Stunned by inflation, Gaspésie farmers call for help

Whether they are dairy, cattle, potato or vegetable producers, agricultural producers in Gaspésie and the Îles-de-la-Madeleine are all hit hard by inflation.

For my farm, fuel oil has doubled, gas has doubled. It’s worryingnotes Michèle Poirier, president of the Federation ofUPAUnion of agricultural producers Gaspésie–Les Îles and potato producer in Bonaventure.

Michèle Poirier is vice-president, public relations and partnerships for Patasol (archives).

Photo: Radio-Canada / Roxanne Langlois

For some, the income from their productions is no longer enough to offset the rising cost of inputs. Farmers do not arrive in their costs, that is clearadds Michèle Poirier.

Faced with deteriorating economic viability for its members, the Gaspésie–Les Îles de l’UPAUnion of agricultural producers asks the government for direct financial aid to farmers, to avoid deadlock. According to its president, the very survival of farmers is threatened.

” Producing has a cost that is quite phenomenal and it is increasingly difficult. If we want to feed ourselves and the world, there will have to be something happening somewhere. »

Ms. Poirier takes the example of the Town of New Richmond, which has provided itself with an envelope of $20,000 to attract agricultural producers.

That is real help. That’s what I’m talking about! When a producer receives aid, he does not make a bonfire with itshe notes.

A critical situation for cattle producers

For cattle producers in the Gaspé, a precarious situation that has prevailed for several years is now becoming critical.

According to Doris Boissonnault, president of the Gaspésie–Les Îles Bovine Producers Syndicate, the rise in input prices, the distance and the cost of equipment could push some producers to turn to cereal crops, whose prices have jumped. because of the war in Ukraine.

The situation is becoming particularly difficult for cattle producers (archives).

Photo: Radio-Canada / Marc-Antoine Lavoie

The farmer also notes the low price that producers obtain for their calves, sold to companies located outside the region. These fatten them before sending them to the slaughterhouse.

This is discouraging for producers and the next generation of farmers, because in parallel with the rising cost of inputs, producers have no price.he laments.

” There are many who think of leaving, because there is no income. »

The Caplan producer is asking that a floor price for veal be put in place by the government. He also proposes that a portion of the gas tax be paid to farmers.

For her part, Michelle Poirier also notes incomes that do not allow the various producers to live.

Producers do not necessarily have the price that it is worth for their products, be it beef, eggs, potatoes or vegetablesshe explains.

A calf shows curiosity and approaches the camera (archives).

Photo: Radio-Canada / Roxanne Langlois

The two agricultural producers agree on the fact that the bill should not be passed on to consumers, hence their request for government intervention.

Despite all these challenges, Michèle Poirier has confidence in the future. I think that young people will be able to meet these challenges. I think they are very conscientious, very computerized and I think they will get thereshe believes.