Victoriaville, November 22, 2024 – The Social Innovation in Agriculture Centre (CISA) at the Cégep de Victoriaville won top honors last night at the latest Innovation Awards Gala, organized by the Quebec Association for the Development of Research and Innovation (ADRIQ). The project "Ausiris: Socio-professional integration of young autistic adults through the agri-food sector" stood out among the eight finalists in the category by receiving the prestigious Social Innovation Award, awarded this year by the Quebec Network for Social Innovation (RQIS) in collaboration with the Quebec Alliance of Adapted Schooling Environme**A Deserved Recognition for Ausiris**
The Social Innovation Award, presented by AMASQ, the Social Economy Hub, CERESO of Cégep de Lanaudière, and the CCTT Network, honors projects that positively transform society. Ausiris has demonstrated how the agriculture and agri-food sectors can provide an excellent environment for the professional integration of young autistic adults, offering them opportunities to develop valuable employability skills.
Catherine Théberge, a researcher and project manager at Ausiris, accepted the award on behalf of her entire team. She stated, "Ausiris is primarily about valuing the resources of our territory through agriculture and the agri-food sector to provide opportunities for young autistic adults. It also proves that social innovation can originate from the land and bring benefits to the entire community! I would like to warmly thank all our partners and everyone involved who have turned this project into a model of collaboration and innovation: Jean-David Martel, Catherine Riel, Anny Dumont, Guillaume Hamann-Legris, as well as our research teachers and specialized educators, Martin Bernard and Geneviève Blais."
Strong Partnerships for Lasting Impact
The project received support from numerous partners, including SEMO Centre-du-Québec, the Integrated University Health and Social Services Centre of Mauricie-and-Centre-du-Québec, the Bois-Francs School Services Centre, the City of Victoriaville, and welcoming environments like IGA A. Desrochers Market in Warwick, Manne Cooperative, and the National Institute of Organic Agriculture at Cégep de Victoriaville. These collaborations have been essential for the success and implementation of Ausiris, which is already looking toward the future. A second phase of the project began this spring, thanks to financial support from the Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy and the Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation. To follow the development of this new phase, now open to young adults with various limitations in the MRC of Arthabaska, please visit the dedicated project page: www.cisainnovation.com/fr/publications/64/vers-une-trajectoire-socioprofessionnelle-agroalimentaire-pour-les-jeunes-adultes-ayant-des-limitations-de-la-mrc-darthabaska.
A Week Full of Recognition
Additionally, the National Institute of Organic Agriculture (INAB) at Cégep de Victoriaville distinguished itself at the Quebec Organic Sector's recognition gala on November 13 by receiving an award that highlights its excellence in contributing to the sector. This recognition reflects the significant impact of the institution in the field of organic agriculture in Quebec. Normand Poniewiera, director of INAB, proudly accepted this award, which acknowledges the exceptional work of the Institute's experts. Their daily commitment enhances both teaching and research in organic agriculture and social innovation, confirming INAB's central role in the development and promotion of sustainable agricultural practices in Quebec.
About CISA
The Social Innovation in Agriculture Centre (CISA) at Cégep de Victoriaville is the only collegiate technology transfer and innovative social practices center in Quebec (CCTT-PSN) that applies its research to current and emerging issues in the agricultural and agri-food sector. Its affiliation with the National Institute of Organic Agriculture makes it an essential strategic partner in the socio-ecological transition of various territories. With humanity and innovation at the core of each project, CISA contributes to the development and transformation of the entire Quebec agri-food value chain through action research, training, knowledge transfer, technical assistance, and civic education.