Mutations structurelles et contribution de la culture des petits fruits au développement territorial durable : le cas de la Péninsule acadienne au Nouveau-Brunswick

Abstract

Like other Western societies, the province of New Brunswick has experienced many changes in agriculture over the past 60 years. Despite these changes, including a trend towards agricultural specialization, certain crops continue to shape the New Brunswick landscape. This is the case for berries, which are grown primarily in the Acadian Peninsula. The objective of this article is to illustrate the contribution of berry farming to sustainable territorial development of this region of New Brunswick. Methodologically, the analysis focuses on the three basic components of sustainable territorial development, with notions of governance never far from consideration. The results reveal the undeniable economic contribution of this type of crop. At the same time, conflicts over land-use, regulations and environmental problems are all issues that are not conductive to sustainable territorial development. There is a need to set up collaborative governance with all the actors involved, in particular with official authorities possessing the tools to achieve such an objective.