LONGUEUIL, QC, June 12, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Members of the Fédération des producteurs de porcs du Québec (FPPQ) wrapped up their 2012 Annual general meeting (AGM) June 7 and June 8 at the Hotel Plaza de Québec with the unanimous passage of a motion calling on all FPPQ partners to team up with Quebec's pork producers on various proposed strategies to help pork production regain the path to profitability and deliver a fair return to the men and women who make their living in the industry.
This resolution clearly expresses pork producers' vision for the future and won FPPQ president David Boissonneault a standing ovation from AGM delegates present. "Our delegates have told us they want to go ahead and get into solutions mode," he said. "At the Federation, we'll be doing everything possible to meet these goals."
This year's theme, "En mouvement pour notre avenir" (Going forward into our future), was the guiding premise for the various AGM speeches and panels. A common message resulting from these is that pork producers must work in partnerships, benefiting from each others' strengths and sharing the returns on their success throughout the sector.
The guest speakers inspired enthusiasm, optimism and vision. First up was triathlete Pierre Lavoie, who now heads the major charitable sports event that bears his name, struck a loud and clear emotional chord with guests in the AGM audience - many of whom know at first hand what it means to face tough times and tap their inner strengths to survive life's challenges.
Two other visiting speakers led discussions on the theme "Produire autrement et commercialiser autrement" (Another way to produce and market). Gilles Brenon, national president of the GAEC & Sociétés farm group organization, talked about new breeding and rearing methods, while Jean-Claude Gagnon of ABC-détail discussed the importance of winning back our rightful place among retailers in Quebec.
Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA) president Marcel Groleau appealed for unity, while reassuring the pork producers that they have the UPA's ongoing support. Quebec's minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Pierre Corbeil reiterated his support for pork producers and the FPPQ. "I firmly believe in the future of Quebec's pork industry, as well as its ability to roll up its sleeves and become prosperous once again," the minister said.
ELECTIONS
During the AGM, David Duval, president of the Syndicat des producteurs de porcs de Saint-Hyacinthe, was elected as FPPQ 2nd vice-president, while Normand Martineau and André Auger were appointed to the FPPQ executive committee as 1st and 2nd members, respectively.
ABOUT THE FPPQ
The Fédération des producteurs de porcs du Québec represents the interests of 3560 pork producers in 12 regional syndicates. Quebec's pork producers raise over 7.3 million hogs per year and generate economic benefits amounting to over $1.25 billion across the province. The pork industry in Quebec employs some 19,800 people. Pork is eater in more than 125 countries www.leporcduquebec.com
Source:
Fédération des producteurs de porcs du Québec
Information:
Nathalie Hansen
Director - Communications
Fédération des producteurs de porcs du Québec
Telephone: 450 679-0540, extension 8750
Email: [email protected]
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