre

To find out more about the program: Cégep Gérald-Godin