Tractors drive through the streets west of Montreal, pleading for help

For the second time in less than a week, a convoy of tractors drove through the streets of Quebec City, sending a message to the government.

Farmers protesting across Vaudreuil-Dorion, west of Montreal, say their future is at risk and the government does not see them as a priority.

“Right now there is a crisis in agriculture,” said Jeremy Letellier of the Union of Agricultural Enterprises (UPA) in Monteregie. “There is a lack of financing, especially for young farmers starting their own business. They cannot compete in their market with products from other countries or abroad.”

The Union of Quebec Farmers – UPA – says too much red tape and strict regulations are preventing farmers from farming.

In addition, higher production costs make the industry more profitable.

“Recently, we've had a triple whammy of inflation, interest rates and lower incomes,” Letellier said.

This is the second protest in Quebec, with farmers taking to the streets in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu on Friday.

Opposition parties are calling on François Legault's CAQ government to do more.

Quebec solidaire (QS) co-spokesperson Gabrielle Nadeau-Dubois said over the weekend that the government must act quickly and create an emergency fund.

The Liberal Party (PLQ) and the Parti Québécois (PQ) say the CAQ is not doing enough.

“They're saying the situation is under control (we're) providing agriculture with our solution; we're doing enough. It's not enough,” said interim Liberal leader Mark Tanguay.

“I don't think Premier Lego understands the crisis in rural areas,” said PQ MNA Pascal Berube.

Agriculture Minister Andre Lamontagne said they are working on solutions and will help producers who need financial assistance for farms.

Although less than one percent of the provincial budget is allocated to agriculture, the UPA is not convinced.

“There is a recognition that there is a crisis, but there is no solution that is currently being discussed,” Letellier said.

Protests are planned for Thursday in Autauga-Laurentide.