Amyot Gélinas, s.e.n.c.r.l.’s new Les Grandes entrevues series features an interview with André Lamontagne, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
The bio-food and agri-food chain has been shaken by the health crisis of recent months. A collateral victim of the pandemic, it will have forced some workers to take time off and others to leave their jobs, due to the restrictions imposed on companies.
In terms of product marketing alone, the impact on the bio-food and agri-food chain has resulted in the near-total closure of hotels, restaurants and institutions, since of the 100% of products consumed, 35% are consumed or distributed directly through them.
In a hurry, we had to revise the business model, developing it through a great deal of initiative and effort, so that a service that already existed, but lacked a central place in the industry, could be (re)born: ready-to-eat.
But to what extent will this interruption have upset the balance of the production and distribution chain?
“We’re talking about a major upheaval. Overnight, retail outlets were invaded by consumers. Against a backdrop of a fragile workforce, sales increases in supermarkets were in the order of 30, 40, even 60%, and that’s where the imbalance was created,” points out André Lamontagne, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in an exclusive interview with Groupe Amyot Gélinas.
At the same time, the shockwave spread to other links in the chain, with distributors accustomed to formats and quantities of products intended for restaurants having to revise their business model in turn. As a result, milk cartons distributed to schools faced an abysmal void during the lockdown, even though children continued to drink milk… but at home. With food distribution channels taking the unexpected route of telecommuting, we had to focus on redistributing products and marketing locations, revising packaging, and adjusting in real time to new consumer behaviors.
The contribution of artificial intelligence
While the changes in habits brought about by the pandemic have led to an explosion in online commerce and digital transformation, farmers have already been displaying this innovative side for a long time. A veritable anthill open to modernity and technological advancement, the agricultural sector is brilliantly demonstrating its ascendancy in artificial intelligence. Starting with milking robots.
“This transformation is present throughout Quebec. Depending on milking models (milking robots), all new farms or investments are planned according to this model. This helps the farmer manage his time, but ultimately ensures more optimal control of production”, says the Minister.
What’s more, the contribution of digital technology to the cultivation of vegetables, greenhouses and market gardens, as well as to water control (soil moisture levels), has also grown exponentially among farmers, and its use is highly valued.
“The ministry helps them through innovation programs,” explains Minister Lamontagne, “They are encouraged in the name of the 17 centers that we support financially and that, in addition, federate money from the federal government, private bodies and other organizations to take farming and breeding practices to the next level.
Buying local, more than ever
The call to buy local is not new, and the current crisis has finally put paid to a concern that was preoccupying the agricultural industry.
“The big concern was the divide between consumers and producers. You know, 50 years ago in the villages, when you went to school, more than half the class were farmers’ sons or daughters. Over the years, people have become less familiar with the agricultural world,” points out Mr. Lamontagne, “When the pandemic came along, people suddenly became aware of its importance, and all this brought consumers and producers closer together. It brought the whole essential dimension of the agri-food chain to the fore.
And the next generation?
Creative, ultra-innovative – these are the words used by the Minister when referring to new operators in the bio-food sector. While many young people between the ages of 25 and 40 don’t engage in the usual practices of livestock farming (milk, pork), in the vegetable sector they see niche products destined for a distinctive market. In fact, many CEGEPs and institutions offering bio-food training are overflowing with applications, and requests for continuing agricultural education are exploding. Add to this the parity between men and women, and we can only conclude that the next generation of farmers is doing well – quite well, in fact.
“Our programs dedicated to supporting new farmers are there to help them face tomorrow’s major challenges. We support our next generation of farmers “top of the line “. Those who wish to exercise their talent and occupy the land will be assured of evolving in an environment where they will earn a good living”, concluded the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
In fact, 19 new farm projects are currently underway in Abitibi. Never before seen.
