Bi-Annual Assembly of the Fédération des producteurs de porcs du Québec -
Facing the Future Strong

LONGUEUIL, QC, Dec. 1 /CNW Telbec/ - The 43rd Bi-Annual Assembly of the Fédération des producteurs de porcs du Québec (FPPQ) was held on the 26th and 27th of November in the nation's capital. Together, the Assembly settled on a consensus to put the sector first.

In front of 200 delegates, FPPQ president Jean-Guy Vincent took the opportunity to offer producers some encouragement: "In the situation we currently face, it would be easy to get discouraged, give up or take desperate measures, but that would not solve anything. The Fédération's administrators are determined to secure returns in pork production by way of viable and sustainable business practices for all partners in the sector. My goal as president is to bring profitability back to pork producers."

Several months ago, pork producers came up with an action plan to improve the Québec pork sector's capacity to compete. Obscured, for years, by the ongoing economic crisis, their situation has gotten worse. Today, every link in the production chain is beginning to bind to the others and the future seems promising. "We all want a sustainable future" says Mr. Vincent , "and by binding together, we have the strength of the whole sector behind us. We have a simple and concise plan and everything we need to succeed. It is now up to the government to grant us the flexibility we need."

Worried about recent announcements made by the government about La Financière agricole, producers invited Assistant Deputy Minister of MAPAQ, Mr. Norman Johnston , to come and explain what the recovery plan would consist of. "We recognize that the government of Québec still wants to make efforts to support its agriculture," says Jean-Guy Vincent, "however, we must meet with the management of La Financière to ensure that the transition will respect the implementation of our action plan and that it will not dismantle the structure of the sector."

One after the other, respected attendees cited, along with questions about La Financière, challenges that producers from Québec and Canada will face on foreign and local markets.

First, Mr Christophe Lafougère, from the Institut Gira, set the stage by explaining the challenges before Canada to producers. Mr Jacques Pomerleau , Executive Director of CPI, explained CPI's strategic marketing plan for the next few years. Mr Steve Morin , Vice-President of Pork Procurement at Olymel shared the challenges presented by market development. Lastly, Mr Pierre Théroux, Head of Meat Marketing at the Québec division of Sobeys came to share the realities of local markets today.

"We are happy about the enthusiastic participation of the delegates, producers and industry members at this bi-annual assembly," concludes Mr Vincent, "We believe that the response demonstrates a keen interest in important challenges within the sector, challenges that we should take up together to face the future."

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 1.5 billion dollars in revenue, benefiting every region in the province. Pork production employs 24 000 people in Québec. Sixty percent of pork produced in Québec is exported to over 75 countries.

www.leporcduquebec.com

For further information: Stéphanie Fortin, Public Affairs Advisor, Fédération des producteurs de porcs du Québec, [phone], ext. 8542, [email protected]; Source: Fédération des producteurs de porcs du Québec