Mediated talks between Quebec’s hog producers and processors, aimed at a revival of the beleaguered industry, have failed, according to farm newspaper La terre de chez nous.
The newspaper, on its web site Friday, quoted provincial Agriculture Minister Laurent Lessard as saying producers and processors have missed a fine opportunity by instead opting for arbitration by the provincial agricultural marketing board to reach agreement on pricing.
Lessard had appointed Guy Coulombe, a longtime provincial civil servant, in September to mediate in talks with pork industry stakeholders and file a report by March 3.
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The minister stressed it wasn’t Coulombe who failed. Hog farmers, Lessard said, do not want to live off the provincial ag revenue stabilization insurance program (ASRA) and would rather seek their revenue from the market.
La terre quoted Lessard as saying he was hopeful the parties could resume discussions before going to arbitration, viewing even the worst negotiated agreement as better than a tribunal’s ruling.
The parties, he said, appear to have instead chosen a legal fight, and if they wish him to settle it, he would decide for the best interests of everyone.
