Lucie Kablan: Thriving outside city limits

Originally from Côte d’Ivoire, Lucie Kablan holds a bachelor’s degree in soil science and a master’s in pedology, and she is a member of the Ordre des agronomes du Québec. After her doctoral thesis in agronomic science in Belgium, she decided to move to Canada for the strong job market and promising agricultural industry.

Since then, Lucie has not been disappointed. Employed by Sollio Agriculture since 2013, she works at the crop production research farm in Saint-Hyacinthe, where she is now the director of innovation for sustainable and organic agriculture.

Working for farmers

Lucie’s work has one sole purpose: to provide agricultural producers with the information they need to optimize their farm’s results.

“Sollio Agriculture not only considers human values but also makes a concrete impact by giving farmers scientific support through our work at the research farm. That’s what brought me here. Sollio Agriculture is my first and only employer since I’ve been in Canada!”

Precision and rigour are of capital importance for Sollio Agriculture’s clients, who count on our information to make informed choices that will impact them year-round.

Lucie’s role also highlights her ability to explain her work in plain terms—an aptitude that her colleagues appreciate greatly. “In my work, I do a lot of explaining, both in writing articles and in presenting scientific research to our agricultural representatives.”

Toward sustainable agriculture

At Sollio Agriculture, sustainable agriculture means accounting for the human, ethical, environmental and economic impacts of our industry to optimize production and adapt to climate change. It goes far beyond the usual research, involving studies of the environmental impact of greenhouse gases. “We have to think about the economy and the environment, not to mention the societal aspect. These are all facets that we need to discuss, respect and consider so that farmers can trust in us.”

The Sollio Agriculture crop production research farm is also in the midst of a transition as the first private farm to begin a shift to organic agriculture that will significantly reduce its use of crop protection products. Lucie sees this as a concrete way of contributing to the fight against climate change.

Finding a perfect match

For Lucie, Sollio’s values are all about solidarity. The crop production and development researcher says she appreciates the inclusion that the cooperative has shown her.

“I find it very touching. You can see the solidarity, the respect for others. My integration process wasn’t difficult, but when you come from another country, there are always certain challenges you face. I’m still here at Sollio because of the great team. Everyone is accepted, including me, as a woman in science. Perhaps I arrived at just the right moment, but it has always been a pleasure to work here.”

“Climate change requires that we adapt our agricultural practices,” she concludes. “The Sollio Agriculture research farm has an important role to play in that adaptation through the work that we are doing.”