April 28, 2025
“One of our key priorities is to increase our food self-sufficiency”
At SIAL Canada 2025, Quebec is proudly showcasing its diverse, high-quality food offering and forward-looking vision for the sector
SIAL Canada Daily spoke with the Hon. André Lamontagne, Quebec’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, about the province’s priorities, its focus on sustainability and innovation, and the importance of supporting local businesses while building international partnerships.
Can you tell us a little about the main priorities of the Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food?
Farmers, agricultural processors and fishers make a major contribution to Quebec’s economy and to the vitality of our regions. One of our key priorities is to increase our food self-sufficiency. To achieve this, we must first and foremost provide a business environment that encourages attracting and retaining resilient businesses throughout Quebec. We do this namely by supporting investment and productivity, facilitating access to farmland for the next generation of farmers, reducing the administrative and regulatory burden on our producers and encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices.
“Whether it’s fine cheeses, maple products, innovative drinks or seafood, Quebec stands out in every sector it touches.”
How is the ministry helping to strengthen the agri-food sector?
Firstly, by ensuring that support programmes are tailored to the realities of our businesses. A concrete example of this is the crop insurance reform we announced this spring. The programme will offer extended, improved and simplified coverage to respond directly to the needs of farming businesses, which are becoming increasingly complex as a result of climate change.
Secondly, by offering the best possible assistance to businesses and supporting investment in every link throughout the chain, from production to processing. The chain is only as strong as its weakest link, so we need to ensure that we have an overall vision in order to strengthen the agri-food sector.
What sets Quebec’s agri-food offering apart?
First and foremost, it’s the exceptional quality of our products. Our companies have a real concern for doing things right—from farm to fork. They innovate, meet high standards, and are deeply rooted in their region.
We also have a wide range of products, thanks to the richness of our terroir and the expertise of our artisans. Whether it’s fine cheeses, maple products, innovative drinks or seafood, Quebec stands out in every sector it touches.
How do you intend to overcome some of the challenges currently facing the sector?
By focusing on the following three points:
Promoting local purchasing:
More than ever, we need to choose our products carefully at the grocery shop to encourage local businesses. It’s a small gesture that has a huge impact on our farmers, fishers, agricultural processors and the economy of all our regions. We recently increased support for Aliments du Québec to identify local products and make labelling more visible to consumers.
Market diversification:
Trade disruptions remind us of the importance of diversifying our markets to reduce risk. We have announced assistance to support businesses particularly exposed to tariffs and those seeking to develop new markets.
Coordination and collaboration in the agri-food sector:
We will soon be launching a new organic food policy (Politique bioalimentaire), which will set out the key priorities that the government and the sector as a whole have set themselves for the next 10 years. All the major players in the agri-food chain are mobilised to feed the world and overcome the challenges we are facing.
Sial Canada: A major crossroads for the entire agri-food industry
According to the minister, Quebec’s goals at SIAL Canada this year are clear: “First, to support our companies as they showcase their expertise and help them forge new business links. Secondly, to strengthen our position as a leader in food innovation and sustainable development. And above all, to continue building bridges with other provinces and international players to facilitate access to markets.”
Hon. André Lamontagne called SIAL Canada “a major crossroads for the entire agri-food industry”, highlighting that for Quebec “It’s a stage where we can demonstrate our leadership, creativity and commitment to sustainable, high-quality food.” He added that the show is also a great opportunity to bring together different players in the sector and make progress on concrete issues, such as reducing inter-provincial trade barriers or opening up new markets.
Quebec’s Minister of Agriculture encouraged the industry to remain positive and look to innovation and collaboration: “These are uncertain times that are challenging the whole sector, but our industry is resilient. We need to think long-term and get into innovation mode to turn these challenges into opportunities—together!”