André Lussier – 2025 Robertson Associate Award Recipient

Born and raised in Montreal, André Lussier developed a passion for farming at a young age. Frequent visits to his uncle’s dairy farm sparked his dream of working in agriculture. His journey took shape at Macdonald College, McGill University’s Faculty of Agriculture, where he met Marie-Josée Hébert, whose family specialized in field crop farming. Their shared love for agriculture led them to Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, where they became integral to the Hébert family farm.

André and Marie-Josée initially acquired part of the family business and expanded its operations by adding a pig barn. In 2007, they purchased the remaining portion of the farm along with additional land, growing their cultivated area to over 200 hectares. In 2023, they sold the pig barn and some land to focus on seed production. Today, André manages 160 hectares of wheat, barley, soybeans, and field peas grown for regional agricultural companies. His dedication has earned him a strong reputation for quality seed.

Beyond his work on the farm, André has been deeply involved in the agricultural community. He served on the board of the Producteurs de Semences du Québec and spent seven years with the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association (CSGA) as a Seed Grower Director from 2015 to 2022. His leadership extends to Agri Conseils Maska, a non-profit organization that provides agronomic support to Quebec farmers, where he has served as president for over a decade. His work ensures that local producers have access to expert advice, helping them navigate modern agricultural challenges.

André and Marie-Josée have two children who have forged their own paths while remaining connected to agriculture. In 2025, the family welcomed their first granddaughter, a joyous milestone that André and Marie-Josée hope marks the beginning of a growing next generation.

A forward-thinking farmer, André is an advocate for sustainable agricultural practices. He has embraced innovative fertilization methods, replacing traditional chicken manure with digestate produced at the Saint-Hyacinthe biomethanation plant.

André’s work, both on the farm and in agricultural leadership roles, reflects a deep commitment to advancing Canadian agriculture through innovation, sustainability, and collaboration.