Desjardins and Solutions affaires experts-conseils welcome Europe's largest network of dairy farmers to Quebec

Europe-America Days

QUEBEC, Feb. 23, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Desjardins Group (www.desjardins.com) and Solutions affaires experts-conseils are joining forces to welcome European Dairy Farmers (EDF), Europe's largest network of dairy farmers, during Europe-America Days, an event being held today and tomorrow in Quebec.

Concerned about the globalization of the dairy industry, EDF endeavours to help dairy farmers learn how competitive their farms are compared to other farms in their own countries, the rest of Europe, and now North America. The arrival of its president, Jean-François Verdenal, to Quebec is a first step toward a unique cooperative effort that will benefit all farmers in Quebec, Canada, and elsewhere.

Founded in 1990, European Dairy Farmers (EDF) is one of the world's largest networks of dairy farmers. It promotes farmer-to-farmer exchanges of experience and knowledge. It brings together over 300 farmers and some 50 advisors from 17 countries.

As an agricultural market leader in Quebec, Desjardins is concerned about the long-term viability of all agri-food businesses and is proud to be associated with this event. "Our vision of cooperative business also means helping businesses navigate the ups and downs of the economy," asserts Alain Gagnon, vice-president, Agricultural and Agri-Food Sectors. "This event will give dairy farmers an opportunity to network and share winning practices with one another."

Joëlle Noreau, senior economist at Desjardins, will use the opportunity to paint an economic picture of various international trends and outline industry growth prospects for 2012. "It's true that not everything can play out in the first few months of the year. However, given global economic prospects, energy and farm commodity price increases will remain contained," Ms. Noreau will explain.

Through its mission of providing creative solutions to help Quebec farmers become effective, cutting-edge businesspeople, Solutions affaires experts-conseils is proud to welcome a new partner and ally in the search for excellence and achievement. "Our motivation is to work with people who are open and ready for change," affirms founder and CEO Robert Savage. "People who aren't afraid to compare themselves to the best and challenge themselves. People who are forward thinking."

About Desjardins Group

Desjardins Group www.desjardins.com is the leading cooperative financial group in Canada with assets of nearly $190 billion. Drawing on the strength of its caisse network in Quebec and Ontario, and its subsidiaries across Canada, it offers a full range of financial products and services to its 5.8 million members and clients. Desjardins specializes in Wealth Management and Life and Health Insurance, in Property and Casualty Insurance, in Personal Services, in Business and Institutional Services. As one of the largest employers in the country and among Canada's Top 100 Employers for 2012^TM, Desjardins is supported by the skills of its 43,600 employees and the commitment of nearly 6,000 elected officers. A new education and cooperation program is now available to Desjardins members and the general public. For more information, visit www.desjardins.com/co-opme.

About Solutions affaires experts-conseils

Since its creation in 2001, Solutions affaires experts-conseils has been committed to supporting Quebec agricultural entrepreneurship by facilitating international exchanges and partnerships. These connections help local farmers discover ideas, plan for the future, and develop their entrepreneurial skills and business visions.

(for journalists only):

Nathalie Genest
Spokesperson
Desjardins Group
514-281-7275 or 1-866-866-7000, ext. 7275
[email protected] 

Anne Le Mat, Agr., MBA
Project Leader
Solutions affaires experts-conseil Inc.
819-849-0644
Cell: 819-679-6299
[email protected]