Indeed, we thought that if the money currently being spent on ad hoc programs were invested in a very structured way in other existing programs, there would be enough money to meet the needs. That is our understanding.
In addition, the UPA has recently asked Laval University to carry out an economic study on the cost-effectiveness of investing in agriculture. The study focuses on core agricultural support and is being conducted by ÉcoRessources Consultants, in cooperation with Mr. Maurice Doyon, a professor at Laval University. The study shows that investing in agriculture is far from a waste. It is cost-effective for governments, which derive major net profits from agricultural investment.
It also generates wealth in all sectors of the economy, especially in Canada's regions and sub-regions. That wealth has huge benefits for all local communities, be it through direct support to producers, processing activities or the economic spinoff for agriculture, which is even more important.
I could send you the study, and you would see just how interesting it is. A dollar in agricultural spending yields the highest return for governments, as compared with support for other economic activities.
The study even goes so far as to compare certain aspects of sustainability in some communities. In Abitibi-Témiscamingue, for example, a new job in the agricultural sector has almost the same effect, percentage-wise, as a new job at the Montreal harbour does for the city of Montreal. When you take the time to look at the study, it is really something to see all the benefits of agricultural investment.
When done right, agricultural investment benefits everyone, both in terms of security for producers and the economy as a whole.