On the agricultural side, there is indeed a problem in some areas right now. I am thinking of the hog industry, but that also applies to other types of production. I think that the situation is going to change, not quickly but gradually. Many businesses will diversify to become short channels. This means they must have a kiosk on the farm, or be much more present in public markets. We currently see this pattern in Quebec, and we are working on it.
As a management consultant, I remember someone who telling me about a kiosk on the farm. That was a rare occurrence. Those who would set up such stands were seen as oddballs. Today, it is just the opposite. The programs of Quebec's agriculture, fisheries and food department, among others, are very much focused on an operation with short channels—that is a kiosk on the farm or in a public market, or a distribution channel with only one retailer—and with a significantly reduced processing operations. However, this type of structure is much more risky from a financial point of view.
When a producer comes to see me because he wants to start diversifying his production, I always try to ensure that his production will include commodity products, that he will have access to a place where it is going to be easy for him to sell his products and have an income. As regards other considerations, diversified products have a smaller volume, which is going to gradually reduce the financial risk that may be associated with them. I think we are going to see greater diversification in the agricultural sector.
There is also another thing happening right now. In the past, a couple would often work exclusively for the family business, whereas now one the two spouses must work outside, which is unfortunate. In the case of a start-up business, and even when production is already well established, we recommend that one of the two spouses—it is often the woman—work outside the business. This results in the other spouse being overworked. We are seeing it now, and I am afraid this situation is going to become more prevalent.