Welcome to the UPA

AN OVERVIEW

The Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA) represents all of Québec’s 44,000 or so farm producers. With 155 local syndicates, 16 regional federations, 222 syndicates and 25 specialized groups, the UPA is in fact the sole contact, the official voice speaking on behalf of all Québec farmers.

The UPA brings together farm producers according to a double structure: geographical (the “general sector”), and by type of production (the “specialized sector”).

THE GENERAL SECTOR

The general sector makes various representations. It oversees the organization of the profession, trains and informs members, co-ordinates affiliated agencies and defends issues affecting all farm producers. The cornerstone of the general sector is the local syndicate. Covering from three to seven municipalities, local syndicates can have up to 500 members. There are 155 such local syndicates in the province. According to their

location, syndicates then gather into a regional federation that also includes specialized syndicates located on its territory. Regional federations also provide affiliated syndicates with the services they need to organize and develop. The UPA has 16 such regional federations, covering all Québec regions.

THE SPECIALIZED SECTOR

Farm producers also organize according to their type of production and specificity within one or several specialized syndicates. These in turn will affiliate with a specialized group and with their regional federation. The territory of a specialized syndicate is generally the same as that of the corresponding regional federation, except for some who act on a provincial level. There are 222 specialized syndicates within the UPA.

The specialized groups bring together specialized syndicates sharing the same production. They act at the provincial level, working towards a more orderly marketing system particularly through the implementation of joint plans, and production development. The UPA has 25 specialized groups.

A DEMOCRATIC ORGANIZATION

The UPA has always been directed and controlled by farmers. Some 3,500 of them, all democratically elected, assume various functions as directors within the UPA’s structure.

The General Congress
The General Congress is the UPA’s most representative managing structure. Delegates (421) representing all regional and specialized components meet once a year to decide on the UPA’s general directions and official policies. Every two years, delegates also elect the organization’s leading managers (President General, 1st and 2nd Vice Presidents General).

The General Council
In between general congresses, the General Council made up of elected members, exercises full authority. In addition to the president general, the Council also includes two vice

presidents and the presidents of the 41 affiliated groups. General councillors usually meet every two months to decide on major issues concerning the UPA. They are also responsible for adopting the annual budget and monitoring its application.

The Executive Committee
The UPA’s Executive Committee is made up of seven members: the President General, the two vice presidents general and four general councillors elected from the 41 presidents of affiliated groups. Monthly two-day meetings enable this body to manage the UPA’s current affairs and to see to its general management.