Farm Succession Conference 2002

Quebec and national family business models point the way

Click here to view Ms. Laplante's presentation
Click here to view Ms. Benoliel's presentation
Click here to order the conference CD

If Canada is to have a formal, national program to assist farmers with succession, it's worth looking at Quebec and the national association for family enterprise.

Producer-driven support in Quebec

In Quebec, the Centre régional/multiservices d'établissement en agriculture (CREA/CMEA) began in 1992 and today has 10 agencies throughout Quebec, helping farmers in transition.

Suzanne Laplante, a farm succession advisor for CREA, says farm families and individuals pay an annual membership fee and in 2002, more than 300 families signed up.

The non-profit groups are started and run by farmers with advisory services paid for by the Quebec government and support from major farm organizations.

The CREA system puts families in touch with accountants, insurance agents, legal advice, tax specialists, financial institutions and Quebec agriculture associations to provide the right resources as needed.

The key to success? Laplante says, "It's the neutrality of the service. We are not here to push any particular product. Our concern is the welfare of the families and not to turn a profit."

Helping family business

The Canadian Association for Family Enterprise (CAFE) is another model in Canada dedicated to the success of family businesses. CAFE is a membership-based organization representing all sectors of the economy.

Barbara Benoliel, a professional mediator and facilitator with the association says families join CAFE to meet other families in the same situation, find resources and expertise, share experiences, lobby for family business needs and find out how to manage success.

CAFE has regional chapters across Canada and a web site at:
http://www.cafenational.org