Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
Thank you to the witnesses for being here today.
I would like to mention that the head office of the Canadian Council of Food Processors is in my riding, in Granby. I know you represent very important industries from our region, including Industries Lassonde inc., in Rougemont, Agropur, and Aliments Ultima, located in Granby. These three companies alone sustain more than 2,000 jobs in our region. There are some 300,000 jobs in agri-food processing in Canada. It is an important industry nationally, and in my riding also. Your testimony is extremely important.
You spoke at length about research and development and about funding for innovation and equipment. The agri-food processing sector depends on international markets. Its growth depends on exports. Access to new international markets is needed.
What would you recommend to the government to boost your competitiveness and thereby allow you to gain greater access to international markets?
I would like to hear from Ms. Cloutier first, and then from Mr. Couture and Ms. Ventin, if they wish to answer.