Agriculture committee  In Quebec, in the pork production sector, production networks are currently being created. Some would like to establish a uniform standard for pork in every region. However, since 2005, various needs have come up, for instance, there is a demand for natural pork, or biologically-raised pork.

Agriculture committee  The federation is of the opinion that the federal government's involvement is essential to support producers in business-risk management. However, the amount of assistance granted and the response time of programs should be enhanced and the red tape that they engender should be reduced.

Agriculture committee  The federation is worried about the private sector's role in the implementation of a future production insurance program. Indeed, the federal government has clearly indicated that any risk covered by private insurance policies would be excluded from such a program. The federation wishes to ensure that the federal and provincial governments maintain their commitment to offer a production insurance program to hog producers to ensure that livestock producers are treated fairly in relation to other agricultural producers.

Agriculture committee  Good afternoon everyone. I am pleased to be here as the representative of the Fédération des producteurs de porcs du Québec. Thank you and welcome to our beautiful region of Montmagny—Côte-du-Sud—Chaudière—Appalaches. Created in 1966, the Fédération des producteurs de porcs du Québec is an agricultural association set up under the Professional Syndicates Act.