Parti conservateur du Québec unveils agricultural platform

The Parti conservateur du Québec (PCQ) has unveiled a new agricultural platform aimed at reducing administrative delays and paperwork for farmers. Led by Éric Duhaime, the party has pledged not to impose any new restrictive regulations on the agricultural sector for a period of four years, while also seeking to ease existing rules.

Key proposals include modernizing the Act respecting the preservation of agricultural land and agricultural activities to grant regional county municipalities (MRCs) more flexibility in authorizing the subdivision of non-dynamic lands for short-circuit agricultural projects. The PCQ also intends to reduce processing times at the Commission de protection du territoire agricole du Québec (CPTAQ) and designate primary food processing as an essential service to ensure minimum service during labor disputes.

To support younger farmers, the party proposes a guarantee covering 25% of loans for purchasing young cattle. Despite previous internal criticisms from party members, the PCQ has officially reiterated its support for maintaining the supply management system.