Agriculture is not given enough priority, according to Martin Caron

QUEBEC – While recognizing the benefits gained by the agricultural community following the demonstrations held across Quebec, in particular the $200 million granted by the Legault government in financial support and administrative relief, the president of the Union of Agricultural Producers (UPA), Martin Caron , insisted on the work that remains to be done, in his speech at his organization’s conference on December 3.

“It’s progressing, but not enough for my taste. We need to get to concrete results and I don’t know about you, but I don’t have two or three years before that happens. I want this to happen in the next year,” he said, referring to some relief promises that have been made but have not yet been fulfilled.

Drawing a parallel with the centenary of UPA, he recalled that producers, historically, have always been combative and assured that they will continue to be so.

The desperate need for food

Noting that Quebec food banks respond to 2.9 million requests for help each month and that the need for food is increasingly desperate, Caron questioned whether current governments are truly “putting effort in good places.”

“As a producer, but also as a citizen, this worries me,” he said emotionally. The latter believes that agriculture should be at the center of decision-makers’ priorities.

“One thing is for sure; it is not by adding regulations to the agricultural world that we will improve (this food insecurity statistic). It is not by continuously asking for ministerial authorizations and above all by draining our lands that we will solve this problem”, added the president, amidst the applause of the delegates present in the room. The latter also warmly supported him in the form of applause even before he began his intervention.

Growth potential by sector

Supported by an internal study that estimates the potential growth rate of agricultural crops until 2030, Martin Caron underlined that the most promising production, according to the analysis, is that of fruit and vegetables in greenhouses.

“Why are greenhouse fruits and vegetables in first place? It’s because we have invested in this industry. When will we invest in other sectors? When will we invest in cattle, sheep and others? » he asked in a verbal outburst.

By 2050, the population will increase by 28% in Canada and 10% in Quebec, he continued, saying governments should better align their priorities with this reality of population growth and growing food needs.

“Worldwide, we will be close to $10 billion. The (Food and Agriculture Organization) and the (United Nations) have said that we will have to increase food supplies by 60% by 2050. (…) This is the message we want to send. We will not give up on this aspect! » he insisted.