A national future farmers network: THE FRAQ has been listened to!

LONGUEUIL, QC, May 31 /CNW Telbec/ - The "Fédération de la relève agricole du Québec" (FRAQ) (Quebec Young Farmers' Federation) is particularly pleased with Mr. Blackburn's statement regarding young farmers he made this morning. The announced network and the systematic involvement of young farmers in the discussions mainly answer FRAQ's demands, which have been repeatedly expressed in the consultations framework and last month meetings with the Minister.

"Future farmers are mainstays of the farming sector. We cannot talk about agricultural durability in Canada, without being aware of the establishment situation for young farmers to be, and then, be able to take adequate measures", said Frederic Marcoux, FRAQ's President, "Mr. Blackburn is definitely on the right track!"

In Quebec there is a policy dedicated to young farmers. It certainly needs to be developed, but at least it exists. This policy did not come up by itself. There has been a lot of consultation work with young farmers and all concerned stakeholders.

Same as for Quebec, the FRAQ first wanted a better knowledge of the problems and needs of young farmers in Canada so they proposed a national census to meet this objective.

In Ottawa, during the announcement, Yohan Perreault, FRAQ's first Vice President commented: "With the launching of this national network, the government is definitely heading in the right direction! I can assure you that we will take part in the process that has just started and that you will have our total support." Frederic Marcoux added: "It is the first step towards the next agricultural policy. To "Grow the future", young farmers must be major stakeholders of the policy's framework."

The FRAQ is the unique representative of young farmers in Quebec with 1,800 members from 14 affiliated associations. Its mission is to bring together young people having a passion for agriculture and defend their interests, improve the conditions of their establishment and make agriculture attractive to the new generation, as well as work for more and better information and preparation for them. The FRAQ is the biggest voluntary membership farming union in Quebec.

For further information: Magali Delomier, General Manager, Fédération de la relève agricole du Québec, [phone], Ext.: 8299