Everyone has to deal with climate change. Last week, we met with the executive directors of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. All of Canada, and not just Quebec, has experienced drought and heat waves this summer. Agricultural producers are the first to be directly affected by climate change. Extreme events will keep happening at a faster rate.
This affects crops, animals and access to water. Some farms in the Lower St. Lawrence no longer had water for their herds. They would dig a second well and not find water, then they would dig a third well. Climate change is having a significant impact on the agricultural sector.
In this context, we are asking the government to ensure that the necessary funds are made available to producers to meet their needs during natural disasters.
What we found is that the federal AgriRecovery program may apply in one province, but not in another. Let's take the example of apple fire blight. Producers in New Brunswick were able to use that program, but those in Quebec, whose apples were also affected by the disease, did not have access to it. When dealing with the same problem or disease, all producers should have access to the program, regardless of the province.
Funding should also be provided for projects and tools to improve the management of climate risks faced by companies. Companies will have to adapt, they have no choice. To prepare for those changes, analysis is required. In Quebec, we explain to producers what climate change is, what the future holds and how they need to change their business. However, money must be made available to help companies.
I am talking about climate change, but there are also all the various societal expectations. For example, we are hearing more and more about animal welfare. Investments must be made for that. The same is true for us in agri-environment. If we want to evolve to better meet society’s demands, we must have the necessary funds. In the market, farmers never get back the money invested. Even if I raise free-range hens, I will get the same price for the eggs. There is no added value. This is important to us.