New farmers
Did you know that as a farm producer you get access to a wide range of services and benefits, especially when you become a UPA member? Here’s everything you need to know.
Download the Reference Sheet (448 KB)Welcome to the family of passionate people who feed Quebec—and the world!
You’ve made the decision to earn your living from the land and help feed the world, contributing to Quebec’s economy in the process. Your contribution is as valued as it is essential! Please know that we are standing by to talk to you about your plans and dreams, as well as your challenges and concerns.
The UPA exists by and for farm and forest producers. Every producer matters. Each one has their place. The UPA is the ideal setting for you to meet other producers, get assistance, access specialized resources, defend your interests, and much more!
Every little action, including yours, really does count.
(Source: FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations)
We are here to develop a local, sustainable agriculture sector and make it thrive—now and into the future
We are the official voice when it comes to representing your interests to political, governmental, regional, and municipal leaders, as well as agri-food sector stakeholders and others. We speak on behalf of all of agriculture and private forestry. The work we do to advocate for farm and forest producers and defend their activities encompasses land protection, financing of farming activities, regulations, supporting next-generation producers, tax measures, the environment, climate change, and much more. Indeed, we are united in feeding Quebec and making it grow.
Take your place in Quebec’s largest network of farm and forest entrepreneurs!
To feed the organization and make it grow, it is crucial for people like you to get involved, invest, and help make decisions.
All UPA members want the same things: fair pay for their work, quality of life on the farm, and the autonomy to make their own decisions. These objectives bring producers together, no matter what they produce or where they are located.
Simply put, the UPA is a network of entrepreneurs offering you:
- A network that is open to all
- An organization that respects and defends ALL farmers—no matter how big or small their operation is, what they produce, where they operate, how much income they generate, etc.
- A wide range of services specializing in agriculture
- A community that is actively building agriculture and private forestry for the Quebec of tomorrow
- A voice—your voice!
Fill out your membership form today to gain access to all these benefits!
Good to know
We want to reach out to you so that we can get to know you better and tell you about what the UPA can do for you. Expect a syndicate representative to contact you a few weeks after you are registered. And never hesitate to get in touch with your regional federation This link will open in a new window, even if the representative hasn’t contacted you yet.
As a producer recognized under the Farm Producers Act, you will be required to pay dues to the UPA. Because all producers, whether or not they are officially members of the UPA, benefit from the actions of the legally accredited organization and its achievements, these dues are mandatory for all (under the Rand formula, which underpins the province’s union system).
Your farm producer status makes you eligible for a number of assistance programs, special rates, and benefits the UPA has secured. And when you become a full-fledged UPA member, you get even more services and advantages. See the relevant sections on our website for more information.
- Member benefits This link will open in a new window
- Accounting and tax services This link will open in a new window
- Training This link will open in a new window
- Labour This link will open in a new window
- Health, safety, and wellness This link will open in a new window
- Legal service This link will open in a new window
- Tools and resources This link will open in a new window
By becoming a member of the UPA, you become an active participant in your organization—that means full voting rights at AGMs and the chance to run for election as a director to represent your fellow producers. Don’t miss your chance to make your voice heard!
Other exclusive member benefits include:
- SOLO Sécuriterre disability insurance
- Accidental death insurance ($2,000)
- Three months’ free subscription to La Terre de chez nous
- UPA Benefit Program (discounts from UPA partners)
To find out more about the UPA and the various member benefits, visit the Becoming a member section This link will open in a new window.
Becoming a UPA member is optional and does not cost anything extra.
There’s only one more step, and a few minutes is all it takes. Are you ready? Complete your registration form today This link will open in a new window!
If you haven’t done so already, we invite you to also register your file with the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ).
Registering with the MAPAQ is optional and free of charge. However, it is mandatory if you want to participate in any MAPAQ programs. To obtain your identification number (NIM), simply contact the MAPAQ’s farm operation registration department at 1‑844‑544‑3332.
Visit the MAPAQ website for further information This link will open in a new window
Further information
- Download the Reference Sheet for New Farm Producers
- See the What constitutes farm producer status? and How do I become a UPA member? sections for everything you need to know about farm producer status.