I have always said that whatever happens to agriculture is a societal choice and therefore a political choice. Context changes over time. Pork producers are a good example. I remember a time when pork production was the preferred choice. Export was going well and we were much more competitive than the Americans, but things are completely different today.
When I say societal choice I mean that we have to look at what is happening internationally and wonder whether we drop the whole thing or whether we support this production to continue feeding our people. This is similar to the slogan the UPA used a few years ago and I think it is still fitting. It is all well and fine to talk about the future of farming, we cannot be against it, but there is also the present to consider. We have to take into account everything that is going on and try to resolve the problems. Some people here and elsewhere are currently taking a step back and are considering leaving farming.
Mr. Belzile, you talked about research. What we have heard in previous testimonies in other provinces about existing federal programs is that AgriStability, for example, is quite similar to the previous CAIS program. It is six of one and half a dozen of the other. You also talked about the AgriFlexibility fund, which was supposed to include income support.
Could you tell us what you think about the current federal programs and tell us what could be improved?
My question is for everyone.