Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Members of the committee, my name is Guillaume Camirand, and I am the executive director of Coop Agrobio. I'm accompanied by Marianne Bergeron, manager of our seed and research sector.
We are testifying today on behalf of Coop Agrobio, a co-operative of more than 150 organic grain producers in Quebec and eastern Ontario generating over $12 million in revenue. Our members farm more than 100,000 acres using organic methods on farms of all sizes located throughout the region. Over the years, we have built a relationship of trust with farmers by developing services tailored to their actual needs, visiting them on their farms, and helping them make important decisions. Our expertise is having our finger on the pulse of organic grain production in eastern Canada.
As a co-operative, our role is to help our members reduce their risks, offer them suitable seed solutions, support them in marketing their harvests and facilitate the marketing of their processed organic products. We see the agricultural sector as a living system where each farm plays an important role in the overall balance of the sector.
The organic sector should be viewed as a preventive measure in long-term risk management. Through its farming practices, organic farming reduces dependence on inputs, improves soil health and promotes the diversification of production systems. It also creates both economic and environmental added value in a growing market. In short, it's a winning model for the environment, the economy and people.
However, we must be clear. Although they're very beneficial, organic farming practices involve increased risks: seeds are not protected by insecticides or fungicides; the genetic processes used are sometimes outdated or poorly suited; natural fertilizers are less targeted than conventional fertilizers; weed control relies on mechanical interventions that depend on weather conditions; and marketing is less standardized. In concrete terms, even the best organic producers have less control over certain key factors than conventional producers.
However, there is a lot of innovation, as evidenced by new practices and new crops. However, this innovation, supported by farmers, increases uncertainty and must be supported by well‑adapted programs.
Quebec is now a leader in organic agriculture, accounting for nearly half of Canada's organic farms. This is no accident. The growth observed between 2015 and 2020 coincides with the implementation of structured programs like Prime-Vert, support for the transition as part of the organic sector growth strategy, and the adaptation of programs through Financière agricole du Québec.
Another distinctive factor in Quebec is access to a network of independent agronomists specialized in organic production. This support helps producers to make informed decisions and innovate in a calculated way. It is a major lever for progress while limiting on‑farm risks. This agronomic expertise helps avoid many mistakes that are often costly.