Our Story

Safran de Smilax is a farm specializing in saffron cultivation, located in Saint-Jacques, in the Lanaudière region of Quebec. Founded in 2022, the company follows an eco-responsible approach, prioritizing natural, sustainable growing methods adapted to the Quebec climate.

The name “Smilax” originates from Ancient Greece and refers to a nymph associated with the creation of saffron, symbolizing tradition, femininity, and ancestral know-how.

The company stands out for its production of high-quality saffron bulbs intended for cultivation, both for spice production and ornamental horticulture. In addition, Safran de Smilax also offers ready-to-use saffron as well as garlic bulbils.

Founded by Christian Lajoie and Yonis Said-Gagné, the farm was born from a strong interest in the unique properties of saffron, recognized for millennia. Cultivated and used for over 4,000 years, saffron enjoys worldwide recognition for both its culinary qualities and its traditional medicinal uses.

 

This crop was chosen for its high value, rarity, and its gradual adaptation to local growing conditions. Today, saffron represents one of the most promising and profitable crops in Canada, while fitting into a human-scale, environmentally respectful approach to agriculture.