Pontiac Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA) annual general meeting (AGM) was held on Thursday over zoom. The several hour-long meeting saw in-depth discussion of the state of the Pontiac’s agricultural sector.

The Pontiac UPA’s president, Scott Judd, started the meeting with a speech relaying news from the UPA’s 2021 general convention.

The most concerning news was that 85 per cent of farmers in the Pontiac are not . . .

signed up to the UPA, despite paying their dues, according to Judd. “We need to keep our numbers up to keep our power, ‘’ said Judd. He encouraged all farmers of the area to check their membership status and sign up if they are not already.

Another issue mentioned by Judd was that there was no forthcoming help with translating government forms into English from the Government of Quebec. Judd stated that this means that the Pontiac UPA, the Quebec Farmers’ Association and the MRC would have to handle translation going forward.

Various other topics were presented at the AGM, ranging from the budget of the UPA, a presentation from MMP Sophie Chatel, a presentation from a representative of the Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food(MAPAQ) and a presentation from an economic development officer for MRC Pontiac.

Chatel’s speech highlighted her work advocating for farmers and her relationship with Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food in Canada, Marie-Claude Bibeau.

Chatel also mentioned new funds that have been made available to Outaouais farmers that were announced by the federal government on March 8. Eligible organizations, which include the UPA, are able to access up to $182.7 million to help farmers implement methods such as cover cropping, nitrogen management and rotational grazing.

After Chatel’s speech, UPA members were given the opportunity to ask questions.

Treasurer of the Pontiac UPA, Ron Hodgins, outlined his concerns of rapidly rising inflation of transport, fertilizer and other costs associated with farming. He also commented on what he viewed as needless and redundant red tape associated with applying for government programs.

“Is it possible that the application forms for any of these future projects coming forward that young farmers, old farmers and in-between farmers can apply for them with a one-page application,” asked Hodgins. “Not 10 or 15 pages, not your complete tax file for the last 10 years; a one-page application.”

Chatel agreed with the sentiment, but ultimately didn’t commit to any specifics. “It seems to be a monster sometimes,” said Chatel, referencing the government bureaucracy.

Isabelle McComeau, a representative from MAPAQ , made a brief presentation on all the initiatives and programs offered by the Quebec government to farmers in the region.

McComeau advised farmers to stay informed in order to not miss out on any they may be eligible for.

“They have more programs than they’ve ever had, and it’s just hard to get all the information out and get them initiated in a timely fashion,” said Judd.

Shanna Armstong, economic development officer for the MRC Pontiac and local farmer, also gave a presentation concerning the initiatives taken by the MRC related to farming, such as a program aimed at helping aspiring farmers get their start.

The AGM also discussed issues related to securing access to electric tractors, and the need for local and provincial action against wild parsnip and hogweed that is threatening fields in the area, among other issues.

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