The Legault government’s decision to impose a new eco-fee on the plastic of the famous “marshmallows” found in the fields risks increasing food prices, fear stakeholders in the sector.
“It is certain that it will reach the consumer. If it costs more to produce a pound of beef, that will be passed on to the grocery store,” estimates Claude Nadeau, who sells agroplastics to around 800 customers, including pig, cattle and dairy farmers.
Claude Nadeau says that growers burst into tears after being informed of the existence of this organic fee. Photo Stevens LeBlanc
Since October 1st, a new regulation requires suppliers to charge a green levy of up to 15% when selling agroplastics unless they are able to set up their own recovery system.
This eco-tax applies in particular to plastic used to wrap animal feed, which can often be found in the fields in the form of “giant marshmallows” or tubes.
“Improvisation”
It is AgriRÉCUP, an Ontario non-profit corporation designated by Recyc-Québec, that collects the eco-fees and manages the recovery system.
Industry representatives criticize that AgriRÉCUP is in a monopoly situation and alone decides on prices.
“The fees are far too high. Where do these numbers come from? It makes the world laugh,” laughs Yves Laberge, a farmer from Montérégie who provides bagging services to farmers in the region.
“There are many unanswered questions. It is confusion and improvisation,” complains André Brisson from the Gérard Maheu mill, also in Montérégie.
Looking to Ontario
This situation has already prompted farmers to buy their plastic in Ontario, which has no eco-fees, we have confirmed.
“If producers go to Ontario, it is clear that I am closing my doors,” worries Claude Nadeau, who is calling on the government to hit the brakes as it looks for cheaper solutions.
Photo Stevens LeBlanc
For its part, AgriRÉCUP rejects claims from industry players that recovery rates are too high.
“If we compare the eco-fee to those of other regulated programs in Quebec, this eco-fee is well at the lower end of that range. However, we are working to reduce these costs,” explains Christine Lajeunesse, AgriRÉCUP’s director for Eastern Canada, via email.
For its part, the Ministry of the Environment is ensuring that the introduction of the eco-tax runs smoothly. The analysis of the regulatory impact shows that “the price shock for the industry should not be too big,” assures spokesman Josée Guimond.
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