Thank you to all of our witnesses for their briefs.
You've given us a number of recommendations. You've done an excellent job of describing the situation. You've also put forward solutions and real examples of the contribution and innovation of the cooperative movement. You've risen to the challenges posed by the current climate. I think it's wonderful. I want to sincerely thank you for everything you're doing in that respect.
My background is in agronomy, so I am extremely interested in the agricultural side of things. I am also the industry critic, so the innovation that cooperative businesses have shown is also of interest to me.
Mr. Richard and Mr. Harel, you referred to some very innovative energy projects that La Coop fédérée was working on.
Have you been able to access federal R and D programs? Did those programs suit the needs of the cooperative movement?