Paludiculture involves growing and harvesting biomass (wild or planted) on peatlands where water conditions allow for the conservation or even formation of new peat, thereby reducing soil subsidence and minimizing GHG emissions. The goal of paludiculture is to combine peatland protection with new value chains for farmers. Peatland farming initiatives already exist, particularly in Europe and Indonesia.

In a study conducted in collaboration with researchers from Germany and the Netherlands, we identified the emergence of paludiculture initiatives around the world. The study also identified the potential role of cooperatives in the development of paludiculture.

Following the study, a student mapped the drained peatlands in Quebec and estimated their GHG emissions, and a second mandate enabled the IICADD to prepare and organize a workshop on paludiculture and the cooperative model in Quebec to inform, inspire, and discuss the role and potential of paludiculture for sustainable agriculture.