SOPFIM | Our mission

Actually, our principal term of reference is to protect the provincial forests against the current spruce budworm outbreak.

The forest protection society against insects and diseases is a private, non-profit organization which was founded in 1990 following adoption of the Quebec Forest Act. It is, as a result, the sole actor authorized to implement protection measures against forest insect pests and cryptogamic diseases.

Reflecting the vision of its members, SOPFIM seeks to protect forests according to an approach that is both effective and environmentally-friendly. To this end, SOPFIM has adopted an environmental management system registered with the ISO 14001 standard. This system covers all of SOPFIM’s activities from planning to implementation.

Control measures

Various means can be used to mitigate damage to forest areas affected by an outbreak of TBE, such as preventive harvesting, silvicultural treatments and aerial sprays of biological insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki variety (Btk).

Our members

Members of SOPFIM include forest companies which are holders of a timber supply, the owners of major private forests covering more than 800 hectares, and the Quebec Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks.

External mandates

During endemic periods, SOPFIM also performs external mandates in the public health and agricultural sectors. These activities enable SOPFIM’s specialists to remain on the leading edge of insect control.

Our mission is inseparable from the following values and principles, to which we fully subscribe:

To prioritize and mobilize all possible efforts to control the insect pests and cryptogamic diseases that are a potential threat to the forests of Quebec;
To advocate an approach based on respect for people, their communities and the environment, in particular by favouring the use of organic pesticides and proven application techniques;
To promote training and knowledge acquisition in our areas of expertise so as to remain on the leading edge of information and technology;
To manage the human, financial and material resources entrusted to us rigorously and in a spirit of equality, honesty and fairness;
To promote the establishment of an organizational culture based on pride and shared values.