Evolution of produce cultivation in Quebec from 1940 to 1990: Surfaces, products and variety

For more than a century, Quebec agriculture in general, and market-gardenin g production in particular, have experienced important changes. This study, using a historical perspective, seeks to understand how market gardening e volved in relation to changes in the broad decision environment for agricul ture between 1940 and 1990. Statistical analysis of data on the areas culti vated production levels, and yields for 12 vegetable crops revealed three d istinct periods, separated by periods of transition, in the evolution of ma rket gardening. Each period is characterized by a particular type of agricu ltural development strategy. The first period (1940-1957) is characterized by a focus on the traditional family form; the second (1963-1975), by a spe cialized market agriculture driven by short-term income-maximization intens ification; the third (1980-1990), by a diversified market oriented agricult ure, also based on short-term income maximization. External environmental f actors that stimulated these changes are identified and discussed.