Consultation on a New Tiered Dues System for the Union des producteurs agricoles
A long-awaited reform
In recent years, the UPA has received several requests from producers to make the dues system more equitable for all farm businesses.
There is a desire to modify the current system: firstly so that the assessment amounts are based on farm size, and secondly to achieve a better balance between production types that pay contributions to the UPA under joint plans and those that do not.
As a result of a legislative change that took place in November 2023, the UPA is now in a position to modify its system. The proposed reform came out of consultations and a democratic process with advance input from producers.
Learn more about the current financing plan This link will open in a new window
New proposed dues system
Since 1990, the amount charged for dues (specifically assessments) has been based on the legal structure of each farm business. The parameters that determine the value of the assessment charged to producers no longer reflect the reality of farming today.
With a view to fairness, the proposed system is modelled after the Canadian tax system: instead of being a fixed amount, the assessment will be based on factors including farm business income in order to better account for business size.
In addition, an increased assessment (known as a complementary assessment) will be added to ensure more equitable financing between production types that pay contributions to the UPA through joint plans and those that do not.
Three significant changes are considered
- Tiered assessments based on gross farm receipts
- An assessment increase (in the form of complementary assessments) for businesses in which 25% or more of gross farm receipts come from production types in which no contributions are paid to the UPA through joint plans.
- Annual declarations by producers to determine the assessment amounts to be charged.
Consultation period
A consultation on the proposed changes is currently under way with the directors of all producers’ groups.
Starting in September 2025, all UPA members will be given the chance to have their say about the reform at the annual general meetings of their local syndicates.
At the end of the process, if the members agree, a draft resolution to modify the dues system will be tabled at the General Congress in December 2025.