A Sustainable Future - Action plan to improve the competitive position of the
pork sector in Quebec
"Producers are conscious of the fact that some changes have to be introduced to get through the current economic impasse," commented Jean-Guy Vincent, president of the Fédération des producteurs de porcs. "The new Marketing Agreement that will thoroughly change our transactions with buyers is a first step confirming our will to change."
The FPPQ has developed an action plan toward sustainable development. The main goal of the plan is to ensure the sustainability of the industry. The action plan proposes to demonstrate the acts that producers perform every day.
The plan centres on the following priorities:
- the economy
- society and the environment
- marketing
First and foremost, the plan deals with new economic objectives. Implementation of the Marketing Agreement, balanced management of production and studies on production costs will allow the pork sector to set itself apart on the world stage of pork exporting countries and to bring financial self-sufficiency back to the farm.
Under the new agreement, abattoirs are guaranteed supply. Pricing and steady flow of pork has been secured for producers. The cornerstone of this historical agreement is the creation of a direct relationship between producers and abattoirs and the increase of their revenue.
"Québec's pork producers have made major adjustments to their vision of the development of pork production" said agronomist
Environmental and social issues play a pivotal role in the implementation of a solid and sustainable action plan. Pork producers have always set themselves apart through new practices such as minimizing odour, improving equipment and resource recovery. These guidelines are integral to the current action plan. For example, the FPPQ is currently working on environmental certification. Management and implementation of the protocol would be carried out under the supervision of the Bureau national de normalisation du Québec.
At the social level, it is thanks to, among others, the Fondation Tirelire that Québec pork producers financially support organisations that allow families in need to become self-reliant in terms of food security and thus to improve their living conditions.
"A series of events beyond our control has sent the pork sector into the worst crisis in its history. Although this crisis is temporary, it has affected one of the most profitable and competitive agribusinesses in Québec. But, there is a light at the end of the tunnel," concludes
The implementation of this commitment will have economic, social and environmental elements. Pork producers are convinced that, as a whole, these measures will culminate in a return to profitability as well as a more significant contribution to tax revenue that all Quebecers will benefit from.
ABOUT THE FPPQ
The Fédération des producteurs de porcs du Québec represents the interests of 3,900 producers from 12 regional associations. Pork producers raise 7.5 million hogs annually generating
For further information: Stéphanie Fortin, Public Affairs Advisor, Fédération des producteurs de porcs du Québec, (450) 679-0540, extension 8542, [email protected]; Source: Fédération des producteurs de porcs du Québec
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