Similarly,
Do small market gardeners contribute:
For the second time. Nevertheless, Claude Fortin, a market gardener from Rimouski, is continued by the Union of Agricultural Producers (UPA) for non-payment of contributions to the union. In addition, His refusal is a political gesture: he denounces what he considers an abusive measure for a large part of. Therefore, farmers in Quebec.
The market gardener from above. For example, it is a food farm on a plot of land of one hectare, that Claude Fortin has rented to a neighbor since the start of his project, in 2014. Furthermore, Since he has been eligible for paying contributionsUPAhe says he never paid the annual amount.
How does the contribution to the union of agricultural producers work?
This is do small market gardeners contribute a fixed amount of $ 466 per year which is claimed from all small agricultural productions. Therefore, run by individuals, who make more than $ 5,000 in agricultural income in one year. However, The biggest producers pay double this amount.
Under the law on agricultural producers, in force since 1972, all producers must pay a contribution to theUPA. Nevertheless, It is the only union recognized in the field of agriculture in the province.
All of these contributions represent 65 % of the financing of theUPAaccording to the treasurer. Furthermore, director of finance and administration at theUPAMathieu Bolduc.
The first time Claude Fortin was prosecuted by theUPA For having refused to pay his contributions, it was in 2021. Similarly, At that time, he had not officially disputed the prosecution, not knowing his legal appeals in such a situation. This year, he intends to defend himself in court, he announced at the microphone ofInfo.
I don’t do it just for me. I do it because I consider that theUPA APPROVAL PRACE A Most of the Quebec Farmers.
The producer underlines that he receives a very small income per year, around $ 15,000 in sales. He assesses that his gross income is therefore even lower, between $ 4,000 and $ 6000. He believes that theUPA does nothing for his farm, in exchange for this money.
Claude Fortin judges that this is an abuse. for small producers who make less than $ 50,000 in sales per year, to pay the do small market gardeners contribute amount of the subscription.
According to him, the contribution should be with variable geometry, according to the income of agricultural production. He also believes that below a certain income threshold. the smallest producers should not pay any contributions, or at most, a symbolic contribution.
Mr. Fortin also condemns the monopoly of theUPAwhich is the only association recognized by law to represent agricultural producers in Quebec. In its opinion, the government should change the law to abolish this monopoly.
“I use the fact that I am one of the smallest farmers in Quebec. I will defend my cause saying: I am abused in terms of contributions, ”says Claude Fortin. (Archives photo)
Photo: Brigitte Lacasse (Facebook)
The producer explains that a management meeting took place with a judge. the lawyer forUPAto conclude an amicable agreement. Mr. Fortin does not want it. I don’t want an amicable agreement. I want to use this to make things change
he notes.
They cannot come. grab me, I have nothing that they do small market gardeners contribute can grasp.
L’UPA abstained to comment on this file, as is judicialized.
Do small market gardeners contribute
Towards a new contribution model?
We are currently working on the development of a new model. which would be based on the size of companies
assures Mathieu Bolduc, treasurer and director of finance and administration at theUPA. He indicates that this is a demand claimed for a long time by agricultural producers.
Mathieu Bolduc specifies that the union is in the provincial consultation process. which started this spring and which will continue in the fall. He indicates that theUPA is entitled to modify its financing structure since the change in the law on agricultural producers. in 2023.
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