The Canadian Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture (CPSA) received a significant boost in funding as Quebec and Ottawa pledged $955 million to support sustainable agriculture in Quebec. The investment is expected to last for the next five years, with the federal government contributing 60% of the total, while Quebec invests 40%. The announcement was made by Quebec’s Minister of Agriculture, André Lamontagne, and Canada’s Minister of Agriculture, Marie-Claude Bibeau, at the Centrale agricole, the largest urban agriculture cooperative in Quebec. The plan was welcomed by the Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA) and the Association québécoise de la distribution des fruits et légumes (AQDFL), who see the strategic plan as a step in the right direction towards meeting the challenges of the 21st-century agriculture. This investment is a significant step towards sustainable agriculture in Quebec and reinforces the government’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
The renewed bilateral agreement between Quebec and Ottawa under the Canadian Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture (CPSA) is set to propel Quebec’s agricultural industry toward a more sustainable future. The joint investment of $955 million over the next five years is $97 million more than the previous strategic framework. In addition, the federal government’s contribution of 60% of the total amount and Quebec’s 40% contribution will allow for customized programs and concrete support for Quebec’s agriculture industry. The announcement was made at the Centrale agricole, the largest urban agriculture cooperative in Quebec, by Quebec’s Minister of Agriculture, André Lamontagne, and Canada’s Minister of Agriculture, Marie-Claude Bibeau. The Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA) and the Association québécoise de la distribution des fruits et légumes (AQDFL) have welcomed the announcement and praised the government’s efforts towards sustainability in agriculture. This investment is expected to support Quebec’s agricultural industry in meeting the challenges of the 21st century and ensure a greener and more prosperous future for Quebec’s farmers.
Quebec’s Vital Agriculture Industry
Quebec’s agriculture industry is a vital sector of the province’s economy, accounting for approximately 6% of its GDP and employing over 139,000 people. The industry is diverse, with the primary sectors of dairy and livestock farming, horticulture, and field crops. Quebec is Canada’s second-largest agricultural producer, and it’s dairy and cheese products are renowned worldwide. Quebec’s agriculture industry is also significant in food security, providing a steady supply of nutritious and safe food for the population. In addition, the industry contributes to rural development and maintains the cultural heritage of Quebec’s rural communities.
However, Quebec’s agriculture impacts the environment like all agricultural industries. The sector is responsible for a significant proportion of the province’s greenhouse gas emissions, mainly due to livestock production, fertilizer use, and fuel consumption in farm machinery. Agriculture is also a significant consumer of water resources, with irrigation necessary for crop production. In addition, the industry’s intensive land use can lead to soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and habitat destruction. The challenge is maintaining the industry’s economic viability while minimizing its environmental impact. This requires adopting sustainable agricultural practices, including precision farming, agroforestry, and integrated pest management, to reduce the use of inputs and minimize waste. Such practices can help the industry mitigate its environmental impact and ensure the long-term sustainability of Quebec’s agriculture industry.
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