Around a thousand agricultural and forestry producers demonstrated Wednesday in front of the National Assembly in Quebec City to express their concerns about the “fragile” future of Quebec farms.
On the sidelines of the 99e General Congress of the Union of Agricultural Producers (UPA), the general president Martin Caron estimated that, in the absence of “sustainable and lasting solutions […] “it is the base and the territory of Quebecers for the next 10, 20, 100 years” that were in danger.
PHOTO EDOUARD PLANTE-FRÉCHETTE, LA PRESS
Martin Caron (center), general president of the Union of Agricultural Producers
Believing that producers were at the heart of a project of “very first importance” – that of feeding Quebecers – Mr. Caron argued that they must be involved in “discussions and decisions having an impact on their future and on that of the succession [agricole] “.
Julie Bissonnette, president of the Federation of Young Agricultural Workers of Quebec, for her part deplored that it is difficult to “make a living” from this profession. “For Quebec’s nourishing future, it is imperative that the government provide greater support for the next generation of farmers and make them a priority of Quebec’s biofood policy,” she said.
PHOTO EDOUARD PLANTE-FRÉCHETTE, LA PRESS
“Feed you without being able to live from it,” we can read on this sign seen during the farmers’ demonstration in Quebec.
3 million for the next generation
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, André Lamontagne, immediately announced an investment of 3 million intended for young farmers and entrepreneurship.
“I am happy to announce additional support which will make it possible to support more young farmers wishing to establish themselves in all regions of Quebec. The next generation of farmers is at the heart of your government’s priorities to ensure the sustainability of our agriculture,” said Mr. Lamontagne.
The ministerial initial for the next generation of farmers, launched last September, was initially accompanied by an envelope of 5 million.
The year 2023 has been trying for many farmers affected by the difficult economic context or extreme weather conditions. Due in particular to historic frosts or significant floods, yields were not there in many agricultural productions.
This year, Quebec experienced its wettest July since the 1940s, while cold records were recorded in May.