Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
The first notice of motion is about the pork industry.
Whereas:
1. The reference price used in the pork sector in Quebec and Canada is currently that of the U.S. market, which can lead to distortions throughout the supply chain;
2. There is no similar transparency mechanism in Quebec or Canada; and
3. Producers, processors, and retailers all deserve a fair share of the revenue;
It is agreed that the members of the Committee will convene stakeholders in the pork supply chain for 3 meetings to discuss how prices are set in the industry and to bring about greater transparency.
The problem is the lack of transparency in the market. We don't know where in the supply chain the money is going. In Quebec in particular, the number of independent producers is declining steadily. We therefore think it would be worthwhile for the committee to study this matter.
The second notice of motion is about the investment deficit in the agri-food sector.
Whereas:
1. The agri-food sector is experiencing an investment deficit that is hindering its growth and our food resilience;
2. According to the OECD, between 2011 and 2023, Canada fell from 37th to 44th place out of 47 countries in terms of capital investment in the agri-food sector;
3. According to a report by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, automation and digitization in the industry must be encouraged by the government in order for it to achieve its growth objectives; and
4. To reduce our environmental footprint and food cost inflation, regional food processing with a focus on short supply chains should be considered;
It is agreed that the committee members will convene stakeholders from the agri-food sector for three meetings to study the issue and propose solutions to this situation.
The motion is clear enough, and I don't think I need to explain it.
Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
Let's get some good work done, everyone.