Quebec farms will receive aid of more than $200 million in response to the crisis hitting the agricultural world, the Legault government announced Thursday.
“The economic and weather hazards of recent years have undermined the economic stability of many of our businesses. In such situations, it calls on us to show solidarity with our producers,” declared the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, André Lamontagne, at a press conference.
The announcement was held at Fermes Longprés, in the municipality of Cèdres, in Vaudreuil-Soulanges. It mainly targets businesses in financial difficulty and young farmers, but also the market gardening sector.
Over the past year, thousands of farmers took part in demonstrations across Quebec to demand better recognition and major investments.
“A farm is not just about feeding, it’s an ecosystem,” said the president of the Union of Agricultural Producers (UPA), Martin Caron, who was also present. We have a lot on our shoulders. »
An amount of 106 million will notably help the fight and adaptation to climate change. The vagaries of the weather are among the main concerns of Quebec agricultural producers, who have faced countless challenges over the past year. Agricultural businesses affected by drought in Abitibi-Témiscamingue in 2023 will also receive exceptional aid of 1.6 million.
Part of the aid also addresses current economic issues, such as rising interest rates. It is announced ten days after the Quebec government reached an agreement with the UPA.