Innovative Policy C2 Rd 2 Canada Maple syrup production in Quebec: Farmer self-determination for market control

By Isabelle Gagné

This desk study describes the collective strategy adopted by Quebec's maple syrup producers in order to improve marketing conditions for their product.
We begin this study with an overview of maple production, followed by an analysis of the problems and issues that led producers to organize the production and marketing of maple syrup. We then examine the legal framework, notably the act governing the marketing of agricultural food and fish products.1 For 50 years, this law has allowed agricultural producers in Quebec to adapt to the dynamics of the marketplace through the use of collective tools. For maple producers, the marketing board and surplus management have been key tools. We conclude the study with an analysis of the collective and individual benefits of the marketing board for Quebec's 7,300 maple producers.
Maple production is a seasonal (spring‐time) process and generally constitutes a secondary activity for farmers across Quebec. Consequently, the organization of its production is difficult. Through their motivation and self‐determination, maple producers made use of collective tools, in an intelligent and efficient manner, in compliance with the act. This law fosters win‐win negotiations that promote a better balance of power between producers and buyers. Owing to the powers granted by this law, the Fédération des producteurs acéricoles du Québec (FPAQ, see Appendix 1), which represents all of Quebec's maple producers, administers, regulates and negotiates the production and marketing conditions for the maple syrup that is put on the market.
Subjected to variable climatic conditions and the dynamics of the marketplace, maple producers were forced to manage large inventory surpluses in the early 2000s, in addition to having to deal with a position of dependence and uncertainty with buyers. It was in this context that the regulations governing marketing boards, combined with surplus management, allowed the maple producers to take charge of production and to co‐ordinate the marketing of their product in relation to the market dynamics. The introduction of this collective tool was beneficial to the whole maple industry.
Through their collective motivation and self‐determination, and supported by a rigorous legal framework, the maple producers were able to re‐establish the balance of power between producers and buyers, to help develop their industry based on market demand, and also to contribute to the vitality of Quebec's rural communities.