Dear farmers,

Quebec is one of only two jurisdictions in North America, along with California, to have adopted a cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In theory, this system is a responsible and necessary response to the climate emergency. In practice, it is based on a simple principle: making major emitters pay in order to encourage them to reduce their carbon footprint.

If all provinces and economic sectors participated in this effort fairly, this system would have real potential to drive meaningful, structured, and sustainable changes in our practices.

But the reality is quite different.

As it stands, only our province is subject to this mechanism. And in a sector like agriculture—where no viable alternatives currently exist to replace fossil fuels (diesel for tractors, propane or natural gas for grain drying)—this policy simply becomes an unjustified burden that, in turn, harms the competitiveness of Quebec’s agricultural businesses.

This burden does not encourage environmental innovation, offers no alternatives to fossil fuels, and penalizes Quebec’s farmers, who are already facing an extremely difficult economic climate. While our counterparts in other provinces—and in the United States—continue to produce without this constraint, we are forced to deal with a disguised tax that undermines our competitiveness.

Let’s be clear: we are not opposed to the idea of reducing GHG emissions. On the contrary, we recognize our collective responsibility. But for the system to work, it must be fair, consistent, effective, and equitable. Right now, however, this tool is missing the mark: it doesn't put the brakes on the biggest polluters, who simply pass the cost down the line—to farmers, and ultimately to consumers, through higher food prices.

The Quebec government must reconsider its position immediately.

We are aware that this is a major change, but it is essential given the harm it causes to agricultural businesses—harm that weakens our sector and, by extension, Quebec's food autonomy.

It is time to ask whether the carbon market, in its current form, truly meets its objectives... or if it has simply become another fiscal tool imposed on those with the least room to adapt.

Jérémie Letellier
Regional President