Hello, Mr. Chairman.
I will be speaking in French. I will try not to speak too quickly, so that the simultaneous interpretation can be clear.
My name is Denis Bilodeau and I am second vice-president of the Union des producteurs agricoles du Québec, the UPA. I am happy that you have welcomed us this morning to hear about the maintenance of the Canadian Wheat Board. This issue is a constant worry to the Union, and we are happy to be able to file a memorandum today.
You are already aware of the UPA. I just wanted to remind you that we represent approximately 43,000 farmers in Quebec, working on 31,000 farms.
The work and market development context in Quebec is particular. We worked very hard at putting in place marketing agencies, contingency plans and a collective approach to marketing. Our memorandum revolves around these issues.
I invite Mr. Serge Lebeau to make the presentation.