Cercles de Fermières du Québec

The Cercles de Fermières du Québec (CFQ) is the largest women's association in Quebec, Canada, with over 30,000 members. Founded in 1915 by agronomists Alphonse Désilets, Georges Bouchard, and Raoul Dumaine, the organization initially established five circles in Chicoutimi, Roberval, Champlain, Saint-Agapit, and Plessisville. Its mission is to improve the living conditions of women and families and to preserve and transmit cultural and artisanal heritage. Despite its name, which means 'Farm Women's Circles,' only about 2% of members currently live on farms. The CFQ is known for its cookbooks, particularly 'Qu'est-ce qu'on mange?' which is a publishing success in Quebec, as well as its arts and crafts publications, youth craft programs, and provincial competitions. The organization engages in charitable work, supporting causes such as the OLO Foundation, ACWW, and MIRA Foundation. In 2015, the CFQ celebrated its 100th anniversary and modernized its logo. The organization continues to be active in communities across Quebec, promoting volunteerism and the transmission of culinary and artisanal knowledge.

The Cercles de Fermières du Québec (CFQ) was founded in 1915 by agronomists Alphonse Désilets, Georges Bouchard, and Raoul Dumaine. The first five circles were established in Chicoutimi, Roberval, Champlain, Saint-Agapit, and Plessisville. The movement took root primarily in the Centre-du-Québec region and quickly spread to rural areas across Quebec. From an early stage, the circles received subsidies from the Ministry of Agriculture. The organization reached its peak in the 1980s, with 850 circles and over 75,000 members. Over its history, the CFQ has published numerous books on culinary techniques and weaving. In 2015, the CFQ celebrated its 100th anniversary and modernized its logo, designed by graphic artist Vivianne Roy. The logo features a 'Q' for Quebec with a woman in action at the center, an open circle symbolizing inclusivity, and three equal shapes in red, yellow, and green representing education, cultural traditions, and the role of women as companions, mothers, and educators. The white interior represents the search for authenticity and truth. Today, the CFQ continues to be active, with over 30,000 members, and remains dedicated to its mission of improving the living conditions of women and families and preserving cultural and artisanal heritage.

• 2024

  Announcement of the 2024-2025 theme 'Fière de notre Histoire' in preparation for the 110th anniversary in 2025.

• 2015

  100th anniversary celebrated; logo modernized by graphic artist Vivianne Roy.

• 1980

  Peak of the organization with 850 circles and over 75,000 members.

• 1915

  Foundation of the first five circles in Chicoutimi, Roberval, Champlain, Saint-Agapit, and Plessisville by agronomists Alphonse Désilets, Georges Bouchard, and Raoul Dumaine.

Community service organization and cultural heritage guardian

• Qu'est-ce qu'on mange? cookbook

  A best-selling cookbook in Quebec, reflecting the culinary heritage of the CFQ.

• Arts textiles publications

  Books and guides on textile arts and crafts.

1. 1Accueil - Les Cercles de Fermières du Québeccfq.qc.ca
2. 2À propos - Les Cercles de Fermières du Québeccfq.qc.ca
3. 3Fière de notre Histoire : le thème 2024-2025 des CFQ - Les Cercles de Fermières du Québeccfq.qc.ca
4. 4Cercles de Fermières du Québec - Wikipediafr.wikipedia.org
5. 5Cercles des Fermières du Québec - Wikidatawikidata.org