As a whole, government programmes for farmers have not succeeded in stabilizing prices of agricultural products at a level considered acceptable. Because the federal Agricultural Stabilization Act was not adequate, some provinces, including Quebec, passed their own legislation in this domain. Though aware that administrative price stabilization reduces the signification of market prices, Quebec believes that it must guarantee minimum returns to its farm producers in order that they may enjoy benefits comparable to those available to citizens in general. Through the financial security it ensures, Quebec's act allows for better planning of agricultural operations and proves a valid tool in the development of the agro- food sector.
